FCAT TEST TAKING TIPS

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FCAT TEST TAKING TIPS
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MATHEMATICS TIPS

• Ask What do I know?, What am I being asked to
  do?, and What procedure do I use?
• Eliminate the obviously wrong answers.
• Make sure you show your work on your test
  booklet. Even if your answer is wrong you will
  get credit for the work you did correctly.
• Do not spend too much time on one problem. Mark
  it and return to it later.

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Reading Tips

• Review the questions before reading the
  selection.
• Read the passage.
• While reading, underline any words, phrases or
  sentences you think are important to the meaning
  of the passage.
• Put a check mark in the margin across from key
  phrases.
• Mark out the obviously wrong answers.

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MORE READING TIPS

• For Extended Response Questions you will receive
  the best grade if you put the answer in your own
  words. The graders want to know that you
  understand the answer. Dont merely pull a
  sentence out of the text and use it as the
  answer. On these questions you can receive from
  0-4 points per question, depending on your
  answer.

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• Make sure you read the article carefully. The
  test makers have selected articles for the test
  that they think you dont know very much about.
  That is because FCAT is a thinking test. It is
  made to test the strategies that you use when you
  read.
• Pace yourself. You will have about 20 minutes to
  finish each article and questions.
• Make sure you read the headings and captions that
  go with the pictures. They contain important
  information.

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PLEASE REMEMBER

• If you score below 300 on the Reading section of
  FCAT, you will be required to take an Intensive
  Reading class.
• If you score below 200 on the math section of
  FCAT, you will be required to take an Intensive
  Math class.
• Try to do your very best so that you do not have
  to take intensive classes next year.

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FCAT WRITING TIPS

• Determine the purpose of the prompt persuasive
  or expository
• Plan your response with a graphic organizer or
  notes.
• Stay focused in your response. Do not stray into
  other topics.
• Make sure you are addressing the prompt.
• Make sure you are organized in your response.

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MORE WRITING TIPS

• Use transitions.
• Vary your sentence structure.
• Use vivid language.
• Check your paper for spelling, capitalization,
  punctuation, and usage errors.
• Make sure your paper has a well defined
  beginning, middle and end.

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GENERAL TEST TAKING TIPS

• Be prepared to stick with it throughout the
  entire test.
• Stay focused on your test taking strategies.
• Spend time on the Extended Response Questions
  they can have a huge impact on your final FCAT
  score.
• Ignore what others are doing.
• Pace yourself. Do not spend too much time on one
  question. Circle it and come back to it later if
  you have the time.

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• Practice reading nonfiction articles at home
  prior to test day. This might include newspaper
  articles, FCAT materials, encyclopedia articles,
  nonfiction books, etc. Try to find the main idea,
  key words and phrases, etc.
• Answer all questions! Dont give up!
• Dont just answer the easy questions and skip the
  hard questions. The hard questions are worth
  more points. If you skip all the hard ones you
  will not score well.

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• Work hard and you will win the race.
• Presentation prepared by Maxine Mangus, Tavares
  Middle School Literacy Coach