Strategies for Taking the PSSA

Get Ready!

Are you READY for the PSSA?

• R rest, get plenty of sleep • E eat a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner• A act confident and don’t worry, just try your best• D dress comfortable – you will be sitting for a while• Y You can do it!

Test Taking Tip #1

Use the time immediately before the assessment to relax and prepare your thoughts.

Test Taking Tip #2

You have as much time as you need to finish the test.

Work at a good pace.

Test Taking Tip #3

You can write whatever you want in your test booklet. So, take the time to figure out the answers!

Test Taking Tip #4

Be sure you fill in your answer on the bubble sheet.

Do not write anything extra on the answer sheet.

Test Taking Tip #5

Read all the answer choices before you select an answer. Be sure that you match the letter to the answer you figured out.

Test Taking Tip #6

Watch out for trick answers there may be a better answer choice. Double Check answers!

Test Taking Tip #7

Watch out for words like:

• Never• Always• All • Only

Test Taking Tip #8

Try to put the question in your own words and watch for Key Terms and Vocabulary.

Test Taking Tip #9

• In your test booklet, cross out any answer choices you know are wrong.

Test Taking Tip #10

• Answer all of the questions, don’t leave any blank. Remember you have as much time as needed!

• DO NOT RUSH!

Test Taking Tip #11

Try all questions! Even if some words scare you, break down the

question. Give it a shot!

Test Taking Tip #12

• If you skip a question, remember to also skip that number on your answer sheet so that you are still on the right question number.

Test Taking Tip #13

• Carefully fill in the circles on the answer sheet so the circles are completely filled and dark

Test Taking Tip #14

• Be careful not to fill in two circles for a single question on the answer sheet.

Test Taking Tip #15

• Do not make any extra pencil marks on your answer sheet.

• Extra marks can be counted as wrong numbers.

Test Taking Tip #16

• Don’t be afraid to change your answer when you go back if you find a better answer

Types of Questions

• On both the Reading and Math sections of the PSSA there are two types of questions you will be asked:

»Multiple Choice

»Open Ended

There’s nothing to cry about!

You are READY!