Complete Guide to Mastering Skills in Test Taking in Grade 1

Master test taking skills: reading questions carefully, using strategies effectively, and checking answers through comprehensive explanations and visual learning aids.

Test Taking Skills: Exercises 1 to 3
1 Reading and Understanding Questions
Exercise 1
Question: "Sarah has 7 apples. She gets 4 more. How many apples does Sarah have now?"
Definition:

Reading Comprehension in Math: Carefully reading word problems to identify what is being asked and what information is provided

Reading Strategy:
  1. Read the entire question slowly and carefully
  2. Identify key information (numbers and what they represent)
  3. Determine what operation is needed (addition, subtraction)
  4. Solve the problem step by step
  5. Check your answer makes sense in the context
What We Know
7 apples + 4 more
Operation
Addition
Calculation
7 + 4 = 11
Final Answer
11 apples
Step 1: Read the entire question carefully

"Sarah has 7 apples. She gets 4 more. How many apples does Sarah have now?"

Step 2: Identify key information

Starting amount: 7 apples, Additional amount: 4 apples, Question: Total amount?

Step 3: Determine the operation

"Gets more" means addition, so we add 7 + 4

Reading Word Problems
📖
Read Slowly
Every word matters
🔍
Find Numbers
7 and 4
➕
Keywords
"gets more" = addition
✅
Check Answer
Makes sense?
7 + 4 = 11 apples
7
4
Sarah has 11 apples
Final answer:

Sarah has 11 apples

Test Taking Tip:

Always circle or underline important numbers and keywords in word problems to help you focus on what's important.

2 Using Addition Strategies Effectively
Exercise 2
Question: "What is 8 + 5? Use the making ten strategy."
Definition:

Strategic Problem Solving: Using learned math strategies (like making ten) to solve problems more efficiently

Problem
8 + 5
Make Ten
8 + 2 = 10
Remaining
5 = 2 + 3
Final Answer
10 + 3 = 13
Step 1: Identify the strategy requested

The problem specifically asks to use the "making ten strategy"

Step 2: Apply the making ten strategy

8 needs 2 more to make 10, so split 5 into 2 + 3

Step 3: Complete the calculation

(8 + 2) + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13

Using Addition Strategies
📋
Read Directions
Use making ten
🎯
Make Ten
8 + 2 = 10
🔄
Break Apart
5 = 2 + 3
✅
Final Answer
10 + 3 = 13
8 + 5 = (8 + 2) + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13
8
2
3
8 + 5 = 13
Final answer:

8 + 5 = 13

Test Taking Tip:

Always read directions carefully. If a specific strategy is requested, use that strategy even if you know another way to solve it.

3 Checking Your Work
Exercise 3
Question: "Tom had 12 marbles. He gave 5 to his friend. How many marbles does Tom have left? Check your answer."
Definition:

Verification Strategy: Double-checking your answer using a different method to ensure accuracy

Problem
12 - 5
Subtract
12 - 5 = 7
Check
7 + 5 = 12
Verified
Correct!
Step 1: Solve the problem

12 - 5 = 7 marbles left

Step 2: Check your answer

Add the answer back to what was taken away: 7 + 5 = 12

Step 3: Verify correctness

Since 7 + 5 = 12 (the original amount), the answer is correct

Checking Your Work
❓
Solve
12 - 5 = 7
🔄
Reverse Operation
7 + 5 = 12
✅
Match Original
12 = 12 ✓
💯
Confidence
Answer Verified
12 - 5 = 7, check: 7 + 5 = 12 ✓
10
2
5
7
Tom has 7 marbles left
Final answer:

Tom has 7 marbles left

Test Taking Tip:

Always take time to check your answers when possible. Use the opposite operation to verify your work.

Mastering Test Taking Skills: Complete Summary
Comprehensive Guide to Test Taking Skills
Key Definitions

Test Taking Skills: Techniques and strategies used to effectively approach and complete math tests.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding what math word problems are asking by identifying key information.

Verification: Double-checking answers to ensure accuracy before moving on.

Core Principles

• Read Carefully: Take time to understand what each question is asking

• Follow Directions: Use the specific strategy requested in the problem

• Check Your Work: Verify answers when time permits

Step-by-Step Process

1. Read the entire question carefully

2. Identify what information is given and what is asked

3. Choose the appropriate strategy or operation

4. Solve the problem step by step

5. Check your answer for reasonableness

Test Taking Strategies

Word Problems: Circle numbers and underline key words

Computation: Show your work even if you can do it mentally

Time Management: Don't spend too long on one problem

Common Mistakes

• Rushing through problems without reading carefully

• Not following specific instructions or using required strategies

• Failing to check answers for obvious errors

Key Takeaways

• Practice reading questions aloud to ensure comprehension

• Use visual aids like drawing pictures or using manipulatives

• Develop a consistent approach to checking your work

Pre-Test Preparation:

• Review all learned strategies (making ten, counting on, etc.)

• Practice reading questions slowly and carefully

• Learn to identify keywords that indicate operations (+, -, etc.)

During the Test:

• Read each question twice before answering

• Use scratch paper to show your work

• If you get stuck, move to the next question and come back

Post-Test Review:

• Go back and check answers if time allows

• Look for calculation errors

• Ensure your answer addresses what was asked

Tip 1: Draw pictures or use your fingers to visualize problems when you're stuck.
Tip 2: Circle or underline important numbers and words in the problem.
Tip 3: If a problem seems too hard, try solving a simpler version first.
Tip 4: Always make sure your answer makes sense in the story problem.
Tip 5: Use the opposite operation to check your subtraction with addition.
Test Taking Skills: Exercises 4 to 5
4 Identifying Keywords
Exercise 4
Question: "There were 15 birds on a tree. 6 flew away. How many birds are still on the tree?"
Definition:

Keyword Recognition: Identifying words that indicate which mathematical operation to use

Keywords
"flew away"
Operation
Subtraction
Calculation
15 - 6 = 9
Final Answer
9 birds
Step 1: Read the question carefully

"There were 15 birds on a tree. 6 flew away. How many birds are still on the tree?"

Step 2: Identify keywords

"flew away" indicates subtraction (something is being taken away)

Step 3: Set up and solve

15 - 6 = 9 birds still on the tree

Identifying Keywords
➕
Addition Words
more, added, total
➖
Subtraction Words
away, left, less
❓
Question Words
how many, how much
🎯
Focus Points
Circle key words
15 - 6 = 9 birds
10
5
6
9
9 birds are still on the tree
Final answer:

9 birds are still on the tree

Test Taking Tip:

Learn common keywords for each operation: addition (+) words include "more," "total," "altogether"; subtraction (-) words include "away," "left," "less than."

5 Using Multiple Strategies
Exercise 5
Question: "Solve 9 + 6. Show two different ways to find the answer."
Definition:

Multiple Solution Paths: Demonstrating understanding by solving the same problem in different ways

Method 1
Making Ten
Method 2
Counting On
Both Equal
15
Method 1: Making Ten Strategy

9 + 6: 9 needs 1 more to make 10, so 6 = 1 + 5, then (9 + 1) + 5 = 10 + 5 = 15

Method 2: Counting On Strategy

Start at 9 and count on 6 more: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Verification

Both methods give the same answer: 15

Multiple Solution Strategies
🎯
Making Ten
9 + 1 = 10 + 5 = 15
➡️
Counting On
9 → 10,11,12,13,14,15
🔄
Different Paths
Same Answer
✅
Confirmed
9 + 6 = 15
Method 1: 9 + 6 = (9 + 1) + 5 = 10 + 5 = 15
Method 2: 9 + 6 = count on 6 from 9 = 15
9
1
5
9
6
9 + 6 = 15 (using two different methods)
Final answer:

9 + 6 = 15

Test Taking Tip:

When asked to show multiple methods, choose the ones you're most comfortable with. Both answers should match!

Questions & Answers

Question: My child rushes through math tests and makes careless mistakes. How can I help them slow down and be more careful?

Answer: This is a very common issue! Here are strategies to help your child slow down:

  • Practice timed drills: Start with untimed practice to build confidence, then gradually introduce time limits.
  • Teach the "read twice" rule: Have your child read each question twice before starting to solve.
  • Create a checklist: "Read question, identify numbers, choose operation, solve, check answer."
  • Use a "slow down" signal: Teach them to pause and take a breath before writing their answer.

The key is to practice these habits consistently at home so they become natural during tests. Focus on accuracy over speed initially.

Question: How can I teach my students to check their work effectively without taking too much time during tests?

Answer: Effective checking doesn't have to be time-consuming! Here are quick strategies:

  • Reasonableness check: Does the answer make sense? If adding, the answer should be bigger than the numbers added.
  • Reverse operation: For 8 + 5 = 13, quickly check: 13 - 5 = 8.
  • Estimation: Round numbers to check if the answer is in the right ballpark.
  • Quick recount: For word problems, reread the question to ensure the answer addresses what was asked.

Practice these quick checks regularly so they become automatic. Students who check their work often finish with more confidence and fewer errors!

Question: Sometimes I don't understand what the question is asking. What should I do?

Answer: That's okay! Here are some things you can do when a question is confusing:

  • Read it again slowly: Sometimes the second reading helps!
  • Circle important numbers: Find the numbers in the problem.
  • Look for keyword clues: Words like "more" usually mean addition, "left" usually means subtraction.
  • Draw a picture: Visualizing the problem can help you understand it better.
  • Ask your teacher: If you're still confused, raise your hand and ask for clarification.

Remember, it's better to ask for help than to guess! Teachers want you to understand the questions.