Middle Schoolers Can Tackle Any Test With This Six-Step Process
While there are specific ways to approach specific kinds of tests, there are some general strategies can help students do their best on most tests.
Encourage your child to:
1. Read the instructions twice to ensure understanding.
2. Underline direction words such as compare, list, describe, define and summarize.
3. Skim all the questions quickly before starting, and decide how much time to spend on each question.
4. Read each question carefully. Then, your middle schooler should think about the answer before reading any choices provided.
5. Skip a question if unsure of the answer. If the test format allows, your child should answer the “easy” questions first. Then, your child can come back to the others.
6. Allow time to go back and check answers. Do they make sense?
Reprinted with permission from Parents Still make the difference!® newsletter. Copyright © 2025 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.

