7th Grade Reading Tests and Exams: How to Succeed

Tips for Success on Reading Tests and Exams

Overcome Test Anxiety

Many children experience stress during exams. They're so worried about doing well that they can't show what they know. You can help your child feel more confident by teaching him or her some test-taking strategies. First, show your child how to read the directions carefully. Sometimes students breeze over the directions and then miss crucial instructions. Your child should know exactly what he or she should do before answering any question.

Next, your child should scan the questions before reading the passage. This way, your child will know what to look for while reading the text. Keep in mind that you are allowed to go back and reread the passage as many times as you want. Also, make sure to read all of the answers before making a choice because sometimes two answers may be correct, but one is more correct than another.

Finally, answer the easiest questions first. This method allows your child to get credit for all the answers that he or she knows for sure. Then, spend the extra time figuring out the more difficult questions. For difficult questions, eliminate the obviously incorrect answers first to narrow down the choices.

Give Your Child Practice Tests

Most states release copies of tests or sample test questions from previous years. You can use these released test questions as resources to help you child practice test skills and review the key concepts within the sample test questions. While your child is taking this practice exam, establish a time limit so your child knows what time constraints to expect on the actual test. Also, keep the study sessions short to avoid boredom. Remember that the point of practicing is to instill confidence.

Provide and Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Being physically fit is important for doing well on tests because it can affect your child's concentration. For instance, if your child is tired or hungry, he or she won't be able to concentrate as well. You can help your child prepare for the 'big test' by making sure he or she is physically and mentally ready.

Make sure your child gets a good breakfast every day, as well as test day. Proper nutrition helps kids focus better and provides brain power. Get your child into a regular sleep routine. Kids who get eight or nine hours of sleep a night tend to do better on tests. Make sure that extracurricular hobbies and activities don't keep your child up late on school nights. In addition, daily exercise is important because it increases oxygen to the brain and helps with thinking and memory.