Reading Comprehension Success in 20 Minutes a Day, 3rd Edition

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A P P E N D I X A : P R E PA R I N G F O R A S TA N D A R D I Z E D T E S T
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Try this technique several times before the test
when you feel stressed. The more you practice, the bet-
ter it will work for you on test day.
If You Freeze
Don’t worry about a question that stumps you even
though you’re sure you know the answer. Mark it and
go on to the next question. You can come back to the
“stumper” later. Try to put it out of your mind com-
pletely until you come back to it. Just let your subcon-
scious mind chew on the question while your conscious
mind focuses on the other items (one at a time—of
course). Chances are, the memory block will be gone by
the time you return to the question.
If you freeze before you ever begin the test, here’s
what to do:
1.
Do some deep breathing to help yourself relax
and focus.
2.
Remind yourself that you’re prepared.
3.
Take some time to look over the test.
4.
Read a few of the questions.
5.
Decide which ones are the easiest and start there.
Before long, you’ll be “in the groove.”
T i m e S t r a t e g i e s
One of the most important—and nerve-wracking—
elements of a standardized test is time. You’ll only be
allowed a certain number of minutes for each section,
so it is very important that you use your time wisely.
Pace Yourself
The most important time strategy is 
pacing yourself
.
Before you begin, take just a few seconds to survey the
test, noting the number of questions and the sections
that look easier than the rest. Then, make a rough time
schedule based on the amount of time available to you.
Mark the halfway point on your test and make a note
beside that mark of the time when the testing period is
half over.