1. Lucky 13
STAR Test-Taking Tips

2. 1. Keep track of time.
Keep track of
your time. Look
to see how much
time you have to
take the test and
pace yourself.

3. 2. Relax your mind.
If you’re feeling
nervous before a
test, close your
eyes and take
several slow,
deep breaths.
Spend a few
minutes relaxing
your mind.

4. 3. Scan the test.
When you begin the
test, quickly scan all
the questions before
starting to read. This
will help you see what
the test is about and
what kind of questions
you will need to
answer.

5. 4. Read the directions.
Read all the
directions
through carefully.
Never begin
answering
questions before
you have read the
directions.

6. 5. Read the test questions before
reading the text selection.
Read the test
questions about
the selections
before you start
reading the
passage.
Your brain will be
thinking about
the answers as
you read.

7. 6. Read your answer choices.
Read all the
answer choices
carefully.
Don’t make a
selection until
you’ve read all
the possible
answers.

8. 7. Skip difficult questions . . . for
now.
Answer all the test
questions. If
you’re stuck on
one, skip it and
come back to it
later, but don’t
forget to return to
bubble in an
answer.

9. 8. Eliminate and make your best
guess.
All tests have questions
that are meant to stump
you. Don’t leave the
tough ones blank.
Eliminate any choices
that are obviously wrong.
Then look at the leftover
choices and make your
best guess.

10. 9. Mark lightly, then darken.
Mark your answers
lightly the first time
through, so that if you
need to erase an
answer, you won’t leave
a smudge.
Be sure to go back
through and fill in the
bubbles carefully with a
dark pencil mark.

11. 10. Recheck answers.
STOP when you come to
the STOP sign at the end
of the test or when your
time is up. If you still
have time, go back and
recheck your answers.
Make sure every
response is bubbled and
that none of the
responses have more
than one bubble.

12. 11. Get rest.
On the nights
before the test
days, make
sure you get a
good night’s
sleep.

13. 12. Eat healthy.
Each morning of testing
be sure to have a healthy
breakfast, and bring a
good lunch and/or snack
to keep you energized
throughout the day.
Foods with high protein
are good for your brain!

14. 13.