Strategies While Taking the GACE
* When the test begins, listen carefully to the instructions. Take your time in filling out the forms; you want to get credit for your effort, and machines are not good at correcting your mistakes!
* When you begin the test, read the instructions and the questions carefully. More students have problems with tests because they do not read carefully than for any other reason.
* Start by answering the questions that seem well within your grasp. This technique will build your confidence. You will know many of the answers. On the reading section, go back to the questions you were not sure of before continuing to another reading passage. Eliminate the answers you know are not correct and then GUESS! There is no penalty for guessing. Put a small mark next to the number on the answer sheet so that you can go back to those if you have time.
* The test is long. You may find that you are losing concentration during the test. If so, pause for a while. Put your pencil down. Flex your fingers or shake your hands. Stretch your back. (Do be courteous to those around you who are trying to maintain their concentration.)
* Do not spend too much time on any question. If you do not know how to do a math problem, staring at the test will not help. Mark the question or guess the answer. Go to questions that you do have a better chance of answering correctly.
* Go back and check your answers. Particularly, spot check some of the questions against your answer sheet to make sure that you answered each question in its correct blank.
For additional help visit Longsdale Publishing for an in-depth online study guide to help you pass the basic skills section of the GACE.
