Techniques for Taking the TAKS Math Test
The Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) is a comprehensive standardized test that assesses a student's knowledge and skills in history, science and mathematics. The TAKS test is taken in ninth, 10th and 11th grade; the results are used to determine the placement of a student in a particular class. While the math section of the exam can be challenging, implementing techniques and strategies can make it less challenging.
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Work Backwards
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Traditional math problems are solved using the information provided. However, if you are solving math problems on the TAKS test, you will have four or five multiple choice answers to choose from. Easier questions can be worked forward, but you can save more time working the tougher math questions backwards. For example, if you are solving for "X," plug each multiple choice answer in for X and see if one side equals the other side.
Brain Dumping
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Cram any formulas you have learned while prepping for the math portion of the TAKS exam. Once the test monitor hands you your text booklet and the test has begun, write down all the formulas crammed inside your brain. Locate the blank page inside the front cover of the test booklet. You can write down any other mathematical reminders for you to succeed in answering the questions.
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Visualization
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If you are more of a visual learner, drawing a diagram or writing out an equation in a way you can understand it will help you solve the problems. If you are asked to find a fraction, feel free to draw out a pie chart, shapes and other structures to help you visualize the problem. Inversely, if the problem gives you a diagram, write out the values or measurements. The wording on word math problems is sometimes confusing. Using diagrams and writing out equations to decipher the question can help you make a visual connection.
Hardest to Easiest
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Each standardize test will have a pattern of questions with various difficultly levels throughout the test. Most tests will start with easier questions to stimulate your brain and progressively get harder with each question. For the TAKS math section, the hardest questions are in the middle, with the easiest questions in the first third and last third of the exam. Since your brain is most fresh at the start of the exam, work the middle of the test first before working on the beginning or ending.
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References
- Photo Credit taking test image by Petro Feketa from Fotolia.com
