EOG Test Taking Tips

1. Make it a regular day. Sometimes, when you make such a big fuss about making the day different, it can add more stress to a child rather than none. Yes, have a good breakfast and try to get sleep, but for some children the night before a test is really tough. Try to be as “normal” as possible during the night before and the day of the test.

2. Read, read, read! Never assume you understand the question before it is asked. Read slowly and carefully and more than once so you are sure what the question is asking. Pay special attention to words that are bold or highlighted. Look for key words in the question and in the answers.

3. Good news! The answer is right in front of you. Almost all of the EOG tests are multiple choice,so for the most part the answer is there. Your job is to decide which one is the right one.

4. Use the calculator. For one portion of the math test you get to take a short cut…take it! Make sure you know how to use it and don’t forget it is there. But beware – let that tool do some of the thinking for you, but do each calculation at least two times in case you hit the wrong button.

5. Write in the test book/scrap paper. Students are allowed to write on scrap paper. Take advantage of it and work out math problems on paper so you don’t make mistakes. 

6. Answer every question – the first time! More than once I have had a student (and maybe this was you!) skip a question because she wasn’t sure of the answer and then not go back and answer it!  If you aren’t sure of the answer, fill in one of your best guesses. Then you can go back and look at it carefully once you have finished that section.

7. Don’t compete or compare. OK, someone is going to finish first. It shouldn’t be you. This is not a race to see how quickly you can finish, but it is a time for you to work slowly, carefully, and confidently. 9 times out of 10, the student who finishes first does poorly. Why? Because he or she makes careless errors and does not take the time to go over the test and check the answers. It’s better to be a tortoise than a hare.

8. Scan the answers first. This especially applies if you are a slow reader or a slow worker. If you read the answers before the question or passage, you have a good clue what to look for. Then when you find the answer, you can simply fill it in as you find it.

9. and 10. Do your best and celebrate! That’s all anyone can ask and it is the best feeling to finish knowing you worked your hardest and best.

https://www.carolinaparent.com/10-secrets-to-great-eog-test-taking/Jennifer Benoit, MEd, is a former co-owner of Tutor Doctor in the Triangle and has administered the EOG test in public schools in the Triangle. She wishes all students (and parents!) a stress-free EOG experience.