Language auditory and test taking strategies

Language / Auditory Test Taking

Difficulties with terminology, understanding complex phrasing, and elaborating in open-ended questions can pose challenges when taking tests.

Create a word bank as a cue to try to incorporate words in daily conversations
Teach the student how to re-write wordy test questions in segments and with easier phrasing	Example: According to the passage, which of the following best describes why the rig of a ketch may have an advantage over a schooner’s rig plan? Change to: Why is a ketch better than as schooner?
Practice ‘why’ questions by giving the child two or three answers to choose from for ideas (they do not have to select only one answer)	Ex: Why do you like camping? I like camping because I like being outside. I like camping because I like toasting marshmallows. I like camping because it allows me to relax and explore.
Alter open-ended questions to a multiple-choice format and then back to an open-ended format to help the child perceive how to explain, discern the most relevant, and then apply in an open-ended format	Example: “Why do we wear shoes?" a.) to cover our ears, b.) so our feet don’t get hurt, or c.) because mom said to
Provide examples of how to respond	Example: When providing definitions, provide a general category followed by specific details, such as “A cat is an animal that meows”
Expand responses to increase depth by asking questions about opinion or the opposite viewpoint
Look for connected words/terminology.
Learn and quiz Latin roots to assist with deciphering meaning of unfamiliar words.
Designate ways to distinguish between terminology.	Example: Dorsal means on the upper side, picture the dorsal fin of a shark; whereas, ventral means on the under side or belly (vientre in Spanish means belly)