Taking the PRAXIS II : Test-Taking Tips
This guide will give students in the School of Education resources for preparing for the PRAXIS II (Content Exams).
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- University Health Services - Stress ManagementVisit the above site for more info on stress management services (offered free to students at UHS) that help you to cope more effectively with the demands of university life.
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Tips from Teachers and Education Students
The tips and resources below were supplied by the Department of Public Instruction on their web site. They were all supplied by teacher educators and students who took the Praxis II assessment.
Several months before you plan to take the Praxis II:
- Audit a class if you know you are weak in that subject.
- For anxiety or test phobias, consult with your campus or private counseling center.
- Study high school or college textbooks from appropriate grade levels and subjects.
- Study your old class notes.
- Use the ETS website to find study materials and tips on taking the Praxis II at http://www.ets.org.
During the exam:
- Focus on your areas of strength and try to get as many answers correct in those areas. Spend the remaining time on the weak area(s) and again try to get as many correct.
- In most questions, two of the responses can be eliminated using logic and any background the student knows. Eliminate unlikely answers and use logic to choose the answer.
- Use the margins in the exam booklet to work problems or jot down what is already known.
- Some students with test anxiety are finding relaxation techniques helpful when taking the test.
- If you experience distractions you have the right to ask the Proctor to fix the problem:
- talking during the test
- allowing the whole group to take a break together
- allowing test takers to leave early
- Proctors should write the start time on the board - if they do not, write the time on the test book yourself.
General test-taking strategies:
- When studying any test preparation materials be sure that you are familiar with each choice under a multiple choice test question. Chances are, the question will change but the responses (i.e., A, B, C, D, etc.) will remain the same.
- Study sample test questions out loud with someone else who is taking the same test. You may find that you learn additional strategies for taking the test and you will also become familiar with the formal language of the test.
This information was found on the website for the Department for Public Instruction.
