California Star Program Workbook - Grade 3

Introduction This workbook will help you get ready for the California Grade 3 STAR test. The two tests in this book let you test yourself on important subjects in math and English. These exams will also give you practice answering multiple-choice questions and taking tests that are timed. These are not "sample" STAR tests. But the exams in this workbook will help you learn test-taking skills and find out what you know and what you don't know. That way, you can pay special attention to your weakest areas and be prepared to do well on the day of the real STAR test.HOW TO USE THIS BOOKThis book contains two tests. Each covers subjects such as reading, math, language, and spelling. Take the first test (which starts on page 1), first. There is no need to study or prepare for this exam since the goal is to find out how well you can score without any preparation.Mark your answers to the questions using a number 2 pencil on the answer sheets at the end of each section. Time yourself when you take the test; limit yourself to the time listed at the start of each test section. You don't have to finish all the sections in a row, but do not stop working on any one section until your time is up. Taking breaks during a section is not the best way to get ready for the STAR. There will be no breaks during the real STAR.Remember that there is no guessing penalty on the STAR test -- that means no points are subtracted for wrong answers. So answer all the questions even if you have to guess. Use process of elimination -- crossing out the answers you know are wrong -- to help you make better guesses.It's also a good idea to write down all your work, especially for the math questions. Try to work at a steady pace, and don't get stuck on any one question. If you have time, you can always go back to look at it again.Once you finish the first test, look at the explanations that begin on page 89. Your answers to the questions on the first test -- especially the ones you answered incorrectly -- will show you the subjects you need to work on. If you scored low in one area, call that a "Hot Spot." You should find extra help for that subject. Ask your teachers, parents, or friends for advice.While working on your Hot Spots, take some time to look over the Test-Taking Strategies beginning on page 113. You may have already used some of these strategies on your own during the first test, but it's important you try to use them all on the second exam.On the first test, you will answer questions without a special plan, but after studying the Test-Taking Strategies section, you'll take the next test with a clearer idea of how to answer each kind of question. Working on a question with the right strategy not only means you have a better chance of getting that question right, it also means you will be less nervous about the test. By learning all the strategies, you'll understand what you need to do to score well on the STAR, and this will help you feel more confident.Once you have worked on your Hot Spots and studied the various strategies, take the second exam. Make sure you time yourself on each section. Your score on the second test should be higher than your score on the first test because:(1) You have studied more.(2) You are comfortable with the look and feel of the test.After you take and grade your second test, look for the subjects in which your score was low. Use your study time to work on those areas.If your score on the second test falls or stays the same, don't worry. Remember, this is just practice and these tests don't count! A low score just means you have more work to do. Sometimes scores drop because you are trying out a new test-taking technique for the first time. You are doing the right thing by testing yourself and studying. Keep practicing and you will be ready for the STAR on test day! Copyright copy; 2000 by Kaplan, Inc. [read more]