As the school year comes to a close, students have worked hard to master ELA (English Language Arts) skills that are essential for their academic success. However, these skills can fade over time without consistent practice. Test prep for end-of-year tests is crucial to retaining knowledge and building confidence. Standardized tests often assess students on a range of skills they’ve learned throughout the year. Reviewing key strategies before the test can:

✔ Boost confidence—Familiarity with question formats and expectations reduces test anxiety.

✔ Strengthen critical thinking—Analyzing texts and crafting well-structured responses improves overall performance.

✔ Ensure mastery of standards—A focused review helps reinforce essential skills before testing day.

1.  Strengthen Reading Comprehension: 

ELA tests often include passages followed by multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Help students practice:

✔ Identifying the main idea and supporting details
✔ Summarizing and paraphrasing passages
✔ Making inferences and drawing conclusions
✔ Comparing and analyzing paired texts

Tip: Encourage students to annotate while reading—underline key details, circle unfamiliar words, and jot down quick summaries in the margins.

2.  Practice Writing with a Clear Structure

Writing is a major part of the test, whether it’s a short response or an essay. Students should practice:

✔ Using text evidence to support answers
✔ Organizing writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
✔ Editing and revising for clarity and grammar

Tip: Use writing prompts similar to those found on the test and time students to simulate real testing conditions.

3.  Review Grammar & Language Skills

ELA tests include grammar, punctuation, and word usage questions. Key areas to review:

✔ Parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.)
✔ Sentence structure(fragments, run-ons, complex sentences)
✔ Commonly confused words (they’re/their/there, your/you’re, etc.)
✔ Punctuation rules (commas, apostrophes, quotation marks)

Tip: Use daily grammar warm-ups or interactive games to make reviewing these rules fun!

4.  Practice with Released Test Questions

Most states provide past test questions online. Using these can:

✔ Familiarize students with the test format and academic vocabulary
✔ Build stamina for long reading passages
✔ Help students recognize question types and answer strategically

Tip: Have students highlight keywords in questions and answer choices to avoid common test traps!

5.  Teach Time Management Strategies

Many students struggle with finishing on time. Help them practice:

✔ Skimming passages first, then reading closely for details
✔ Answering easier questions first to build confidence
✔ Using context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words
✔ Leaving time to review their answers before submitting

Tip: Use timed practice tests to help students build speed and accuracy.

6.  Reduce Test Anxiety with Confidence Boosters

Test stress can affect performance. Help students:

✔ Practice mindfulness techniques (deep breathing, positive self-talk)
✔ Get a good night’s sleep before the test
✔ Eat a healthy breakfast for focus and energy
✔ Go in with a positive mindset—remind them they’ve got this!

Tip: Encourage students to take short mental breaks during the test—closing their eyes for a few seconds or stretching their fingers can help refocus their minds.

Prepping for the ELA test doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Students can approach the test with confidence and success by reviewing key skills, practicing with real test questions, and using smart test-taking strategies.

 

You got this!

Pam