Practice reading comprehension. Critically reading the instructions, questions and passages are always part of a test. Teach students the importance of reading the test instructions by regularly changing the instructions. For example, in one test you may ask students to circle the right answer(s) and on the next one you will ask them to underline the incorrect answer(s). Teach students how to read actively by summarizing paragraphs and interpreting main ideas. They should look for key words, such as "but" and "however," for a change of tone. Students could circle or highlight key words, phrases, or statistics in the passage. They need to read questions and anticipate answers. Students should re-read if they have trouble understanding the main idea.
Consider testing as a game. Most people, children and adults, do not like taking a test. Teach students testing strategies by playing games in which they eliminate irrelevant information, identify key word(s) and substitute expressions. For example, teach students how to use a 50/50 rule to eliminate illogical choices or how to substitute the answer choices to the problem statement. You may even construct an in-class game in which students compete by searching for certain words in a passage. The fastest person/team gets a prize.
Focus on types of questions or solving strategies. If you can identify the weaknesses on either content or testing strategies of your students, do an exercise on those topics alone. Drill these concepts or strategies until students gain mastery. For instance, if your students have trouble doing certain solving linear equations problems, make a worksheet on solving equations and/or re-teach this lesson. Practice these strategies regularly so that students will become familiar with these tools.
Preview testing and simulate testing environment. Spend a day or two in mock exam conditions. Encourage students to participate by giving them no homework during those days. Teach students the importance of eating breakfast before testing. Provide refreshment or breakfast items before the test so that students will be energized for the mock exam. Students will also take turns to sharpen their No. 2 pencils. Proctor and time the mock exam as if it were real. Review the exam results with students afterward.