Read and re-read the problem. You must be able to clearly understand the problem in order to solve it. Read the entire problem slowly and carefully, at least twice.
Revise the problem. After the second reading, underline or use a thin highlighting marker to pinpoint the question the problem is asking. This is generally the final sentence, but not always. Cross out any unnecessary information. Word problems can be sneaky in that they sometimes include extra facts or information that doesn’t really matter in solving the problem. Eliminating that extra information helps eliminate confusion.
Pre-label your answer. Do this before you even begin to work through the math calculations. Look back at the highlighted or underlined question and ask yourself what units your answer should be in. Is the problem, for example, asking for the total number of apples collected or the ending dollar amount in a bank account? Mark that unit next to the underlined/highlighted question. This way, you won’t forget to label the answer, and you’ll be sure you are answering the exact question in your response.
Predict what a reasonable answer would be. Use logic to come up with a general range that would make sense for your solution, then write it down. Many times, word problems take a while to solve, and by the time you come up with a final answer, you may forget to apply logic. This step sets you up for a greater chance at success.
Choose a strategy to help you attack the problem. Use clues from the problem to determine which of about 10 different strategies could be used or combined to solve the word problem. These strategies include: guessing and checking, making an organized list, acting out the problem/using manipulatives, simplifying, working backwards, making a table, finding a pattern, using logic, making a diagram or drawing, and writing an equation.
Solve the problem using your chosen strategy, or use a combination of strategies to reach your answer. (This is where the unlined paper comes in.)
Check your answer for logic. Look back at Step 4 and ask yourself if your solution makes sense. Is the answer in the range of your prediction? Most importantly, does your result directly answer the underlined or highlighted question?