Learn the layout of the FCAT reading section. The reading section of FCAT is designed to test your reading comprehension skills and vocabulary. Questions will be given to you in multiple-choice formats. You need to understand words, such as assume, assert, context, main idea, infer, theme, imply and viewpoint, as these are words you will encounter on the FCAT.
Build your vocabulary months before taking the test. Make flashcards with vocabulary words appropriate for your grade level. Study these flashcards every day to build your vocabulary. You can also play vocabulary building games, such as WordSearch, Scabble, HangMouse and CrossWorld.
Obtain FCAT study guides to help prepare you for the exam. Study guides can be downloaded from the FCAT website at fcat.fldoe.org. The website also offers retired versions of the test so you can get a realistic idea of what kind of questions are included on the FCAT.
Utilize FCAT's interactive preparation website, FCAT EXPLORER. The website offers several interactive games that can help prepare you to for the exam. Simply go to fcatexplorer.com and click on the section titled "Reading."
Get into the habit of reading every day leading up the exam. Read newspapers, magazines, recipes, lettersm and instructions, as well as books of fiction and nonfiction. As you read, make a list of words you do not recognize. Later, define these words using a dictionary and a thesaurus.
Take as many practice tests as you can in the two weeks prior to the FCAT exam. This will put your mind into test mode and help relax you when the time comes to take the real exam. Practice tests can be accessed at the FCAT website as well as other websites, such as studyguidezone.com, skillstutor.com and fcit.usf.edu.