In the third grade TAKS test, students must understand how to measure things using units such as inches, centimeters and feet. Students must also know how to measure the temperature and tell time. Patterns will be given to the student, which the child must then use to solve a problem. Figures such as charts, tables and lists are provided, and the student needs to use these to solve math problems involving relationships between concepts and numbers.
The third grade TAKS test-taker must be able to write out large numbers in words and numerals. The test examines a child's ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide. A child also needs to know how to estimate numbers and work with fractions. Students must be able to work with basic geometry concepts such as symmetry. Data sets will be presented to students and they will be required to solve statistical problems based on the given data.
In the reading portion of the third grade TAKS test, students must know how to recognize and interpret vocabulary words. They must understand synonyms and antonyms, as well as prefixes and suffixes. While reading a story, students need to know how to analyze the setting and problem in the story. They must understand the characters in the story and answer questions based on a character's personality, feelings and relationships with other characters.
The test-takers must demonstrate ability to recognize cause and effect within a story. They should be able to place the events of a story in the correct order, and make predictions about what will most likely happen next. Students need to summarize the story and answer questions based on its main characters and the plot. Students must recognize the difference between facts and opinion. Besides interpreting stories, students are also expected to interpret advertisements, maps, charts and graphs.