Steps for WASL Success

Problem Solving Techniques:

Examine the problem: Look at what is being asked and the pertinent information being given.

Plan a Solution: Use the important information to find out how you will solve the problem.

Solve the problem: Use whatever methods or procedures are necessary to find a solution.

Check the answer: Place the answer you found into the original problem and check it to see if it works.

Test-Taking Hints:

Make an attempt to do whatever you know on every problem.

-Convert words into math symbols and terms.

-Solve any parts you do know about.

-Make a guess and test your answer in the problem.

Read carefully and mark what is being asked.

-Use circles, underlines, highlights and other methods of marking to emphasize important parts of the problem such as:

-The question that needs to be answered.

-Important information pertaining to the problem.

-Words that suggest what operation to use (product/multiply, combine/add, difference/subtract).

Write complete sentences as an answer to constructed response problems.

Identify items with specific terms.

-“ One dozen oranges”

-“16 square inches”

Understand “or” & “and” instructions.

- Be sure to clearly understand the instructions and what question needs to be answered.

“Show your work”: set up problem and solve.

Scorers want to see the process and thinking you used to get to a solution

“Explain your work”: Why you did each step.

Scores want to know why you chose an option.

Use correct units in answer.

Inches, pounds, dollars, etc.

Conventions and handwriting are not taken into consideration for scoring math problems.

You are not scored on grammar, spelling or organization.

How To Answer A WASL Question:

Multiple Choice:

Eliminate the answers you know are wrong. A 50% guess is better than a 25% guess. Don’t leave the answer blank!

Incorrect answers are possible distracters. Most of the distracters are common errors made in solving a problem so check your work.

Short Answer and Extended response:

1. Explain how to apply a concept:

--This is usually a “why” question. It wants you to tell how something works. One way to do this would be to show how order of operations works and how a mistake is made by someone who did the work incorrectly.

2. Reproducing already learned information:

--This is simply taking things you already know and use them to draw a conclusion. For example, explaining why miles are a better measurement than inches for calculating a long distance.

3. Predicting a logical outcome:

--You are being asked to use simple logic to make a conclusion based on partial information (inference). Again, this would apply to finding the error someone made mis-using order of operations.

4. Supporting or defending an answer:

--You will be asked to “explain”, “defend”, or “support” your answer. A question may ask you the area of figure without giving any or all the measurements and you would have to explain how you reached an answer.