How to Improve your Score on the Center Test!

1. Read each question before listening.

2. Circle key words: nouns, verbs, adjectives, dates, times, numbers, etc.

3. Look for negative words like “no” or “not” which can completely change the meaning of a sentence.

4. Read all the answers before listening and circle key words.

5. In all answers look for patterns such as repeated words, related words (competition, contest, compete, winner, victory, etc.), same-sounding numbers (16 and 60), pictures with similar objects (a white coat and a black coat, etc.), map choices with the same directions but small differences, and time answers that have some relationship (10:30 and 8:30 or 8am and 8pm). Identifying patterns can help you predict which of the four answer choices may be possible answers. It can also help eliminate some answers that do not fit the pattern. Thus, you increase the possibility of choosing a correct answer. For example, if you have a map/direction question, looking for maps that are the same but with only a small difference may increase your chance of getting a correct answer by 50%!

6. Take notes! Listen for key words and write them on your test paper. This will help you find the right answer.

7. In Section 4b, you should follow the same analytical procedure mentioned above. Circle key words, look for patterns and take notes. Also, look for word clues in questions 24 and 25 which may help you guess the answers to question 23.

8. In all questions use your common sense! Some questions, especially in Section 4b, can be answered using basic common sense!

9. Stay calm and don’t panic!

10. Improve your listening skills by self-study at home using the websites I have linked to on my webpage!