Pacing Strategies
Learn how to pace yourself on timed tests. Good pacing helps you answer more questions correctly!
What is Pacing?
Pacing means using your time wisely during a test. If you go too fast, you might make mistakes. If you go too slow, you might not finish. Good pacing helps you find the right speed!
The 3 Rules of Good Pacing
- Do not spend too long on one question - If stuck, mark it and move on
- Answer easy questions first - Get those points quickly!
- Save time for hard questions - Come back to them at the end
Practice Questions
Practice these questions while thinking about your pacing. Do not spend more than 1 minute on each!
1. If you have 20 minutes to answer 10 questions, about how much time do you have for each question?
A) 1 minute
B) 2 minutes
C) 5 minutes
D) 10 minutes
Answer
B) 2 minutes - Divide total time by number of questions: 20 / 10 = 2 minutes each.
2. What should you do if a question seems very hard during a timed test?
A) Spend all your time on it
B) Skip it and come back later
C) Guess without reading it
D) Close your eyes and hope
Answer
B) Skip it and come back later - Answer easier questions first, then return to hard ones with remaining time.
3. Marcus has 15 minutes left and 5 questions to go. How much time should he spend on each question?
A) 1 minute
B) 2 minutes
C) 3 minutes
D) 5 minutes
Answer
C) 3 minutes - Divide: 15 minutes / 5 questions = 3 minutes per question.
4. What is 9 x 6?
A) 45
B) 48
C) 54
D) 56
Answer
C) 54 - 9 x 6 = 54. Quick multiplication fact!
5. A test has 12 questions. Emma has answered 8 questions. How many questions does she have left?
A) 2 questions
B) 4 questions
C) 6 questions
D) 20 questions
Answer
B) 4 questions - Subtract: 12 - 8 = 4 questions remaining.
6. What is the best order to answer questions on a timed test?
A) Hardest first, easiest last
B) Easiest first, hardest last
C) Random order
D) Only answer half
Answer
B) Easiest first, hardest last - Get easy points first, then use remaining time for hard questions.
7. There are 42 pencils to share equally among 7 students. How many pencils does each student get?
A) 5 pencils
B) 6 pencils
C) 7 pencils
D) 8 pencils
Answer
B) 6 pencils - Divide: 42 / 7 = 6 pencils each.
8. Jake finished 6 out of 8 questions. What fraction of the test did he complete?
A) 2/8
B) 4/8
C) 6/8
D) 8/6
Answer
C) 6/8 - Jake completed 6 out of 8 total questions = 6/8.
9. A clock shows 10:15. The test ends at 10:45. How many minutes are left?
A) 15 minutes
B) 30 minutes
C) 45 minutes
D) 60 minutes
Answer
B) 30 minutes - From 10:15 to 10:45 is 30 minutes.
10. Why is it important to check the clock during a timed test?
A) To see what time lunch is
B) To know how much time is left
C) Because clocks are interesting
D) To count the seconds
Answer
B) To know how much time is left - Checking the clock helps you pace yourself and use your time wisely.
Key Takeaways
- Divide your total time by the number of questions to find time per question
- Answer easy questions first to get quick points
- Skip hard questions and come back to them
- Check the clock regularly to stay on pace