Timed Practice Drills
Learn
Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT have strict time limits. Many students who understand the material still make errors when working under time pressure. Timed practice drills help you identify these "speed errors" so you can address them before test day.
Why Timed Practice Matters for Error Tracking
When you practice without a timer, you might perform well. But under time pressure, different kinds of mistakes emerge:
- Rushing errors: Misreading questions or skipping steps because you feel rushed
- Careless calculation mistakes: Simple arithmetic errors due to speed
- Incomplete work: Not finishing all questions in the allotted time
- Panic choices: Guessing randomly when time runs low
How to Run a Timed Drill
- Set a realistic time limit: For Grade 6, aim for about 1-2 minutes per question
- Remove distractions: Find a quiet space and put away your phone
- Use a visible timer: A kitchen timer or phone timer you can see
- Work continuously: Do not pause the timer once you start
- Mark uncertain answers: Circle questions you are unsure about
- Stop when time is up: Even if you are not finished
Recording Timed Drill Results
In your error log, add these columns for timed drills:
- Time allowed vs. time used
- Questions completed vs. total questions
- Errors due to rushing (mark with "R")
- Questions skipped or guessed (mark with "S")
Examples
Here is how a student might record a timed drill in their error log:
Timed Drill Log Entry
| Date | Drill Type | Time | Completed | Correct | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 8 | Mixed Math | 10 min | 8/10 | 6/8 | 2 rushing errors on fractions |
Analyzing the Results
From the entry above, this student can see:
- They did not finish all 10 questions in 10 minutes (pacing issue)
- Of the 8 they completed, 2 were wrong due to rushing
- Fraction problems were the trouble spot under time pressure
Action plan: Practice fractions without a timer first, then gradually add time pressure.
Practice
Complete this 10-question drill in 12 minutes. Use a timer! After finishing, check your answers and analyze your results.
1. What is 45 + 78?
Show Answer
123
2. A rectangle has a length of 12 cm and width of 5 cm. What is its perimeter?
Show Answer
34 cm (12 + 12 + 5 + 5 = 34, or 2(12+5) = 34)
3. Simplify: 3/4 + 1/4
Show Answer
4/4 = 1
4. If 5x = 35, what is x?
Show Answer
x = 7
5. What is 15% of 80?
Show Answer
12 (0.15 x 80 = 12)
6. A bag contains 3 red marbles, 5 blue marbles, and 2 green marbles. What fraction of the marbles are blue?
Show Answer
5/10 = 1/2
7. What is the next number in the pattern: 2, 6, 18, 54, ___?
Show Answer
162 (each number is multiplied by 3)
8. Convert 0.75 to a fraction in lowest terms.
Show Answer
3/4
9. A store sells notebooks for $2.50 each. How much do 6 notebooks cost?
Show Answer
$15.00
10. What is the area of a square with sides of 9 inches?
Show Answer
81 square inches (9 x 9 = 81)
After the Drill: Self-Analysis
Record your results:
- How many questions did you complete in 12 minutes? ___/10
- How many did you get correct? ___
- Which questions did you rush through?
- Did you feel panicked at any point?
- Which question types took the longest?
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about timed practice drills:
- Name two types of errors that are more common during timed practice than untimed practice.
- What information should you record in your error log after a timed drill?
- If you consistently run out of time, what should you practice?
- Why is it important to mark questions you guessed on?
Next Steps
- Do one timed drill per week and record results in your error log
- Compare your timed results to untimed practice
- Identify your "time pressure" weak spots
- Continue to the next lesson: Reviewing Your Mistakes