PERT Time Management & Test Strategies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If you are unsure between two answer choices on the PERT, what is the best approach?
- Always pick choice C
- Re-examine the question for keywords and choose the most logical option (Correct answer)
- Pick the first one you see
- Leave it and hope it doesn't count
Correct answer: Re-examine the question for keywords and choose the most logical option
Focusing on keywords in the question helps you decide logically between two close choices.
Question 2: Why should you avoid changing your overall test pace based on other students finishing early?
- Their pace has no bearing on your untimed test (Correct answer)
- You should always copy faster students
- Finishing first earns bonus points
- Speed is graded
Correct answer: Their pace has no bearing on your untimed test
The PERT is untimed and individually adaptive, so another student's speed is irrelevant to your performance.
Question 3: What is the benefit of using scratch paper during the PERT math section?
- It is not allowed
- It lets you work problems step by step and reduce careless errors (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need to read questions
- It is graded for partial credit
Correct answer: It lets you work problems step by step and reduce careless errors
Working math problems on scratch paper organizes your steps and minimizes mistakes.
Question 4: How can a test-taker reduce anxiety while taking the PERT?
- By rushing to finish quickly
- By taking slow breaths and focusing on one question at a time (Correct answer)
- By worrying about the score constantly
- By comparing answers with neighbors
Correct answer: By taking slow breaths and focusing on one question at a time
Deep breathing and focusing on the current question keep anxiety low and concentration high.
Question 5: Which approach best uses the untimed nature of the PERT when reading a long passage?
- Skim quickly and guess
- Read the passage fully and refer back as needed (Correct answer)
- Read only the first sentence
- Ignore the passage and answer from memory
Correct answer: Read the passage fully and refer back as needed
Without time pressure, reading the whole passage and rereading parts improves comprehension accuracy.
Question 6: Why is it wise to take a practice PERT before the real test?
- It reveals the exact test questions
- It familiarizes you with the format and identifies weak areas (Correct answer)
- It guarantees placement in advanced courses
- It shortens the actual test
Correct answer: It familiarizes you with the format and identifies weak areas
Practice tests build familiarity with the format and highlight topics needing more study.
Question 7: What does a higher PERT score generally help a student achieve?
- A faster test
- Placement into higher-level or credit-bearing college courses (Correct answer)
- A free retake
- Automatic graduation
Correct answer: Placement into higher-level or credit-bearing college courses
Strong PERT scores can place students into college-level courses and help them avoid remedial classes.
PERT Time Management & Test Strategies 3
If you are unsure between two answer choices on the PERT, what is the best approach?