//AIMS English: Day of the Test Tips

• Take your time, even though it may feel like everyone is rushing.
• Make sure you have a healthy, well-balanced breakfast the morning of the AIMS test. Include protein to keep up your energy.
• Bring a bottle of water or drink in case you get thirsty.
• Request online tutoring from Primavera.
• Make sure you write legibly.
• Make sure you use the dictionaries provided to look up spelling of words or definitions for words.
• Make sure you know how to use a thesaurus.
• Write out the words, do not abbreviate.  Do not use 2 instead of to, u instead of you, 4 instead of 4, th@ instead of that.
• No words should end in Z.  Say because not cuz, say was not wuz.
• Always capitalize the first letter of each sentence.
• Be sure you capitalize the pronoun I whenever you write it.
• Capitalize proper nouns (including places, people’s names).
• All sentences end in punctuation, usually periods.
• Use commas every time you take a breath or pause when reading your essay.
• Make an outline to help you organize your thoughts.
• Sometimes you need to argue a point that you do not agree with because it will make a better essay, maybe it is easier to find enough support for it.
• Make sure you read the essay to yourself before turning it in.  If a sentence sounds wrong when you are reading it, it should be revised.
• Practice reading AIMS essays, brainstorming, outlining and organizing your thoughts.
• Practice answering the multiple-choice questions in the sample tests.