Test Prep Strategies for MLs

Teaching reading and preparing multilingual learners (MLs) for tests can feel challenging, especially when assessments require strong vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. However, with the right strategies, teachers can help students build confidence and improve their reading skills and confidence. 

In this post, I will share some strategies to help them feel more prepared for testing. 

One important strategy is teaching students how to understand the question before they even look for the answer. Many MLs struggle not because they don’t know the content, but because the wording of the question is confusing, has too many words, or unnecessary words. What can you do? Model how to underline key words in the question and identify what the question is really asking. Encourage students to restate the question in their own words before answering.

Another helpful practice is building vocabulary through word study and identifying cognates and false cognates. Test questions often use words that students may not recognize, even though they know the concept. Helping them identify root words, nouns, verbs, adjectives, synonyms and antonyms, and cognates to make connections between their first language and English. What can you do? Activities like matching games, word sorts, and sentence practice can strengthen these vocabulary skills.

Finally, it is important to explicitly teach test-taking strategies. Show students how to eliminate clearly wrong answers, go back to the text for evidence, and manage their time during a test. Practicing with sample questions can help students become more comfortable with the test format and reduce anxiety.

By combining vocabulary development, reading comprehension strategies, and test-taking skills, teachers can support multilingual learners in becoming more confident and successful readers. With consistent practice and clear modeling, MLs can develop the tools they need to navigate reading assessments more effectively.

For more resources and strategies to use with multilingual learners:

• Visit the website www.allabouteld.com

• Join a course: https://www.allabouteld.com/courses

• Shop for ready-to-use resources

• Listen to the "5 Minute ELD" Podcast

• Watch the All About ELD Youtube Channel