Oops, that wasn't what I was supposed to do! 

In test instructions there are two factors that seem to be crucial. First, make them clear enough, two that students actually read them.

As teacher we have the job, when assessing with tests, to make instructions clear and second to help our students know the importance of reading them. 

In my opinion one of the strategies we can do for our students to read the instructions, is to make some rehearse activities before the test, so they can get use to read the instructions. For example, if in the text you will have them answer specific information of a reading, help your students before, testing the instructions you plan to put in the test and revise them to see if they are clear and effective.

On the other hand, when planning how to write instructions you have always to have present that the purpose of the instructions is not to see if students can understand them, but that they help in the process of collecting your students performance and that they give all facilities for them to do their best in their tests. 

Now, what would you think could be another strategy to make instructions more effective?