Test-Taking Tips
If a question says “Select TWO correct answers,” how many answers do you choose?
What does “infer” mean?
To figure something out using clues + what you know
If a question asks for the “main idea,” what are you looking for?
What the whole passage is mostly about
What is a compound sentence?
Two complete sentences joined by a conjunction
Where can you almost always find the answer to a reading question?
In the passage
What should you do after reading a question but before picking an answer?
Go back to the passage
What does it mean when you come to a “conclusion”?
A final understanding or judgment based on evidence
If a question asks for a “detail,” where should you look?
Back in the passage
Which sentence is complete?
A. Because I went to the store
B. Running through the park
C. I went to the store and bought milk.
D. After the game
C. I went to the store and bought milk.
If a question asks about paragraph 3, what should you do first?
Reread paragraph 3
True or False: All answers should be based on what you think, not the passage.
False
What does “support” mean in a reading question?
To prove your answer with details from the text
If a character slams a door and won’t talk, what can you infer?
They might be upset or angry
Which is a conjunction? (and, run, happy, quickly)
and
What are context clues?
Words around a word that help you understand its meaning
What should you do if two answers both seem correct?
Reread and find which is BEST supported by the text
What is a “detail”?
A small piece of information from the text
What is the theme of a story?
The lesson or message the author wants you to learn
Fix this: “I went to the store i bought candy.”
Add punctuation/capital → “I went to the store. I bought candy.” OR use a conjunction
Two answer choices both seem correct, but one includes a detail NOT mentioned in the passage. What should you do?
A. Pick it because it sounds smarter
B. Eliminate it because it adds extra information
C. Choose it because it’s more detailed
D. Pick randomly
B. Eliminate it because it adds extra information
Why is it important to eliminate wrong answers first?
It increases your chances of choosing the correct answer
What is a “passage”?
A piece of text you read to answer questions
What’s the difference between main idea and details?
Main idea = big idea, details = support it
Which revision BEST fixes the sentence?
“She was tired she went to bed early.”
A. She was tired, she went to bed early.
B. She was tired and she went to bed early
C. She was tired, so she went to bed early.
D. She was tired she, went to bed early.
C. She was tired, so she went to bed early.
Why is it important to read ALL answer choices before picking one?
To make sure you choose the best answer, not just the first good one