Test-Taking Strategies
When we know for sure that an answer choice is incorrect, what do we do?
Eliminate it/cross it out.
What is the plot of a story? What does the plot include?
The beginning, middle, and end of the story. It includes the rising action, climax, conflict, and resolution.
(must get at least "beginning, middle, and end")
What is the topic of a text? Give an example of a topic of a text you have read in class.
One word to describe what the text is about. (ex. tornadoes, sports, earthquakes).
What text structure usually has these signal words: First, next, last, before, dates, years.
Chronological or Sequence of Events
What type of figurative language is the following: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Alliteration
What should you do if you are unsure of your answer for a question or you were stuck between two?
Flag the question
What is the theme of the story? What is an example of a theme?
The lesson learned.
Examples might be:
Kindness comes back around.
Cleverness is better than strength.
What type of source will talk about a personal experience and use descriptive language? What are some signal words for this type of source?
Primary source. Some signal words are "I, me, our, us, my" and descriptive language.
What text structure usually has these signal words: same, different, both, neither, alike, similar
Compare and Contrast
What type of figurative language is the following: Her ring shined as bright as the sun.
Simile
What should you do once you have finished your test?
Go back and double check your work.
What does it mean when you're asked, "how does the character contributes to the story?"
How does what the character does/say change what happens in the story?
What belongs in a summary of a text?
The most relevant details. Who, what, where, when, why?
What text structure usually has these signal words: due to, leads to, solve, because of, issue
Problem/Solution
What type of figurative language are the following:
1. The sky cried as the dark clouds rolled in.
2. When breaking the news, she beat around the bush.
1. Personification
2. Idiom
How do you find the meaning of an unknown word?
Use context clues. Read the sentences before and after the word.
OR
Replace the word with the answer choices.
What are character traits? Give an example of an internal and an external character trait.
Things about the character, either relating to how they look or how they feel. (internal - sad, jealous, nervous. External - tall, strong, fast).
What is the author's claim?
The opinion of the author, what they want you to know/take away from their writing.
What text structure usually has these signal words: Because, as a result, since, then, so
Cause and Effect
What type of figurative language are the following?
1. I was dying of laughter when my brother made a funny face.
2. The students sat down at their tired, overworked desks.
3. My rug is as soft as a newborn puppy.
1. Hyperbole
2. Personification
3. Simile
What should you do if you have absolutely no idea what the answer is?
Make the best educated guess you can.
What is a character's perspective?
The character's opinion in the story or how the character feels.
What is the main idea of a text? Where is the main idea usually found?
One sentence telling what the text is mostly about. Is usually found in the first paragraph or beginning of the second.
What text structure usually has these signal words: for example, such as, adjectives, information about, details
Descriptive
What type of figurative language are the following?
1. Life is a rollercoaster.
2. My sister took forever to get ready for dinner.
3. After writing a five page essay, I decided to call it a day.
4. My dog never stops barking.
1. metaphor
2. hyperbole
3. idiom
4. hyperbole