Testing Strategies
What do I do if I am struggling with a question for too long?
Mark the question, move on, and come back.
What are the five ways a nonfiction text can be structured?
+Cause/Effect
+Problem/Solution
+Chronological
+Compare/Contrast
+Description
What is the turning point of a story?
Which type of figurative language is used:
Caroline is a ray of sunshine.
Metaphor
What is the first part of a story called where you are introduced to the characters, setting, and other background information? (remember the plot diagram)
Exposition
What can you do the night/morning before the test to set yourself up for succcess?
Get a full night of rest and eat a good breakfast.
What are some types of text features that help you understand a topic or structure?
Captions, titles, subtitles, graphs, images, bold text, headings, table of contents, tables, timelines, etc.
STEAL (Speech, Thoughts, Effects on Others, Actions, Looks)
Which type of figurative language is used:
Life is like a box of chocolates.
Simile
What type of character does not change?
Static character
If I'm not sure about the answer to a question, my first step when looking at the answers should be to_____.
Eliminate answers I know are wrong.
What is a main/central idea?
The main point an author is trying to make. One sentence that states what the whole article is about.
NOT a theme or summary.
Use context clues to determine the meaning of the word "penned"
Jane penned a letter to her cousin that lives in Brazil. She plans to mail the letter tomorrow.
To write
Which type of figurative language is used:
The raindrops danced on my windowsill.
Personification
THIEVES is a strategy that can help us get a jumpstart on reading and understanding nonfiction texts. What does THIEVES stand for?
Title, Headings, Introduction, Every first sentence of every paragraph, Visuals, End of passage questions, Summarize thinking.
Even if I don't know the answer, I should ALWAYS______.
answer every question
Which clues can you use in a text to determine that the author's is to persuade (convince) the audience?
"You should..."
"I think..." (opinions)
_____ is better than ____
Determine the meaning of the word "rapped" in the passage below.
Grandma stared out her bedroom window. “No flowers, no trees - just concrete and cars. Time to go home.” Her cane rapped the floor as she turned to face Madison and Dad. “This is your home now,” Dad said.
Personification gives nonhuman things _____ traits.
humanlike
What is an antagonist?
The character in a story that conflicts with the protagonist (main character).
The VERY first thing I should do when starting a new section of a test before looking at any questions or passages is_______.
Read the directions carefully!
What is the BEST tool for keeping track of ideas or important points as you read?
ANNOTATING THE TEXT
Determine the meaning of the word "abrupt"
There was an abrupt change of plans. We had planned to go to the amusement park, but now we have to go to the dog park.
suddenly/change without warning
The following is an example of which type of figurative language?
It will take me forever to finish this homework assignment.
Hyperbole
True or false: Protagonists can be evil.
TRUE
(Bonus 100: Provide an example.)