Test Taking 101
After writing your name, what is the first thing you should do when taking a test?
Read the directions.
When looking up a word, how do you know if it's a noun or verb?
The word will have a v. or an n. (or other letter) in the definition.
In literature, what is another term for "theme"?
Central idea or main idea or message
What is the conflict of a story?
The problem that must be overcome
What is the difference between a common noun and a proper noun?
Common nouns are people, places, and things, while proper nouns are their names.
What strategy helps you read with purpose when faced with a passage from a text?
Read the questions first, then the text.
If a word has multiple meanings, how can you tell which one is the correct meaning?
Use context clues
When you are asked to relate a passage to an answer (as in a Part B) what should you do?
Go back and read the text again.
What is the difference between facts and opinions?
Facts cannot be questioned while opinions can change from person to person.
What is a coordinating conjunction?
A word that joins two ideas or clauses (FANBOYS)
True or False: Guessing the answer to a question is better than leaving it blank.
True
What is the best reference for synonyms (words with like meanings) and antonyms (opposites)?
Thesaurus
When comparing two texts, what is the most important thing to do first?
Read both texts and the questions
How can we tell the difference between dialogue and stage directions?
Stage directions are often printed in italics and in parentheses or brackets.
In addition to modifying a verb or adjective, what can an adverb modify?
Another adverb (too soon)
If you don't know an answer, what strategy can improve your odds of guessing correctly?
Eliminate answers you know are wrong before guessing.
What are context clues?
Words or phrases in a passage or conversation that help us determine meaning of unfamiliar terms.
How do we find the main idea of a passage?
Read, looking for a message the author may want to share with readers or a lesson learned by characters.
How do stage directions best help readers understand characters?
They give a sense of characters' emotions as they speak.
What is the difference between coordinate and cumulative adjectives?
Coordinate adjectives can be moved around, but cumulative (royal blue sweater) cannot.
When you are done with a test, what should you do before you turn it in?
Make sure all questions are answered and your name is on it.
What does the Latin prefix mal- mean?
bad
How can writing Schaffer paragraphs help us better comprehend our reading?
We can preview or scan texts by reading topic sentences for quicker understanding.
What is the structure of a Schaffer paragraph?
Topic sentence, detail sentence, one or more elaborative or commentary sentences, closing sentence
What is the role of a prepositional phrase in a sentence?
It relates a noun to another word in the sentence.