ISTEP Myths
Vocabulary Words
Content
Conventions
Constructed Response
100
ISTEP scores don't really matter.
FALSE! They help determine your class placement for future years. The state tracks your data to see how you've grown.
100
This is when you look at similarities and differences between two or more items.
Compare and Contrast
100
As long as you answer the questions, it doesn't matter too much the order it is in.
FALSE! Try to answer in the same order in which they were asked.
100
How should you always start a paragraph?
An indent
100
What does RATT stand for?
Restate the question. Answer the question. Tie it to the text with an example. Tie it to the text again with an example.
200
When you're not sure, just guess...it's probably C.
FALSE! Make an educated guess by eliminating answers you know are incorrect.
200
This is when you take a passage and rewrite it in your own words and much shorter.
Summarize
200
What is the maximum amount of content points you can receive on an extended response?
Four points.
200
What should you always do when you are finished writing?
Reread your writing and check for errors.
200
Restate this question...do not answer it.
Why was school cancelled on Tuesday?
300
Since pre-planning is not graded, it really doesn't matter if you do it or not.
FALSE! Even though it's not graded, students score better when they have a plan on what they will write. Students also use their writing time more efficiently when they have a plan.
300
This means to rewrite something so that it is much easier to read.
Clarify/writing for clarity
300
What is the max amount of points for content for the long essay?
Six points.
300
What two words should you not start a sentence with?
Because or And
300
Restate the following question...do not answer it.
What is better? The iPhone or the Android?
400
Writing more on the essay is better!
TRUE! While there are some instances of a short essay getting a good score; traditionally, the more you write, the more details and examples you include...which makes your writing better!
400
This is to make changes to a draft of writing.
Revise
400
What should you do if you aren't sure how to spell a WOW-word?
Attempt it. Most scorers will give you more points for mispelling a big word than spelling a little, boring word correctly.
400
What is the difference between "school voice" and "speaking voice" in your writing?
"School Voice" is professional. "Speaking Voice" uses slang.
400
How many sentences should a constructed response be?
Two - Three sentences...remember, there are only six lines in Language Arts and two lines in Social Studies.
500
It's best to read the questions first - before you read the passage.
TRUE! By reading the questions, you will be reading for a purpose; eliminating the need to reread the passage later to look for answers.
500
This is when events are put in a specific order.
sequence
500
What four categories are evaluated on the content rubric?
-Ideas and Content -Organization -Style -Voice
500
In order to get a 4, your essay must be gramatically PERFECT.
FALSE! As long as your errors are small and infrequent, you can still earn a 4, even if you have grammar errors.
500
What score would this constructed response answer receive? Q: George Nisson was a successful inventor. According to the information in the passage, what qualities does a successful inventor need to have? Support your answer with details from the text. A: They need to have confidence and persistance to become successful.
Score = 1, because the student answered the question, but did not supply details from the text.
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