Test-Taking Skills
Writing Tasks
Quote Analysis
Writing Format/Rubric
Reading Skills
100
What is the procedure when given a reading passage and multiple choice questions?
Read through the first few multiple choice questions to see what they are asking and then read the passage carefully. Remember to mark up the text!
100
What type of prompt is this: “If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” –Anonymous. Write an essay explaining what this quotation means to you. Use details and examples in your essay.
Explanatory Quote
100
Explain the meaning of this quote using your own words: "Winners never quit, and quitters never win." - Anonymous
This means that in order to be successful (to win), one must never give up because people who give up never have the drive or ability to succeed.
100
How many paragraphs are used for open-ended responses?
The number of paragraphs corresponds to the number of questions/bullets that are being asked.
100
What are context clues? How are they used?
Context clues are used to help a reader understand words without using a dictionary, but by using the word in the context that it is written to define the meaning.
200
What is the acronym to follow when answering open-ended questions? And what does each letter stand for?
RACE. Restate the question, Answer all parts of the questions, Cite from the text, and Elaborate (make connections)
200
What type of prompt is this: The boy packed his necessary belongings in his suitcase for a trip to visit his cousin. Several hours later, he reached his destination only to find he was missing an important item he intended to bring. Write a story about what you think he is missing, and what he does about it.
Speculative Writing
200
Explain the meaning of this quote in your own words: "A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course to victory." - Arthur Golden
This means that if you are uncertain of your ability to succeed, then you will not have the confidence to do what needs to be done to succeed. However, if you have confidence in yourself and your abilities, and you try hard, than you can focus on success and one day reach it.
200
How many paragraphs are used in an explanatory quote writing task?
3-4 (follow MIC)
200
What is a thesis?
A thesis is the statement that is used in a persuasive essay which shows which side of the argument the writer is supporting.
300
What is the acronym to use when responding to the Explanatory Quote writing task? And what does the acronym stand for?
MIC. Meaning, Importance, and Connection.
300
What type of prompt is this: There is a park in your town used by residents. A popular fast-food chain wants to buy the land and build a restaurant on it. Losing the park to get the restaurant has caused a conflict in the town.Write a letter to the mayor explaining whether you think the town should keep or sell the park. Use examples and other evidence to support your position.
Persuasive Essay
300
Explain the meaning of this quote and provide one connection: "Whether you think you can or you think you can't - you're right!" - Henry Ford
This quote means that your ability to do something relies soley on your confidence in yourself and whether you think you can acheive something. This shows how much your mindset effects what you actually accomplish in life.
300
How many paragraphs are used for an explanatory situation writing task?
At least three (3). The number of paragraphs depends on how many connections and explanations you can make to the situation.
300
What is the main idea of a passage? How is it different from the subject?
The main idea of a passage is the main information that the writer wants to leave the reader with. The subject is a broad concept and the main idea explains WHAT is being said baout the subject.
400
What is the acronym to use when including support and evidence in the persuasive writing task? And what does the acronym stand for?
FRESCA. Facts, Rhetorical Questions, Examples, Stats, Credible Quotations, Analogies/Comparisons.
400
What type of prompt is this: Imagine you have the chance to meet a famous person in history. You will get to spend the entire day with this person. Whom would you choose to meet, and how would you spend your day?Write a story about meeting a famous person in history and how you spend the day.
Speculative Writing
400
Explain the meaning of this quote and provide a connection: "You've got enemies? Good. That means you actually stood up for somethign in your life." - Eminem
This quote means that when someone stands up for what they believe in, they are risking the chance of making enemies. It is arguing that this is a good thing and that making enemies shows that you have stood up for your beliefs.
400
How many paragraphs are used in a speculative writing prompt?
At least three - one for the beginning of the story, one for the middle, and one for the solution to the story. This will change if the writer is using dialogue.
400
What is a theme? Provide three examples.
A theme is a general/universal subject that anyone can relate to. Love, Friendship, Hard Work, Relationships, Identity, Conflict, etc...
500
What are three types of hooks you can start an essay with?
Rhetorical Questions, Dialogue, Flashback, Action, Setting-the-Scene/Description, Insightful Quote (Do NOT use this hook for the quote analysis), Anecdote (short personal story)...
500
What type of prompt is this: People make decisions everyday. Think of a time when you had to make an important decision. Write an essay that describes the situation and outcome. Explain why this decision was important an include details to support your explanation.
Explanatory Situational
500
Explain the meaning of this quote and provide two connections: "You can always turn an inkblot into a butterfly." - John Halligan
This quote is about perspective. It is saying that you can always take a bad situation and look on the bright side to see the positives. Your perspective is a powerful tool to turn bad situations into something good.
500
How many paragraphs are used in a persuasive writing task? What needs to be included in each paragraph?
5 paragraphs. Intro (hook, thesis, reasons), 3 body paragraphs (topic sentence, 2 pieces of FRESCA per paragraph), and conclusion (rephrase thesis, call to action).
500
What is figurative language? Give an example.
Figurative language is language that is used in a non-literal way. The words cannot be taken as they are - it is understood that there is a deeper meaning. Hyperbole, Simile, Metaphor, Idioms, etc..
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