Test-Taking Strategies
In RELAX, what does the R stand for?
Reread the question
What is the main idea?
What the text is mostly about.
What is the conflict?
The problem in the story.
What are context clues?
Words around a word that help you figure out its meaning.
Jenna volunteers to help clean up a mess she didn’t make, even though no one is watching. What character trait does this show, and what is your evidence?
Responsible or kind; evidence is that she helped even when she didn’t have to.
What does “E” remind you to do before answering?
Examine the answers choices carefully
A passage explains a problem with ocean pollution and then gives ways to reduce it. What text structure is used?
Problem and solution.
What is point of view?
Who is telling the story.
“Unlike his boisterous friends, Malik was quiet and reserved.” What does boisterous most likely mean?
Loud or energetic.
How does a first-person point of view help the reader understand the story better?
It shows the narrator's thoughts and feelings directly.
Which step tells you to go back into the passage?
L – Look back in the text.
What does “cause and effect” mean?
One thing happens (cause) and makes another thing happen (effect).
What is the theme?
The lesson or message of the story.
What is a synonym?
A word with a similar meaning.
The text says, “Luis kept glancing at the clock and tapping his foot as the teacher spoke.” What can you infer about Luis, and what details support your answer?
He is anxious or impatient; evidence is glancing at the clock and tapping his foot.
What does the “X” step help you do?
X out any imposters/wrong answers
What is the author’s purpose in an informational text?
To inform or explain.
How can a reader tell that a character has changed by the end of a story?
Their actions, decisions, or feelings are different than at the beginning.
“The classroom was a zoo.” What does zoo suggest in this sentence?
It was loud and chaotic.
A character refuses help even when they are struggling. What can you infer about their motivation?
They may be proud, independent, or don’t want others to see them struggle.
In the RELAX strategy, what does the “A” step remind you to do after answering a question?
Go back and check your answer by rereading the question and the text.
Why might an author include a diagram in an informational text about how a machine works?
To help the reader better understand how it works visually.
A character lies to protect a friend, even though they might get in trouble. What can you infer about the character’s values?
They value loyalty or friendship over honesty or rules.
“The hikers were exhausted after the strenuous climb up the mountain.” What does strenuous most nearly mean?
Difficult or requiring a lot of effort.
Why might an author choose third-person limited point of view instead of first person?
To show one character’s thoughts while still allowing a broader view of the story.