Standard Strategies
In an inferencing question where the inference is given directly, what should I look for in my answer choices?
EX: How does the speaker support the idea that aviation needs more risk-takers?
What is an option that includes something about the key words.
EX: needs more risk-takers
Answer: by describing people (the risk-taker!) whose innovative thinking created something new and important (signifies the need!)
How would you breakdown the following question? And which answer choices do you think you could automatically eliminate and why?
Which quotation expresses the challenges associated with natural gas?
a. "However, there are limits on how much natural gas we can find and get out of the ground with today’s technologies.” (paragraph 15)
b. “Researchers are continuing to study about how natural gas was formed and where it has collected within the earth’s crust.” (paragraph 16)
c. “Like oil production, some natural gas flows freely to wells because the natural pressure of the underground reservoir forces the gas through the reservoir rocks.” (paragraph 17)
d. “Natural gas can be found in a variety of different underground formations, including shale formations, sandstone beds, and coal seams.” (paragraph 21)
underline "quotation"
underline "challenges associated with natural gas"
B,C, & D--do not say anything about challenges
Definitions, synonyms, and antonyms are all things to look for when identifying _______________?
What are context clues
What is a simile
What is the FIRST thing you should do when starting a new passage?
What is BREAKDOWN YOUR QUESTIONS!!!
Name at least THREE of the important tools within the text can help you identify the central idea of an informational text?
1) Title, Pictures, & Headings
2) Find the claim or thesis
3) Read the first and last sentence of every paragraph
4) Repeated Words
5) Summarize the text or ask yourself "what is this text mostly about?"
How would you breakdown the following question? What answer choices can you eliminate and WHY?
What does repugnant mean in paragraph 3?
a. cruel
b. illegal
c. unacceptable
d. voluntary
Underline "repugnant"
Underline "paragraph 3"
D can be eliminated because repugnant seems negative.
What is the emotional meaning that is tied to a word?
what is connotation (+ or -)
What is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable (the world is a stage)?
What is a metaphor.
If the unknown word seems negative, what should I eliminate in my answer choices?
What is any answer choice that has a positive connotation.
When looking for an objective summary, what are the TWO most important things to look for?
What are
1) only facts (no opinions)
2) only the important details (no unnecessary information)
How would you breakdown the following question AND answer choices?
How effectively does Kennedy support the claim selected in Part A?
a. The claim is well-supported by examples detailing the types of information enemies gleaned from newspapers.
b. The claim is well-supported by accusations of enemy spies infiltrating newspapers to gain information.
c. The reasoning is flawed because it fails to explain why enemy countries wanted the information that newspapers published.
d. The reasoning is flawed because it relies solely on a biased opinion about newspapers rather than verifiable information.
Underline "effectively"
Underline "support claim"
Underline "Part A"
*underline "well-supported" and "flawed", then look at the last part of the question.
*Depending on the answer to Part A, you can eliminate the back half of the answer choices
Where the theme or author's central idea takes SHAPE can be found in what part of the story?
What is the climax.
What is a figure of speech that uses intentional exaggeration for emphasis or effect, not to be taken literally (I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.)?
What is hyperbole?
TRUE--If you know non-fiction is not your strength, try starting there when your brain is more alert and fresh. If you start to get frustrated or tired, move to a passage in the genre that is easier for you to give yourself a break.
What are the 4-steps to figuring out the meaning of words you don't know?
What is
1) Context Clues
2) Roots & Affixes
3) Connotation
4) Word Association
How would you breakdown the following question AND answer choices?
How does the author use rhetoric in paragraph 7 to develop his point of view?
a. The author uses sarcasm to communicate disdain toward people disinterested in sports.
b. The author uses hyperbole to express panic about the fate and health of the nation.
c. The author uses oxymoron to express confusion about why the public avoids exercise.
d. The author uses repetition to show concern about the physical fitness of the country.
Underline "paragraph 7"
Underline "point of view"
*underline sarcasm, hyperbole, oxymoron, & repetition
*put a line separating the two sides after the rhetorical device.
*if one side is wrong, the whole answer is WRONG and can be eliminated
What is dramatic irony. (something in a work of fiction that creates mystery, tension, or surprise)
What is a device where a word, phrase, or idea is used multiple times for emphasis, rhythm, or to create a specific effect ("The old man walked down the street, down the street, down the street")?
What is repetition.
The answer you chose for Part B should match the answer choice you selected in Part A. True or False?
TRUE--use your answer to Part A to find the answer to Part B. Try to be consistent. Remember: If you get Part A right, but miss Part B, then you will still receive partial credit. The reverse results in NO credit because getting Part B correct and missing Part A is considered a fluke.
What is the acronym for analyzing character development? AND what do each of the letters stand for?
STEAL
Says, Think/Thoughts, Effect on Others, Actions, Looks
How would you breakdown the following question AND where would you look in the story?
How does the author refine the theme?
underline "refine"
underline "theme"
*refine = resolution
Where the theme or author's central idea REFINES can be found in what part of the story?
What is the resolution.
What is the act of placing two contrasting or dissimilar things, ideas, or characters side-by-side to highlight their differences or similarities, often to create a specific effect or meaning ("it was the best of times, it was the worst of times" ?
What is juxtaposition.
ALL PLAY:
You are more than your score on the state test. True or False?
TRUE--No matter what the result of your state test is, as long as you did YOUR best, then you have nothing to be ashamed of. Pass or fail, I am proud of you!