Testing Strategies
When we are annotating the questions, what should we be looking to circle?
The "where" and "what" of the question! Specific paragraph or stanza numbers, key concepts/terms, character names, etc.
What is a simpler word for when we are asked "How does the author illustrate/demonstrate/convey/display/exhibit/reveal..."
SHOW
What is the definition of an "inference?"
an educated guess (based on the text AND background knowledge)
Write an example of a simile!
answers will vary
What is the highest number of points you can score on an SCR?
2
When reviewing the answer choices, what strategy can you use to narrow down to the BEST choice?
Process of elimination
10 words or less and 2-3 times per passage
What is it called when you recap the MOST important details of a text?
a summary
Write an example of a metaphor!
answers will vary
If you have a clear topic sentence, but you do NOT have evidence (or have incorrect evidence), what is your score?
1
After choosing the BEST answer to a multiple choice question, what is an ADDITIONAL step you can take to check your answer?
What is a "paragraph" called in a poem?
a stanza
What is it called when you look before and after the word in the text to figure out the meaning of an unknown word?
using context clues
What is the definition for giving human-like qualities to something that is not human?
personification
If you have GREAT evidence, but your topic sentence is NOT accurate/correct, what is your score?
0
What can you do if you come across a word you do not recognize?
Use context clues, use the digital dictionary tool on the test, or use the hard copies of the dictionaries around the room
EVIDENCE (direct quotes from the passage!)
What is the definition of "theme?"
the main message/lesson the author is trying to teach you through their story
What is the term for an extreme exaggeration?
hyperbole
If you have a clear and accurate topic sentence and you include a quote from the text to support your answer, what is your score?
2
What is the first step before even reading the passage on the test?
PREVIEW the QUESTIONS to see what you should read most closely for OR PREVIEW the PASSAGE for genre/topic/POV
What is an "excerpt?"
a piece or part of something
When talking about author's purpose, what does P.I.E. stand for?
to persuade, to inform, to entertain
What is the author's main purpose for using figurative language in any text?
to create a visual/picture in the mind of the reader or to emphasize a detail in the text/draw our attention to it
Besides topic sentence and evidence, what SHOULD you add in order to ensure that you get a 2 out of 2 on an SCR?
a 1-2 sentence explanation to prove how evidence supports the topic sentence