Test Strategies
What is the FIRST step of the basic approach? (First thing you do when you start a new question)
Set the question up on your scratch paper. Write A-B-C-D vertically on your scratch paper.
Look at the list of pronouns. Name the 3 singular pronouns.
I, They, These, Him, This, We, Us
I, Him, This
Find the blurb on page 61. Read it aloud. Why is the blurb an important section to read?
In this passage from a novel, a young girl on a farm is worried about incoming dangerous weather.
The blurb can give you information relating to a question like the main idea or who the author is.
What is a passing score on the TSI CRC?
945 or better
What are 3 examples of stop punctuation?
Period.
Semicolon ;
Comma and FANBOYS , and
Question Mark ?
Exclamation Mark !
What is the SECOND step of the basic approach with a passage?
Understand the question. Rewrite the question using what/why.
Which pronoun is correct in this sentence?
When one is successful, one/they should enjoy it.
When one is successful, one should enjoy it.
Look at the informational passage on page 37.
7. The author most likely mentions the plight of African Americans in order to
How could I rewrite this question using my what/why strategy?
Why does the author mention the struggles of African Americans?
What is a passing score on the TSI essay?
5-8
When you see STOP punctuation in any answer choice, use the Vertical Line Test. What are the steps in the Vertical Line Test?
1.Draw a vertical line at the spot where the punctuation changes in the answer choices.
2. Identify each part of the sentence as a complete or incomplete idea.
What should you do after reading the informational or literary passage with a purpose?
Make a prediction. Copy information from the passage that answers the question onto your scratch paper.
Which verb is correct? Why?
Neither my parents nor my grandparents (are/is) fluent in Norwegian.
Neither my parents nor my grandparents are fluent in Norwegian BECAUSE plural subjects need plural verbs.
Using the same passage from page 61, what is the correct answer for number 16?
The third paragraph (sentences 10-14) suggests that Henry knows a cyclone is coming because
A He read the weather report earlier that day
B He saw the tornado on the horizon
C One of the neighbors warned him
D He understood the signs of the approaching storm
D He understood the signs of the approaching storm
When it comes to Essay Revision MC questions, what is the first step in the basic approach AFTER you have written ABCD down your paper?
Tip: You are faced with a passage. What do you need to do with those paragraphs?
Skim the entire passage and write down the main idea. Write down the point or topic of each paragraph.
Which answer choice is correct?
Among the bands I listen to most often is Imagine Dragons, another that I find interesting is Panic! At the Disco.
A Imagine Dragons, another that I find
B Imagine Dragons; another one that I find
C Imagine Dragons, the other, and I find it
D Imagine Dragons; another one which is found
B Imagine Dragons; another one that I find
What symbols do you use during POE (process of elimination)? What symbol indicates a good answer? A maybe answer? A wrong answer?
A-Good (Checkmark)
B-Maybe (Question Mark)
C-Wrong (X it out)
Remember! A maybe answer might be the best answer choice you have!
Which answer choice is most correct?
My father complained to the sheriff about the neighbor's noisy party, but he said there was nothing he could do about it.
A but he said
B and they told me
C but the sheriff said
D but it was said
C but the sheriff said
Using the passage on page 37, respond to number 8.
In the context of the passage as a whole, the last sentence serves primarily to
A justify the use of a specific designation
B summarize the information relayed earlier in the passage
C provide information that calls into question the author's main thesis
D relate the etymology of a particular term to the historical events that produced it
D relate the etymology of a particular term to the historical events that produced it
Read passage 1 and 2 on page 73. Respond to number 8.
The advice in both Passage 1 and 2 can be described as
A poetic
B somber
C indirect
D straightforward
C indirect
Choose the correct answer choice.
Virologists are medical doctors who study the diagnosis, management, and prevention, of viral infection.
A diagnosis, management, and prevention, of viral infection
B diagnosis, management and prevention of viral infection
C diagnosis, management, and prevention of viral infection
D diagnosis management and prevention of viral infection
C diagnosis, management, and prevention of viral infection
Think of the word choice used in an answer choice. How do you know you can automatically X out an answer during process of elimination? (Think language used!)
Extreme language-CROSS IT OUT! Ex: hate, adore, condemn, criticize, worship, never, always etc.
Could be True. Avoid answers that may be true but are not directly supported in the passage. TSI likes to be literal!
Deceptive Language. Avoid answers that contain true information from the passage but don't actually answer the question asked.
Choose the correct answer.
Many years of dedicated study and practice is requires to become a professional violinist.
A practice is required to become
B practice is required to became
C practice are required to become
D practice are required to eventually become
C practice are required to become
Using the passage on page 61, respond to number 13.
The author repeatedly uses the word "gray" in the first paragraph (sentences 1-3) in order to
A Criticize Henry and Em for their uncaring attitudes
B Give a contrast between Dorothy and her surroundings
C Depict the struggles of Depression-era farmers
D Foreshadow where Dorothy will end up because of the tornado
B Give a contrast between Dorothy and her surroundings
Misplaced Modifier Question!
Returning home for a visit, the backyard seemed much smaller to Richard than he remembered.
A Returning home for a visit, the backyard seemed much smaller to Richard
B Returning home for a visit, it seemed a much smaller backyard to Richard.
C Richard returned home for a visit, and the backyard seemed to him much smaller.
D When Richard returned home, the backyard seemed much smaller.
D When Richard returned home, the backyard seemed much smaller.
C is too wordy!
Choose the correct answer choice.
The Oxford comma or serial comma, is one of the most contested concepts in English punctuation.
A comma or serial comma, is one of the
B comma, or serial comma is one of the
C comma, or serial comma, is one of the
D comma, or serial comma, is one, of the
C comma, or serial comma, is one of the