Multiple Choice
Why is it helpful to predict an answer before looking at the answer choices?
Predicting helps you focus your thinking and reduces being swayed to other, incorrect answers.
What should your thesis statement clearly express in the literary analysis essay (Part 3)?
Your thesis should state the central idea and the device the author used to develop that idea.
What is the main purpose of writing an argument essay?
To persuade the reader using logical reasons and evidence.
How much time should you aim to spend on the multiple-choice section?
About 40-45 minutes.
What are two common types of context clues?
Definition clues and example clues.
What are the three main reasons an author writes a text?
To inform, persuade, or entertain.
Prior to reading a passage that has multiple choice questions, what should you put in the margin?
You should bracket line references and label the question number.
Why is it helpful to eliminate obviously wrong answers first?
Eliminating wrong answers narrows choices and improves odds if guessing.
Name one way to introduce textual evidence in your essay.
Use phrases like "For example," or "The text states," to introduce evidence.
Why is it important to acknowledge counterarguments?
Addressing counterarguments shows understanding of other views and strengthens yours.
What should you do if a question is taking too long to answer?
Skip and return later to keep moving forward.
How can synonyms help you understand an unknown word?
Synonyms nearby give similar meaning clues.
What question can you ask to help identify the central idea of a passage?
What's the gist of this passage?
You can answer the multiple choices as you read the passage because...
The questions go in order of the passage and often help you understand the passage.
How do absolute words like "always" or "never" affect answer choices?
Absolute words like "always" or "never" often make answers incorrect because they leave no exceptions.
Why is it important to explain the significance of your evidence?
Explaining significance shows how evidence supports your thesis as well as shows YOUR understanding of the evidence.
Give an example of strong evidence you can use to support your claim.
Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions are strong evidence.
How much time is recommended for the literary analysis essay?
About 40-45 minutes.
Why are prefixes and suffixes useful in figuring out word meanings?
Prefixes/suffixes reveal meaning or word type.
What type of evidence is more effective in proving a claim - fact or opinion? Why?
Facts support ideas; opinions show bias or perspective.
You should never have to GUESS the correct answer because...
When a question asks for the author’s tone, what should you look for in the passage?
Look for emotional language or word choice revealing the author’s attitude.
What role does the topic sentence play in each paragraph?
Topic sentences introduce the paragraph’s main idea and link to the thesis.
What are some transition words you could use to improve the flow of your argument?
Next, further, in addition
however, although, contrarily
Why is it important to leave time for proofreading?
Proofreading helps catch mistakes and improve clarity.
What should you do if context clues are unclear?
Try rereading or look for other clues in the passage.
What clues in the text help reveal the author’s tone?
Diction (word choice), syntax (word arrangement), punctuation.
If you don't know what a word means and it's one of your answer choices, what should you do?
Evaluate the other word meanings in your choices to see if you can eliminate options.
Look at prefix, suffix, and core root of the word.
How can reading all answer choices before selecting one improve your chances?
Reading all choices helps avoid missing the best possible answer.
How should you structure your conclusion paragraph?
Restate your thesis and explain why your analysis matters in the conclusion.
What should your thesis statement include in an argument essay?
It should FIRMLY state your position and your main claims to support your position.
What is a good way to keep track of time during the exam?
Set a time pace before you begin the exam. After you finish the first task, check to see if you're keeping a good pace.
How can you use the overall passage to determine the meaning of a word?
The overall passage tone and topic help clarify meaning.
What does it mean to know your audience when writing?
It means to know WHO you're writing to/for.
There are many golden nuggets given to you in the passages you read, name TWO of them.
italicized information (who, what, where)
footnotes
pictures
What should you do if you don’t know the answer to a difficult question?
Skip it and return later if time allows to avoid wasting too much time.
What is a good strategy for organizing your essay before writing?
Outline your main points and evidence before writing to stay organized.
What is a good way to conclude your argument essay?
Start by restating your position (thesis).
How can you practicing pacing before the test to help you on exam day?
Practice exam type questions by going to NYSEDREGENTS.org and practice old exams. Answer keys are available for you to check your answers.
(NY state regents)
Why is it helpful to reread sentences around a difficult word?
Rereading surrounding sentences provides more context clues.
What questions can you ask yourself to clarify the central idea?
"What is the author trying to say?"
"Why did they write this?"
"What is the main lesson in this passage?"
No matter what, never, ever do this.
Leave an answer or essay question blank.