Common Test Questions & Vocab
What is the difference between the theme of a story and the central idea?
The theme is the message, moral, or lesson of the story, while the central idea is what the text is mostly about along with the author’s message or perspective on that topic.
True or False: you shouldn't complete your chart/annotate the passages as/after you read because it is distracting and wastes time.
FALSE! You SHOULD annotate the text because it helps you better understand what you are reading and will help you answer the questions.
What is a simile? Vs Metaphor Vs Personification
Metaphor → Comparison (no “like/as”)
Simile → Comparison using “like/as”
Personification → Giving human traits to non-human things
True or false: you have learned two multiple choice strategies mainly? AND what are they?
Gut Response & Prove it Right/Prove it Wrong, WRITTEN ON Notebook/scratch paper
How can you get full credit (2 out of 2) on your short answer questions? In other words, what should you do when you are answering the short answer questions?
1. Restate the question & answer it (making an inference).
2. Provide 2 pieces of evidence (quotes!).
3. Explain your evidence (analysis).
"Which of the sentences from the passage best supports the author’s central idea?" In this question the word best tells me that all the answer choices could be _____________, but I have to find the ______________ answer.
correct best
What are at least two strategies you can use if you come across a word you don’t know while reading?
You can use context clues, look for a root word you recognize, or substitute another word to see if the sentence still makes sense.
What is imagery? And How may an author use it?
Descriptive language that helps the reader create a mental picture
Okay I tried my strategies! BUT What should you do if you are still not sure what answer choice is the correct one?
a) Don't bubble in any answer and leave it blank
b) Spend 15 minutes trying to decide on an answer
c) Eliminate the obvious wrong answer choices and then make an educated guess
c) Eliminate the obvious wrong answer choices and then make an educated guess
Your Educated guess should be rooted in your understanding of the question and the word choices in your multiple choice options
True or False: You should always reread what you wrote before moving on to the next question. Why or why not?
TRUE! You should always reread what you wrote as your answer to make sure that... 1. You didn't make any careless mistakes in spelling, punctuation or grammar that would make it difficult for someone to understand. 2. You made an inference in your answer and provided TWO pieces of evidence. 3. You actually answered the EXACT question you are being asked to answer
How does paragraph 4 CONTRIBUTE to the development of ideas in the text?" In this question, I am being asked how paragraph 4 _____________ the development of ideas in the passage.
adds to, builds on/supports/connects
What are the 3 possible annotation charts you can/should use to annotate the passages you are reading AFTER identifying the genre/passage type? (DETAILED)
POEM- TTT, (Topic, Tone,Theme)
NF- TIPP,(Topic, Important Idea/Impact, POV/Perspective, Purpose)
F- SCCRT(Setting, Character, Conflict, Resolution, Theme)
What is text structure? And ways a text may be organized?
When authors organize ideas using patterns such as cause/effect, problem/solution, or chronological order
True or False: You should read all the answer choices, even if the first or second answer sounds correct to you. WHY or WHY NOT
TRUE! Almost every question will have 2 answer choices that are somewhat easy to eliminate and then 1 answer choice that is there to trick you! So you should read and reread each answer choice carefully and check back to the text to make sure you are choosing the correct answer and not the trick answer! (word choice)
What are some ways you can use your planning page before starting to write your essay?
(1) Break down the ESSAY Question (your CFS)
2 Jot down the structure/parts of an essay
3. Jot down brief ideas of how you might answer the main claim vs sub claims, what you will focus on in your body paragraphs.
4. Look back at the text and then write down/jot all the possible pieces of evidence you might want to use (that way you can choose from those pieces of evidence while writing your essay).
What is meant by the plot of a story?
- Ex: "How did the interaction between Tom and Jerry contribute to the plot"
The plot is the events of the story, or what happens from beginning to end. (THINK- PLOT Diagram)
Ex: The interaction between Tom chasing Jerry contributes to the plot because it shows the beginning of their conflict and leads up to the climax of the story.
How are tone and mood different in a story, and how can a reader identify them?
Tone is how the author or character feels about the subject, while mood is how the reader feels while reading the text. Students can usually identify both by looking at the author’s word choice and descriptions.
What is symbolism, Foreshadowing, and a flashback?
Symbolism: When an object, character, or event represents a larger idea beyond itself
Foreshadowing → Hints about what will happen later
Flashback- going back to a memory in time
Why should you identify key words in the questions?
To help you understand EXACTLY what each question is asking you and help you know what to focus on when you read the passage.
The questions are often tricky and if you don't read them carefully and focus on the key words you might make a careless mistake when answering the question!
How many paragraphs should your essay have for ELA? ANDDD What are the parts? To insure I do not lose any unnecessary points WHAT MUST I INCLUDE
4 Paragraphs Total! Introduction, Body 1, Body 2, and a Conclusion.
A clear concluding paragraph
Reveal. Depict. Illustrate. Convey. Represent.
What do all of these words tell you to do when answering a question about a text?
- EX: "How does the author convey their theme..."
All these words mean I need to identify and explain how an author shows or proves something.
Scenario: I just read a passage and it feels like it could be real life but I do not know if it is a real person/event, how can I figure out whether it is realistic fiction or a memoir/biography? SCRRT Vs TIPP
Realistic fiction is made up but believable, while memoirs and biographies are based on real people and real events. I can look for clues like real names, true life experiences, and whether the author is telling their own story or someone else’s real story.
What are some ways nonfiction authors support their ideas vs fiction authors?
Nonfiction authors support their ideas by using evidence that can be proven, such as facts, statistics, expert opinions, research, graphs/charts/visuals, and real-life examples or anecdotes. These help build credibility and show that their claims are true.
Fiction authors support their ideas more indirectly by using literary craft moves to develop meaning and engage the reader, such as symbolism, imagery, figurative language, characterization, character development, and plot events. These tools help convey themes and messages rather than prove facts.
Here is your question: What is it asking you to do?:
“Which of the following two details least supports the central idea of the passage?”
It is asking me to choose which of the two details does not support the central idea of the passage.
CREATE A CFS for the question:
Here is The Essay Question:
What is the central idea emphasized in both of the texts? Based on how is it developed which details are most convincing in supporting that idea? Use details from the passage to support your response.
Main Claim: -