MCAS Rules
Is gum allowed on the day of MCAS? If yes, what flavor? If no, what is?
Gum is not allowed, you may only bring in mints.
(Note: If you are doing anything too obnoxious with your mints, you will be told to spit it out.)
What types of words or phrases should you use to connect sentences or paragraphs together, or change from one topic to another?
Transition Words / Transition Phrases
What is a hook, and where does it go in an essay?
Your hook is a one sentence statement, fact or question that is used to grab the reader's attention.
You hook goes in the first sentence of your introduction paragraph.
How long should your MCAS essay be?
5 paragraphs
What is one strategy you can use when you come across an unknown word?
1. Look for clues in the surrounding words in the sentence
2. Reread the surrounding sentences for clues
What types of clothes are not allowed on the day of MCAS?
No pajamas or blankets, or snuggies. Dress for success! (Note: sweatpants and sweatshirts are acceptable if you're looking to be comfy.)
How should you organize your MCAS essay?
Introduction Paragraph: Hook, Background Information, Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph 1: 2 pieces of evidence, 2 elaborations, and transition words
Body Paragraph 2: 2 pieces of evidence, 2 elaborations, and transition words
Body Paragraph 3: 2 pieces of evidence, 2 elaborations, and transition words
Conclusion Paragraph: Summarize your thoughts, briefly explain the main idea of each body paragraph, restate and reword your thesis
What is a thesis statement? Where does a thesis statement go in an essay?
A thesis statement is one sentence that tells the reader what your essay is going to be about.
A thesis statement is located in the last sentence of your introduction paragraph.
What do you need to put in each body paragraph to support your answer or claim?
Two pieces of evidence
What are two strategies you can use to help yourself if you are stuck on a multiple-choice question?
(100 points for each strategy)
-Go back to the text
-Reread the question and answer choices
- Cross out the wrong answers
-Move on and come back to the question later
Will there be a break during MCAS? If so, when and how long?
Yes, there will be a 5-minute break once your MCAS session is halfway over.
Name 3 transition words you might use in your writing.
Without a doubt
In addition,
Furthermore,
Finally,
In conclusion,
However,
Afterwards,
First,
Secondly,
Last but not least,
What is a main idea?
Typically, one sentence explaining what a story is about.
What is a topic sentence and where do topic sentences go?
How can you make a good first topic sentence?
(100 points for each correct answer)
A topic sentence is a sentence that tells the reader the main idea and what your paragraph will be about.
Topic sentences are the first sentence in every paragraph.
You can make a good first topic sentence by turning the question into a statement
The central idea is another word for ______ _______?
Main Idea
Are electronic devices allowed during MCAS?
The only electronic device you are allowed to use during your test are your Chromebooks. No air pods, apple watches, cell phones, fit bits.
Define simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole.
(100 points for each correct answer)
Simile: comparing 2 unlike things using like or as
Metaphor: comparing 2 unlike things without using like or as
Personification: Giving objects human-like qualities
Hyperbole: An extreme exaggeration
What is theme?
The lesson or message the author is trying to convey.
Give 2 examples of how you can introduce a quote.
The author states,
The author explains,
The novel illustrates,
According to the text,
When giving scrap paper, what should do you before answering the open response question?
Make and fill out a TIDE graphic organizer
Is there a time limit for the test?
MCAS is scheduled to take place until 11:30, however, if you are still not finished by that time, you will be removed from the class to work in a separate place. You will have at most, until the end of the day to complete the test.
If you are asked to compare 2 texts, what is one way you can organize your thoughts?
Intro
Body Paragraph 1: 2 pieces of evidence and elaborations on Text A
Body Paragraph 2: 2 pieces of evidence and elaborations on Text B
Body Paragraph 3: Use 1 piece of evidence from Text A and 1 from Text B
Conclusion Paragraph
What does infer mean?
To figure something out even though it is not specifically mentioned, to read between the lines.
What can you do if you forget how to cite your evidence?
Look back in the test and see how the MCAS writers cite quotes in the multiple choice section.
What does it mean to put something in chronological order?
to put the events in the order in which they happened