Multiple Choice Questions
There are 4 answer choices for a multiple choice question, how many answers should you try to eliminate?
2
Try eliminating two questions that do not belong
The reading is long and boring and you forget what you read and the follow up questions make no sense, what can you do?
Read the questions before the reading prompt, this will help you look for the answers while reading. You can also go back and skim if you’re running out of time.
How many paragraphs are in an essay?
Five
What should you do the night before you take the MCAS?
Get enough sleep! Your brain needs to rest and be ready to tackle the MCAS at 7:45am
True or false:
You should arrive late to class on Mcas days (Tuesday and Wednesday)
False. The test begins at 7:35am, so get here early!
The question does not make sense or is too difficult, what should you do?
Skip it and come back to it later
You’re reading a long passage and it does not make sense, what strategies can help you understand the text?
Annotate or take notes after every paragraph, this way you are breaking up the passage into bite sized chunks of information
You will need to use _____to make your essay strong.
(Clue: C, E, R)
Evidence
And be sure to use “quotations”
When utilizing direct evidence
Nourishment is essential, what does this mean?
You need to eat breakfast! This will help you focus on the exam, rather than your rumbling stomach.
How long is each testing session?
You can take all day.
There is a word in the question or answer you do not recognize, what could you do to understand the question?
Use context clues
Or
Make an educated guess (eliminate as many choices as possible)
When you are reading, try to create these in your head
Images. Try to visualize what is happening, this will help you understand the text at a deeper level
Don’t forget to restate the ____when writing the essay
Restate the question!
You are anxious and negative thoughts begin to creep in, what can you do?
Take a deep breath, it sounds absurd but taking a deep breath sends signals to your brain to lower your stress levels . Also, use positive self-talk “queen, you got this!”
Is it okay to switch computers without teacher permission during the test?
No! You may not switch computers without teacher approval
True or false:
You should skim the directions
False, read the directions carefully!
AGAIN-READ THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY
When reading, why is it important to look at the title, subtitles, pictures, charts, etc
the title, subtitles, pictures, and charts, typically have important information readily available and can help answer questions
List the components of an essay
(Clue: it starts with an…)
Introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion
Some experts recommend reading the entire test first, why would this help?
You know exactly what to expect throughout the exam
What was the American revolution?
The u.s. colonies fought the British for independence
You’re feeling tired and start to nod off, what can you do to wake up and refocus your energy on the test?
Ask for a bathroom or water break.
You can stretch or whatever helps you energize your body and mind.
How could re-reading a sentence, or paragraph help you in a test?
Sometimes we misread a word and it changes the meaning of the sentence, so re-reading a passage helps our comprehension and will likely help answer the question correctly.
What do you need to do with your phones while testing?
Turn them off. Any use of electronics will result in detention. Bring a book to read-yes, reading is encouraged after you complete your MCAS.
What was the result of the American revolution?
The united states gained their independence, yay, America!