Test Taking Strategies
The sound level of the classroom when students are taking the SBAC.
What is silence?
quiet/silent
You are asked to write an argumentative essay in support of paternity leave being extended to new fathers. Which of these sentences would not be important to include in support of the argument?
Studies suggest that fathers who take paternity leave have an increased role in child-care-related tasks, and their involvement may have lasting impact on their children’s performance in school.
Granting men paternity leave helps increase mothers’ incomes as women can re-enter the workforce sooner, giving both partners an increased sense of self-worth.
A child’s brain develops significantly in the weeks and months following birth, and the interactions, relationships, and experiences babies are exposed to can set the stage for the rest of their lives.
There is a social stigma associated with men who want to take paternity leave after the birth of a child, and he may face negative criticism for this decision from friends, coworkers, and even family members
What is 4?
Write the sentence that best supports the conclusion that Chancellor may have done Ermysted a favor by ordering his mural be painted over.
Throughout the sitting, this man, whom Ermysted had long proclaimed guilty of shattering his early childhood, took the artist's hand and, with earnest warmth, thanked Ermysted for his time, causing Ermysted to wonder if perhaps there was an expiration date on blaming Chancellor for wounding his fragile sensibilities. Back in his studio, he studied his preliminary painting critically and found that the foreboding, lifeless palette he had selected felt both unkind as well as disingenuous. He set about replacing the pallid greys with cadmium red, yellow ochre, and raw sienna, and with each brushstroke, Ermysted realized that Chancellor's harsh assessment in bygone times had afforded him the temerity to switch schools and doggedly pursue a life of his own choosing.
Ermysted returned to deliver the finished portrait, the results of which pleased Chancellor to no end. Then Chancellor shared with Ermysted how he had pored over five yearbooks before coming upon Ermysted's photograph during his second year.
What is He set about replacing the pallid greys with cadmium red, yellow ochre, and raw sienna, and with each brushstroke, Ermysted realized that Chancellor's harsh assessment in bygone times had afforded him the temerity to switch schools and doggedly pursue a life of his own choosing./
A student is writing an article about safety in high school athletics. Read the draft of the article and complete the task that follows.
Just how safe are high school athletics? Critics would argue that most sports are highly dangerous to those teens who participate in them. Recently football has been the most closely scrutinized. The dangers of the high school gridiron are many: head injuries, knee injuries, and heat exhaustion. It seems as if every year more studies are released implicating the immediate and long-term effects of this highly physical sport. Football, however, is not the only sport that has drawn attention. Any sport that involves contact (contact (basketball, hockey, lacrosse)lacrosse) can leave its players vulnerable to injury. The question then becomes: what is being done to prevent these injuries?
Steps are being taken to reduce the most serious complications of all sports. One way that these issues are being addressed is through the development of new equipment. Another way is through more stringent rules that govern practices as well as game time situations. Most importantly, educating players, coaches, and parents to the real dangers of athletics has taken a new priority. Through education, regulations, and equipment, high school sports can continue to be a source of entertainment, not danger.
Select the two sentences that provide the best evidence to support the main idea of the paper.
A) It has been estimated that nearly half of all high school students participate in athletics on some level.
B) This school district reports that each high school has a minimum of five varsity sports; this number does not include junior varsity or community leagues.
C) Bob Jones, Southern High's athletic director, added this comment: “We had a very successful season; injuries did not play a measurable role in our record.”
D) District wide data indicates that students are injured on school property at a relatively low rate; last year only thirty-three accidents were reported that resulted in student injury.
E) One of the most visible educational campaigns has been launched by the National Football League (NFL); it is entitled “Heads Up” and trains coaches and student athletes on techniques to avoid head injuries.
F) In a 20102010 study, American University found that close to 8080 percent of high school athletes had reported injuries during their athletic careers; approximately 2525 percent of these injuries were considered serious.
What is E, F
The main idea of an informational text or the point the author wants you to remember most is called the ____.
What is central idea?
Students' phones and wire/less ear buds should be in this position.
What is off/ put away?
Value of the Arts Fine arts programs in public education furnish critical thinking. Artists must evaluate their work for form and substance to ensure it accurately represents their vision and make any adjustments that are needed. Musicians must practice their skills continually and evaluate accuracy of their performance.
Arts programs also encourage goal setting. Both artists and musicians must make a vision of what they want their skills to be, and work to achieve that vision. They must constantly evaluate their abilities and decide what they must do to reach their goals. Goal setting is a skill that will be valuable to them not only in the arts, but also in other areas of life.
What are more concrete or specific words to replace the two underlined words?
A) promote
B) provide
C) supply
D) establish
E) implement
F) start
What is A, D
You are assigned to write an essay defending the claim that school uniforms are beneficial to student learning. Which sentence in the attached paragraph should not be included?
(1) School uniforms have a variety of benefits to the school environment. (2) First, they can help students focus more attention on their schoolwork rather than their fashion. (3) Today’s students are one of the largest consumer groups in the nation and fashion is a statement students can make about themselves without saying a word. (4) Fashion is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. (5) Fashion reflects personality, but it also creates a sense of peer pressure. (6) Students who cannot afford to buy the latest fashion trends or who wear outdated clothes may be looked down upon or even bullied. (7) School uniforms help reduce the chances of cliques forming based on fashion as everyone is “equal” in their appearance.
What is sentence 4?
1. Read the sentences that follow.
2. Use the transitions to organize the sentences by numbering them.
3. The first sentence is numbered for you.
__1__ Behaviorism is a theory developed by John B. Watson.
_____ In fact, he was able to condition dogs so they salivated (drooled) every time they heard a bell ring.
_____ Pavlov used Watson’s theory of conditioning with dogs.
_____ Well, according to one scientist, “It’s really all about rewards. With the right reward, you could pretty much get people to do whatever you wanted them to do.”
_____ How does this apply to humans?
_____ Although many people don’t know who Watson is, they’ve heard of the famous experiment by another psychologist named Pavlov.
What is 1, 4, 3,6, 5, 2
A student is writing an informational research report about climbing Mt. Everest. Look at the attached list and select the two most credible sources that would most likely give the student more relevant information to include in her report:
Source 1: Climbing to the Heavens: a nonfiction autobiographical text about a woman who climbed Mt. Everest after the death of her husband and children in a car accident
Source 2: “My Experiences with Everest”: a blog by an unknown “adventurer” who claims to have traveled the world spending less than $1 a day
Source 3: Backpacking Through Nepal: a nonfiction text about planning a hike through Nepal, where Mt. Everest is located
Source 4: Summits of the World: a documentary film about the top ten most summited mountains in the world
Source 5: A topographic map of Mt. Everest and the surrounding Himalayan mountains
Source 6: Geology Made Simple: a textbook explaining how mountains are formed
What is Source(s) 1 and 5?
Students do this thing when they are preparing to answer the questions.
What is reading all parts carefully?
Read this selection from the attached text. What is the central idea of this section?
“I do not like the way the Senate has been made a rendezvous for vilification, for selfish political gain at the sacrifice of individual reputations and national unity. I am not proud of the way we smear outsiders from the floor of the Senate and hide behind the cloak of congressional immunity and still place ourselves beyond criticism on the floor of the Senate.”
The speaker is concerned about backroom deals that are being made by some of her colleagues in the Senate. She is trying to expose the secrecy and bring to light the truth of what is happening in government at the moment.
The speaker wants to get rid of corrupt politicians she sees as taking advantage of the American people and who threaten national unity. She is tired of the lies and the negativity and is calling for her colleagues who behave badly to be replaced in upcoming elections to raise the sanctity of politics back to where it should be based on the ideas of the founders of this nation.
The speaker supports the idea of national unity at all costs. If this means needing to put forth one face while acting differently behind closed doors, so be it. The top consideration is the safety and security of the nation.
The speaker disagrees with the behavior of her colleagues in the Senate. She is disturbed by the negative energy and selfish political motivation she sees in some of her colleagues and suggests a need for transparency and for all people of the United States, including the politicians, to be held to the same standard of decorum.
What is C or The speaker disagrees with the behavior of her colleagues in the Senate. She is disturbed by the negative energy and selfish political motivation she sees in some of her colleagues and suggests a need for transparency and for all people of the United States, including the politicians, to be held to the same standard of decorum. ?
There are many positive aspects to volunteering. You gain valuable hands-on experience wherever you are working. If you volunteer in a homework help program at the library, you learn how to teach others. Some students use volunteering as a way to try out a career direction. A student who wants to be a children's doctor can volunteer in the children's wing of a hospital. You can learn leadership skills as a volunteer. If you work in an afterschool program at the local recreation center, you might find yourself leading a group of children in a game of basketball.
Many teens simply do not have the time to fit another activity into a busy schedule that includes schoolwork, sports, clubs, jobs, and a social life. Some students view their extracurricular activities as a way to accomplish the same goals that volunteering does. You can gain leadership skills as the captain of the volleyball team or organizational skills by working on the high school yearbook.
Choose the transition sentence that would improve the links between the first and the second paragraph. A. The negative aspects of volunteering should not be overstated.
B. Many teens need to be convinced that volunteering should be mandatory.
C. However challenging volunteering may be, it will, in the end, provide many benefits.
D. It is understandable why students feel they can not commit to volunteering in the community.
What is D. It is understandable why students feel they can not commit to volunteering in the community.
A student is writing an essay for the school's counselors, proposing a cross-age mentoring program as a community service opportunity to meet a graduation requirement. The student wants to revise the draft to delete irrelevant information. Read the draft and then complete the task that follows.
Write two sentences that are not relevant to the student's argument and should be deleted.
Buddy System for Success
Teens have challenges that they attempt to make sense of on a daily basis. Yet, these teens have the capabilities of turning tide of pessimism to one of riding the waves of collaboration. Matching older students with incoming students can be beneficial for all students.
From learning the physical layout of a school building to understanding how to schedule or change a class, a student mentor could help with a variety of issues for a new student. Using student-friendly aid may also reduce student misbehavior and academic apathy. Students would be required to teach their buddies a new hobby. Student buddies should be given a chance to help. It could also provide a way to meet the graduation requirement for community service. Students helping other students eventually turn into community members caring for their own. What better educational lesson and service could there be?
Cross-age mentoring is not for everyone. There are students who may not want to participate in the program. Some students may have jobs after school. In order for the mentoring experience to be successful, it requires that time be spent pairing students effectively with other students that share the same interest. Students must be willing to take the time to receive the proper training and to adhere to the rules of the program. It is essential that the program have consistency where students are able to meet on a regular basis to mentor their peers.
What is: Students would be required to teach their buddies a new hobby.
Some students may have jobs after school.
Write the two sentences that use colons correctly. (Bonus: Correct the grammar)
Sally said that: “Camping at the beach was the best vacation ever.”
For our camping trip next weekend my friend said I should bring: a warm sleeping bag and a pillow.
Camping in the mountains can be a lot of fun: but it takes careful planning to make sure the trip is safe.
Author and columnist Dave Barry once wrote: “Camping is nature’s way of promoting the motel business.”
Frank and Jane are going camping tomorrow, and they need three things: a tent, a flashlight, and some matches.
Author and columnist Dave Barry once wrote: “Camping is nature’s way of promoting the motel business.”
AND
Frank and Jane are going camping tomorrow, and they need three things: a tent, a flashlight, and some matches.
Using this strategy while help increase your odds for unknown answers.
What is the process of elimination?
The government said last week that three-quarters of the spilled oil has been removed or naturally dissipated from the water. What does the use of the word dissipated suggest? Select two options.
A) Some of the spilled oil has left the Gulf waters.
B) Some of the spilled oil has been made non-toxic.
C) Some of the spilled oil has intensified in strength.
D) Some of the spilled oil has separated into smaller parts.
E) Some of the spilled oil has been consumed by ocean organisms.
What is A and D?
A student is writing a report for class about her favorite sport. Select two sentences that are correctly punctuated.
A) Basketball is a fun and exciting sport to play; but it takes hard work and dedication to develop the necessary skills to become a star player.
B) To be a good basketball player, a person must be in good condition; basketball requires a great deal of running up and down the length of the court.
C) Having one really good player on a basketball team is great; however, basketball is a team sport that requires each person to perform his or her role.
D) Only five players from each team can be on the court at the same time during a basketball game, other sports; such as football and soccer, allow more players to be on the field.
E) A high school basketball game consists of four quarters and two halves separated by halftime; with players usually going to their locker rooms so the coaches can go over plays for the second half.
F) Learning to dribble the ball; using the correct form to shoot the ball; and making sure one makes good passes are all important skills; players must practice these skills a great deal if the team is going to win.
What is B,C
The Value of Volunteering
There are many positive aspects to volunteering. You gain valuable hands-on experience wherever you are working. If you volunteer in a homework help program at the library, you learn how to teach others. Some students use volunteering as a way to try out a career direction. A student who wants to be a children's doctor can volunteer in the children's wing of a hospital. You can learn leadership skills as a volunteer. If you work in an afterschool program at the local recreation center, you might find yourself leading a group of children in a game of basketball.
Many teens simply do not have the time to fit another activity into a busy schedule that includes schoolwork, sports, clubs, jobs, and a social life. Some students view their extracurricular activities as a way to accomplish the same goals that volunteering does. You can gain leadership skills as the captain of the volleyball team or organizational skills by working on the high school yearbook.
But one thing you gain from volunteering that you cannot get from other activities is the sense that you are making a difference in the world. This is an intangible benefit that is perhaps the most important aspect of volunteer work. One of the main goals in educating our youth is to teach them to become productive members of society. As a way to reach that goal, there is very little to compare with volunteering.
Choose the transition sentence that would improve the links between the first and the second paragraph.
A) The negative aspects of volunteering should not be overstated.
B) Many teens need to be convinced that volunteering should be mandatory.
C) However challenging volunteering may be, it will, in the end, provide many benefits.
D) It is understandable why students feel they can not commit to volunteering in the community.
What is D?
Read this paragraph from Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne then answer the question. But how had I left the course of the stream? For it was a terrible fact that it no longer ran at my side. Then I understood the reason of that fearful, silence, when for the last time I listened to hear if any sound from my companions could reach my ears. At the moment when I left the right road I had not noticed the absence of the stream. It is evident that at that moment a deviation had presented itself before me, whilst the Hansbach [the stream], following the caprice of another incline, had gone with my companions away into unknown depths.
What does the word “deviation” mean as it is used in this paragraph?
A) difficult choice
B) alternative path
C) new opportunity
D) unexpected event
What is B?
Students that catch mistakes do this thing when taking tests.
What is double checking your answers?
The government said last week that three-quarters of the spilled oil has been removed or naturally dissipated from the water. What does the use of the word dissipated suggest? Select two options.
A) Some of the spilled oil has left the Gulf waters.
B) Some of the spilled oil has been made non-toxic.
C) Some of the spilled oil has intensified in strength.
D) Some of the spilled oil has separated into smaller parts.
E) Some of the spilled oil has been consumed by ocean organisms.
What is Hyperbole?
A student is writing a research report about the Iditarod Trail and annual dogsled race in northern Alaska. Read the paragraphs from her report and the directions that follow. Alaska's Iditarod National Historic Trail has a long and rich history of travel and trade routes, including during the Gold Rush of the nineteenth century. Located close to the Arctic Circle, the one-thousand-mile trail system is known for its rugged terrain and harsh winters. But it is primarily known for the internationally famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, commonly referred to as simply the Iditarod. The Iditarod was founded in the 1970s by a few Alaskans determined to commemorate the state's rich history of dogsledding and to honor a famous event: the halt of a serious diphtheria epidemic in 1925, when a crucial medical serum was delivered by dogsled to the Alaskan citizens in need. The Iditarod is an epic challenge for man and man's best friend: it's a grueling 1150- mile trek from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Although held in early spring, the conditions are extremely harsh. Each team consists of a human captain (also called a musher) leading a team of more than a dozen sled dogs—mostly Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, or Eskimo Dogs. Together, they brave frigid conditions, including frozen tundra and icy forests. “The Last Great Race on Earth,” as it is also called, starts during the first week in March with teams generally reaching Nome in 10-15 days.
Select two credible sources that would most likely give the student more information for her paragraphs.
A) “Snow Huskies” Commercial Film This 1998 PG-13 film is a heartwarming tale about a team of ragtag Alaskan Malamutes who save their owner's ranch by winning the nation's premier dogsled race.
B) www.northernparks.com This website has information about all of Alaska's state parks for tourists planning a visit to the country's largest state.
C) www.racetheiditarod.com Our business will provide you with all the information you will need to race in the Iditarod. Let our team of experts help you register your dogs, find local veterinarians, and secure housing and supplies.
D)Balto: Our Hero by C.R. Benson This book, first published in 1957 by children's literature author C.R. Benson, tells the true dramatic tale of Balto, the lead sled dog in a race against time to deliver serum during the 1925 diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska.
E) “The Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race” United States Geographical Society www.usgeog.com/iditarod In celebration of its 100-year history of documenting our planet's uniqueness, our staff ventured to the 49th state to cover the Iditarod. This article chronicles the history of one of the most grueling competitions in the world, nicknamed ”The Last Great Race.”
F)“MUSH! Alaska's Most Challenging Race” Documentary Film This 2007 six-hour miniseries documentary by award-winning filmmaker, Bernard Kerns, details the history and route of the famous Iditarod.
What is E and F?
This essay type is designed to inform people.
What is Expository?
The following excerpt comes from a writer’s first draft of a short story about two travelers. (1) They reached the capital early in the morning. (2) But this can hardly be called a capital, she thought. (3) Indeed the word only loosely applied in comparison with their previous destination, with its crowds of people and scooters too many to count, following no rules as far as either of them could tell. (4) But here, in this smaller capital, they found hardly any vehicles and just a few people walking around aimlessly. (5) “Perhaps they are all tourists,” he said, though of course this was not possible. (6) Here, there was dust instead of smog, and the sun instead of a bunch of city lights.
The writer wants to revise this draft to make the description more vivid and precise. Which of the possible sets of revisions below would best help the writer accomplish this goal?
A) Change “early in the morning” to “at 7 am” (sentence 1) and “crowds of people” to “thousands of people” (sentence 3).
B) Change “following no rules” to “obeying laws neither of them could understand” (sentence 3) and “scooters too many to count” to “scooters in the thousands” (sentence 3).
C) Change “early in the morning” to “at the height of dawn” (sentence 1) and “crowds of people” to “buzz of fretted pedestrians” (sentence 3).
D) Change “in this smaller capital” to “in this so-called capital” (sentence 4) and “the sun instead of a bunch of city lights” to “the bright sun instead of bright city lights” (sentence 6).
What is C?