Common Test Questions & Vocab
What is theme of a story? AND what does it have to be?
The message / lesson the author is trying to teach and it has to be universal
"What do the character’s actions in paragraph 3 REVEAL about him?" The word reveal means ______________.
shows, uncovers, unveils
What are at least 2 things you should do BEFORE reading each passage?
1. Read the directions 2. Read the questions you will have to answer. 3. Read the title of the article, story or poem 4. Read the subheadings 5. Look at any pictures and captions
What should you do if you are 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
What are text features?
Text features are all components of a story, article, or book that are not the main body of text, such as headings, photos, captions, and glossaries. They help readers navigate information, locate details, and understand content better
What is another name for central idea?
“What can you INFER about the main character based on the information in paragraph 3?" The word infer means _________________________
to make an education guess or conclusion based on evidence, prior knowledge (background knowledge), and logical reasoning.
What does annotating a text mean? Is this necessary for every passage?
YES! ANNOTAE EVERY TEXT!
Why should you underline or circle 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!
What does tone mean? How do you identify it?
The way the author feels /attitude in the writing toward their subject, characters, or audience.
Look at the word choice (positive/ negative)
When asked the question, "what does the phrase or word mean in paragraph __" What do you need to do?
Find the word in the story, box it, read around (before and after) to see if there is a definition, simile, or explanation for the word / phrase, and then plug in each choice.
"Which sentence from the article best reveals the author's POINT OF VIEW?" The authors "point of view" means the author's
perspective, viewpoint, opinion
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.
What are some ways you can use your planing page before starting to write your essay?
(1) Make a T-chart, a Venn Diagram or a 3-Column chart for compare & contrast essays. (2) Jot down notes about what you plan to write in each paragraph of your essay. (3) Look back at the text and then write down 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). 4. Students may offer another option (as long as it sounds reasonable/logical, answer may be accepted and points granted)
What are the three main author's purposes?
Persuade, entertain, inform
"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, is related, connected
"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
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 many paragraphs should you have in your essay?
The number of paragraphs will vary depending on the question; however, you should have an introduction, at least 1 body paragraph (using TREEE!!!), and a conclusion. If the essay question asks you to compare and contrast two texts, then you should have 2 body paragraphs. If the essay question asks you to state an author's argument, and then evaluate whether the author provided sufficient evidence, then you should also have 2 body paragraphs (the first paragraph to talk about the author's argument, and the second paragraph to discuss whether the author provides sufficient evidence).
What type of figuartive langauge is this?
The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky.
What does structure of story mean or plot of story mean?
The beginning, middle, end
Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution