Test Strategies
What is the order of operations when first given the passage AND its questions?
*Extra points if you can tell me why.
Read the questions BEFORE reading the passage, so you know what specific thing you are looking for.
What is the central idea of a text?
The author's main point or message about a particular topic or idea.
Key Words:
-Whole passage / most essential points / key concepts / supporting details / informational texts
Pick out the simile in the following sentence.
Your eyes are as beautiful as the deep blue sea; they are truly mesmerizing.
"as beautiful as the deep blue sea"
What is the difference in connotation between the words "sick" and "nauseated" in the following sentences?
1. Sam felt sick when he was on the boat.
2. Sam felt nauseated when he was on the boat.
"Nauseated" has a stronger connotation than the word "sick."
What does the following metaphor mean?
Tim has a car, but it's a dinosaur.
Tim's car is really old.
Yes or No: Can you find answers in the question AND/OR in the answer choices of previous questions?
Yes, sometimes the answer is in a previous question AND/OR answer choice.
What is the theme of a text?
The underlying message of a literary text; it is the moral of the story, the lesson learned by both reader and character.
Pick out the metaphor in the following sentence.
As the amazing Pat Benatar once said, "love is a battlefield."
"love is a battlefield."
Which of the following words would best replace the italicized word in the sentence below?
Mom spent six hours looking through the leaves for her lost wedding ring.
A. gazing
B. searching
C. watching
D. finding
B. searching
Which of the following is an example of metaphor?
A. The soldier was as brave as a lion.
B. Her stomach complained loudly after she ate the spicy enchiladas.
C. Her voice is music to my ears.
D. Your suitcase weighs a ton!
C. Her voice is music to my ears.
Finish the following line:
When in doubt, you should always go back to the ...
TEXT
In the tv show "Stranger Things," what is the name of the alternate dimension?
The Upside Down
Which of the following words would best replace the italicized word in the sentence below?
She walked through the mall, looking for the perfect burgundy necklace to match her blouse.
A. Strolled
B. Sprinted
C. Dashed
D. Zipped
A. Strolled
Finish the lyric:
"You know you love me, I know you care. Just shout whenever, ..."
"and I'll be there."
How could you change the following sentence to add alliteration?
Cathy loves to capture bugs when she is outside.
Cathy loves to capture caterpillars when she is outside.
What is the best way to plan / "brainstorm" ideas BEFORE writing your essay?
Making a "T-chart" where one side is for "Evidence" and the other side is for "Analysis"
True or False: Elements of a story can influence other elements of the same story as it progresses.
*Extra points if you can list the 5 most important elements of a story.
TRUE
*Setting, Plot, Conflict, Characters, and Tone
What mood do the following words convey?
-Quiet / Serene / Tranquil
A. Boring
B. Calm
C. Happy
D. Fun
B. Calm
Which of the following words would best replace the italicized word in the sentence below?
When she finally saw her ring, she started to cry.
A. pointed to
B. peeked at
C. gawked at
D. spotted
D. spotted
What is the name of the three girls that Cady becomes "friends" with in Mean Girls?
Regina, Gretchen, and Karen
What is the name of the actor that played the lead role of Spiderman in the most recent adaptation of the movies by the same name?
Tom Holland
How do you write / identify an accurate summary? (*Hint: involves THREE things)
ONE = Write it in chronological order
TWO = Remain OBJECTIVE
THREE = Include the most important details
Which tech entrepreneur named his son X Æ A-12?
Elon Musk
Which of the following words best replaces the italicized word in the sentence below?
Loud music was coming from Michah's stereo.
A. played
B. emitted
C. heard
D. blasting
D. blasting
A device where the speaker refers to something that the reader needs prior knowledge of or experience with in order to understand.
Allusion