Note-Taking, tips, and tools!
True or False: taking notes as I read will slow me down and make the test more difficult
False
What is one way I can make multiple choice questions easier to answer?
Eliminate foolish answer choices or options
What should I do the nights before the test?
Get enough sleep!
When a prompt asks me to re-write or continue a narrative, I should use which point of view? 1st? 2nd? 3rd?
Whatever the original was written in!
What to do instead of: rushing through so I can sleep!
Take the full time! You can’t even sleep after!
What elements should I take notes on as I read?
-connections
-unknown words
-events/main ideas
-questions
-titles
What elements should I include in my plan on paper before writing? Why?
Thesis statement, 3 claims, 2 pieces of evidence per claim, and basic reasoning so I can make sure my response is organized and insightful!
What should I do the morning of the test?
Eat a good breakfast!
True or False: I can introduce random, silly things into a narrative that didn’t exist in the original story?
False! The testing people want to see I can pick up on the style/details/etc and match them!
What to do instead of: leaving my chrome book in my backpack the night before
Charge it!
What element can I use to track important info in the passages and the questions?
The highlighting tool
When I read a question asking about the meaning of a word that I already know I should not:
Pick the meaning without reading the sentence
Before the test, while everyone does the energizer, I should…
Participate! Movement before and during reading is proven to boost focus and scores!
When asked to analyze the development of a character or an argument, I am writing a…
Literary analysis!
What to do instead of: not turning my phone and watch off or giving them to the teacher!
Turn them off and turn them in—if an alert goes off we could all have to retake the test
How many pieces of paper can I have during the test?
As many as I want but only 3 at a time
When I read a question asking about the meaning of a word that I already know I should:
Read all options and try them in the sentence
If the time in class is almost up for the test I should…
Not stress and remember I have until the end of the day if I need it!
A narrative includes…
-the same tone and Point of view as the original pieces
-quotation marks and new lines when characters are speaking
-the same setting and type of story as the original
-whatever else the prompt says
-at least 800 words
What to do instead of: taking and communicating during the test and the break
Don’t do it—it’s not worth it! Stay quiet and focused on yourself.
When sharing my opinion I should never use…
1st or 2nd person! Just say it like it’s a fact!
One way to always find the right answer in multiple-choice is to
Find the specific paragraph with that answer as a way to check!
What are ways to give myself a break at my seat?
-look away from the screen
-stretch my arms, neck, or shoulders
-look upwards for a few minutes
-have a sip of water
*you can also raise your hand and ask to use the reset desk*
A literary analysis includes…
-A defensible thesis with words from the prompt that is written in 3rd person
-3 claims in the thesis that are defensible
-3 body paragraphs based on the claims with 2 pieces of evidence
-analysis that explains the quote, connects the evidence to the claim, and then connects it to the thesis
-1000 words
-a short intro paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and a short conclusion
What to do instead of: writing a few sentences for the narrative or essay portions of the test
Shoot for 1000 words! AVOID summary!