1. Preparing For Your Unit 1 Reading Test What do you really need to know?

2. What are we looking for? Your mastery of CCSS.ELA- Literacy.RL.6.1:Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. What does that really mean for you?

3. How can you prove 6.1? Be able to cite explicit textual evidence to back up your claims. (Ex. What did the author tell you that led you to believe that?) Be able to make inferences about things the author did not explicitly state (Ex. What do you already know that led you to believe that?)

4. What are we looking for? Your mastery of CCSS.ELA- Literacy.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone What does that really mean for you?

5. How can you prove 6.4? Be able define and accurately use words you may not have previously known (like your no-excuses words and vocab specific to any given text). Be able to decipher between the connotative and denotative meanings of a word (What does the word mean vs. what does the author mean when s/he uses it?). Be able to analyze word choice. (How does the use of one word over one of its synonyms affect the message the author sends?)

6. What are we looking for? Your mastery of CCSS.ELA- Literacy.RL.6.5: Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.5: Analyze how a particular sentence, chapter, scene, or stanza fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the theme, setting, or plot. What does that really mean for you?

7. How can you prove 6.5? Know the 5 parts of a plot and the purpose of each. Be able to identify them and discuss how they impact the storyline. Be able to visualize setting and define the different strategies used to develop a setting. Be able to write conflict statements that accurately and succinctly describe the major conflict in a story.

8. Are you ready? If so, you will be proficient or better in all three of the standards covered on this exam (6.1, 6.4, AND 6.5)! If not, you have just one more day to tighten up your skills before the big exam!

9. What can you do to prepare? Study! Make flash cards of the 14 terms you need to know, re-read your notes, watch the videos online about your no- excuses words, practice identifying lit elements and the parts of a plot in all of the reading you do. MARK IT UP! You already have the text your test is based on. Engage with it. Know its elements and how all of the standards apply to The Walrus and the Carpenter. Be your own advocate! If you have a question, be proactive and ask it BEFORE the test day.

10. The time has come, the Walrus said, TO ASK QUESTIONS AND REVIEW!