Test-taking Strategies Reading HSPE

Read carefully and mark what is being asked! Use circles, underlines, and other methods of marking to emphasize important parts of the question: – The ?Question? to be answered. – The Bolded Words telling how many pieces of evidence they need to write to support. – The Important information pertaining to the question. – The Vocabulary/Terminology in the question. Ex. Analyze, Apply, Predict, Summarize, etc.

READING—Multiple Choice There will be at least two answers that might be *arguably* correct. Be sure you return to the passage to choose the one that is the BEST choice. If any part of the answer is not correct, it’s NOT your best choice.

Optional Tip: Look at the questions before you begin reading the passage. READING—Multiple Choice

Always look at every possible answer. Try to eliminate the wrong answers. Remember that you are answering based on what is in the passage—not giving your opinion about the truth or accuracy of the passage. READING—Multiple Choice

The correct answer is guaranteed to be among your choices. If you don’t see an answer you think might be correct, you may have misunderstood the question or the reading. –Go back and reread. READING—Multiple Choice

Always answer every question—if you don’t know the answer, GUESS! Don’t leave anything blank. READING—Multiple Choice

If you have to guess: Answers with responses that use absolute words, such as "always" or "never" are less likely to be correct than ones that use conditional words like "usually" or "probably."

“All of the above" is often a correct response. If you think that two of the answers are correct, choose this. READING—Multiple Choice

The LONGEST response is sometimes the correct one… EXAMPLE: What is a thesaurus? a. Almanac b. Encyclopedia c. User Guide d. Volume giving a list of words with their synonyms, antonyms and related words READING—Multiple Choice

Look for verbal associations. A response that repeats key words from the question is likely to be correct. READING—Multiple Choice

"Funny" responses are usually wrong. Ha! READING—Multiple Choice

Final M.C. Tip: Fill in the bubbles completely. If you have to erase, erase completely.

You do not have to write in complete sentences or paragraphs. You may use a bulleted list or a chart. READING Short Answer Questions

When asked for support from the passage, use direct quotations backed with commentary or thoughtfully paraphrase. –Do NOT “text drop”! Always give one more detail than you are asked for. If asked for 2, supply 3-4, etc. READING Short Answer Questions

Make sure you stay within the lines! Anything written outside of the lined portion of the test will not be scored.

GOOD LUCK!!