Preparing for Standardized Tests Ms. Chapman Secondary Literacy Coordinator

Multiple Choice : Hints for Success Always read the whole question carefully. Read the question before you look at the answer. Read all the choices before choosing your answer. Eliminate answers you know aren't right. Take an educated guess and select an answer. Don't keep changing your answer. Usually your first choice is the right one, unless you miss-read the question. If you don't know an answer, skip it and come back later.

Sample Multiple Choice In the passage, why was there “a great deal of fuss” about the identities of the characters in the grammar book? A. Statements such as “He is Dan” are made up of simple words. B. The characters were difficult to tell apart. C. Test questions often concerned the identities of the characters. D. It was difficult for the narrator of this passage to remember English names.

Important Information on Writing The writing items account for 67% of the total score Always complete writing items first!!! Reading:48 MC pts. = 25% Reading:48 OR pts. (OR values are doubled) = 25% Writing:16 MC pts.= 8% Writing:80 Writing pts. = 42%

Guide to Answering the Constructed (Open) Response Grammar and sentence structure do not count. Nothing outside the box will be graded. Use bulleted lists, graphic organizers, or paragraphs. Use information ONLY from the text. No life experiences. Feel free to use the exact words from the text.

Mark the writing prompt for Open Response You may use a pencil or a highlighter. Read the whole prompt first. Mark the prompt by underlining or using highlighter to identify key command words. Mark the number of details required. Mark the central idea you are to explain.

Open Response Sample Question 1 Identify two important things to remember when buying a used car. Explain how each of these is important for someone purchasing a used car.

Four Square Important to verify true car mileage Important to know accident and damage record of car Some dealers illegally lower mileage to increases car value Damage to the frame or water damage sometimes can’t be reliably fixed

Open Response Sample Question 2 Compare and contrast Creekmore Park and Ben Geren Park. Use two specific examples from the passage to support your response.

Use VENN Diagram…or… CREEKMOREBEN GEREN BOTH

3 Column T Chart CREEKMORE BOTHBEN GEREN Playground equipment Walking trails Swimming pool Train Indoor party room Golf course Soccer field

Open Response: Hints for Success 1. Read and mark the Open Response prompt FIRST (before reading the selection). 2. Create the 4-Square (or other appropriate graphic organizer) within the box, LABELING each section with the identifying information required. 3. THEN, read the selection, marking the answers that belong in the labeled sections of the box. 4. Complete the box, placing the information marked in the text into the correct labeled sections of the box. 5. Now, complete the multiple choice questions.

Essay Writing Prompt: Hints for Success Prompt breaks down into Scenario Think About It! Directions What is the purpose of your writing? Are you trying to persuade? Explain? Mark the prompt. Use prewriting space to organize your thoughts before you write. Use the Writer's Checklist to review your essay.

Mark the writing prompt for Essay Response You may use a pencil or a highlighter. Mark the prompt by underlining or using highlighter to identify key command words. Mark the central idea (usually repeated in prompt). Mark the audience required for your essay.

Sample Writing Prompt Your school newspaper is sponsoring an essay contest, and you have decided to enter. The topic selected for the contest is How important are first impressions? Before you begin writing, think about first impressions. Can you decide what someone is like as soon as you meet that person.? Think about when a first impression has been right. Think about when a first impression has been wrong. Consider how much first impressions influence you. Now write an essay about how important first impressions are. Give specific reasons. Make sure that you explain yourself in enough detail so that your readers will understand what you mean.

Sample Writing Prompt Your science teacher has asked the class to write on this topic: Would you like to be an astronaut on the first mission to an unexplored planet? Why or why not? Think about being an astronaut and going to a planet where no one has ever been. Would it be exciting? Would it be dangerous? Would you want to go? Now write an essay discussing whether you would like to be an astronaut on the first mission to an unexplored planet. Give enough detail so that your science teacher will understand.

Just a reminder… Keep a positive attitude throughout the whole test and try to stay relaxed. If you start to feel nervous, take a few deep breaths to relax. Keep your eyes on your own paper. Don't worry if others finish before you,. Focus on the test in front of you. When you are finished--if you have time left- -look over the section of the test. Try your best not to fall asleep if you finish early. Make sure that you have bubbled your answers to all questions.