Transcript Preparing for Standardized Tests

Preparing for
Standardized Tests
Ms. Chapman
Secondary Literacy Coordinator
Multiple Choice:
Hints for Success
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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
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In the passage, why was there “a great deal
of fuss” about the identities of the characters
in the grammar book?
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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
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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
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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
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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
Some dealers illegally
lower mileage to
increases car value
Important to
know accident and
damage
record of car
Damage to the frame
or water damage
sometimes can’t be
reliably fixed
Open Response Sample Question 2
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Compare and contrast Creekmore Park and
Ben Geren Park. Use two specific examples
from the passage to support your response.
Use VENN Diagram…or…
CREEKMORE
BOTH
BOTH
BEN GEREN
3 Column T Chart
CREEKMORE
•Train
•Indoor party
room
BOTH
•Playground
equipment
•Walking trails
•Swimming pool
BEN GEREN
•Golf course
•Soccer field
Open Response:
Hints for Success
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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
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Prompt breaks down into
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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
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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
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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…
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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.