Test Taking Tips

5/10/17:

Reading Test Strategies Continued

• Step one: Read the blurb at the top of the passage
• Step two: Read the questions and rewrite statements as questions
• Step three: Read only what you need (5 above and 5 below rule)
• Step four: Predict your answer before looking at the answer choices
• Step five: Use process of elimination
• Identifying the main idea
• May not be in the first paragraph
• Identify the topic of the general subject of the passage by looking at the blurb at the top
• Figure out the author's point of view based on their tone
• Remember that thte main idea may be implied and not clearly stated
• Look for the "pivot"
• Information before a pivot word is often either a counter argument or a position that the author does not agree with - pivot point = important
• Main idea normally comes after
• Read the first line of each paragraph

5/2/17:

Reading Test Strategies Continued

• Predict the answer to questions before looking at the answers to avoid falling into their traps
• Use process of elimination using your prediction made prior

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2/28/17:

Reading Test Strategies

• Identify which passage you will be most successful in (do you prefer scientific or literary writings?) and begin with those in case you run out of time
• Always read 5 lines above and 5 lines below of the section of text mentioned in a question
• Read the questions before!
• Identify key words in the questions and mark them in the text when you read through it

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2/26/17:

Reading Test Overview

• All are multiple choice and linked to literary or informational passages from published works
• Some stand alone, some are linked with another passage
• Visuals accompany some passages
• Prior topic-specific knowledge is never tested
• One literary passage per test, the rest = informational
• You will be asked to:
• Identify what the passage says directly and indirectly
• Think about how the author conveys meaning
• Draw conclusions
• Make connections between two passages or between a passage and graphic 
• Define words in context

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1/10/16:

How to take on a multiple choice question 

1. Look closely at the question - what is it asking? Reword it so you fully understand what you are trying to answer.
2. Write down (or consider in your head) everything you know involving the topic.
3. Mentally note (or check) every answer that is true, definitely false, or you are unsure about.
4. Consider which of the true answers actually answer the question. If two (or more) seem to accurately answer the question, the better option is probably the one with more details.