English Language Arts 9 Midterm Exam Preparation Reading

English Language Arts 9 Midterm Exam Preparation – Reading Comprehension

Part B - reading n n n n non-fiction multimedia short stories poetry film modern drama novel visual texts

basic MC strategies n read questions, selection, questions n re-read in context n check all questions answered n don’t change your answers!! n don’t over-think / over-analyze

text rules! n When writing a literary essay, your interpretation of literature is acceptable >> a logical interpretation supported by concrete details from the texts. n In multiple choice, however, it’s not your opinion. ” n In the case of the multiple choice test, Text Always Wins. n It is very important that you go back to the text, as that's where the answers are. When it comes down to two answers, the one that can be supported best from the text overall is the answer (for best or most questions especially).

unfamiliar vocabulary n Don’t choose an answer simply because you don’t know what a word means and you think that must make it a good choice. n Go back into the text, using context clues to help you to determine what a word means. n Very low incomes are exempt from taxation. n Money cannot compensate him for the loss of his child.

key words n Circle the key word or idea in the stem, and draw a line to a connecting word in the answer. n Focus on what the question asks. n The repetition of the word “boxes” in the first stanza emphasizes images of constraint, while the repetition of the word “music” in the second stanza emphasizes images of n a. experience n b. strength n c. freedom n d. wisdom

highlight n Write on the text, with either a pencil or a highlighter. n highlight the line in the text to which the question refers n highlight key words in the stem n cross out choices which are not possible n circle answers which are possible.

tracking n Use a solid, opaque ruler to read text line by line. n This forces you to track the text and keeps your focus on it.

question order n The questions are constructed in a certain order. n They are designed to lead you through the text, and the last question is often theme/idea question n Read through all the questions to the last one, for a specific piece of text, before beginning to answer any.

terminology n There are questions about or involving terms; therefore, you need to know which term is which in order to answer those questions. n If you know the difference between metaphor and simile before taking the test, and are asked which figure of speech is in line 12, you will already know the answer. n Does it not make sense to go in with some of the answers if possible?

filling in the scantron sheet n One suggestion is to fill in the scantron sheet at the end. n With two booklets and a scantron sheet, the possibility for filling in the wrong answers exist. n Circle answers on the test, so at the end, you can quickly fill in the scantron sheet. n This method also eliminates the problem of erasing a change completely. n If you are not comfortable with this method, be sure to clearly mark on the sheet when you skip a question!!