As you read through the passage, try to form an idea of the overall purpose of the text and make a note of what and where detailed facts (which invariably are included) are located.
For Word Meaning multiple choice questions, if you do not know the meaning of the word, try to choose a definition by making an inference based on the context in which the word is used.
For Supporting Idea multiple choice questions, never rely on your memory or what "sounds right" when choosing your answer. These questions ask about unimportant facts presented in a stream of piddling details. Since these are the types of thing that one tends to ignore or forget while reading, the people who write the test take advantage of this tendency and purposely include tricky answers. Remember that this is a comprehension test -- not a memory test -- so always refer to the text.
For Thematic Summary multiple choice questions, look for answer choices that capture the main idea or overall topic. Avoid the trap of selecting answer choices that repeat a detail or fact appearing in the passage.
For Generalization multiple choice questions, look for answers that reflect a logical conclusion that might be drawn from the facts presented by the reading. Eliminate from consideration any answers summarizing the main idea of the passage or expressing a conclusion directly stated within the text.
Back-up your answer to every Open Response question with details, facts, and examples appearing in the passage. Even if you do not write the ideal answer, doing this will earn you partial credit.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
MCAS Tip #1
In General:
Remember that your success largely depends on your ability to present relevant and persuasive arguments related to your opinion or position on the writing prompt topic.
Write down everything, documenting your development process. Even if your essay is poor, showing your thought process and progression from rough ideas to finished essay will earn points.
During the First Session:
Write down a concise, direct, and clear statement of your opinion or position on the essay topic.
Brainstorm, writing down ideas for arguments you might present to support or justify your opinion.
Identify and write down examples, facts, or details that bolster each of these arguments.
Select the three or four arguments that seem the strongest or most persuasive.
Think about how to order and link the arguments you select, numbering them and writing down notes on key transitional phrases or ideas.
Write down a summarizing and concluding statement.
Write a quick first draft of your essay beginning with your position statement, followed by your arguments connected with transition statements and in the planned order, and ending with a summary and conclusion paragraph.
During the Final Session:
Focus on strengthening arguments, connections and transitions, and the concluding paragraph.
Refine your sentence structures and diction, and check your punctuation, capitalization, and adherence to rules of grammar and usage.
Remember that your success largely depends on your ability to present relevant and persuasive arguments related to your opinion or position on the writing prompt topic.
Write down everything, documenting your development process. Even if your essay is poor, showing your thought process and progression from rough ideas to finished essay will earn points.
During the First Session:
Write down a concise, direct, and clear statement of your opinion or position on the essay topic.
Brainstorm, writing down ideas for arguments you might present to support or justify your opinion.
Identify and write down examples, facts, or details that bolster each of these arguments.
Select the three or four arguments that seem the strongest or most persuasive.
Think about how to order and link the arguments you select, numbering them and writing down notes on key transitional phrases or ideas.
Write down a summarizing and concluding statement.
Write a quick first draft of your essay beginning with your position statement, followed by your arguments connected with transition statements and in the planned order, and ending with a summary and conclusion paragraph.
During the Final Session:
Focus on strengthening arguments, connections and transitions, and the concluding paragraph.
Refine your sentence structures and diction, and check your punctuation, capitalization, and adherence to rules of grammar and usage.
WOS:
Today in class we examined terms that we use everyday that come directly from Shakespeare's plays. We also shared examples of satire, and argued what makes real good satire. Many of you brought in political satire which was interesting.
Next we put together fictional cast lists for 12th Night, and debated your selections. My fav. from today: Adam Sandler playing the fool. That would just be killer.
Friday we will be doing a writing assignment based on She's the Man. Don't forget the popcorn....
Next we put together fictional cast lists for 12th Night, and debated your selections. My fav. from today: Adam Sandler playing the fool. That would just be killer.
Friday we will be doing a writing assignment based on She's the Man. Don't forget the popcorn....
Soph Lit:
HW: Please read ch7 in LotF.
Today in class we worked on MCAs prompt, and how to answer questions based on poetry.
Today in class we worked on MCAs prompt, and how to answer questions based on poetry.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Soph Lit:
Today in class you were asked to "survive" using only what you had with you in class, and the random survival guide that I distributed. I had you write about how you would use the guide that you were given to survive.
Next, we looked at the MCAS questions that you answered yesterday. I asked those with an 88 or above to comment on their strategies. We brainstormed on the following:
1. Underline main ideas as you read.
2. Put the question into simpiler language.
3. Cross out the answers that you are sure are wrong.
4. If you have time, go back to any questions that you are not sure of
The questions that you will face fall into a few main catergories- which is important to understand.
You will be asked recall questions that test your comprehension.
You will be asked for context questions
You will be asked questions that will ask you to refer to the story, and devise a logical answer.
Remember to beat your adversisary, you must completly understand them.
Next, we looked at the MCAS questions that you answered yesterday. I asked those with an 88 or above to comment on their strategies. We brainstormed on the following:
1. Underline main ideas as you read.
2. Put the question into simpiler language.
3. Cross out the answers that you are sure are wrong.
4. If you have time, go back to any questions that you are not sure of
The questions that you will face fall into a few main catergories- which is important to understand.
You will be asked recall questions that test your comprehension.
You will be asked for context questions
You will be asked questions that will ask you to refer to the story, and devise a logical answer.
Remember to beat your adversisary, you must completly understand them.
WOS:
HW: Please bring in a written or musical example of sarcasm. 12th Night made you all laugh today when you began to see the inuendo....ah...teenagers :-)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Brit Lit:
Today in class we worked in small groups making up a "death of Duncan" scene. My fav one from this morning: Group #5 and their 007 spy inspired scene. Always end in greatness, and you did.
Soph Lit:
HW: Read Ch 5 and finish your survival guides.
Today in class we worked on some last minute MCAS prep. If anyone would like some extra take home practice questions, please see me.
Today in class we worked on some last minute MCAS prep. If anyone would like some extra take home practice questions, please see me.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Brit Lit:
Today we started Act 2 in Macbeth. Why do you think that Shakespeare often leaves out the best scenes of the play? Be thinking of what Duncan's death scene would look like, as you will be putting together this "lost scene" on Tuesday.
Anyone missing the quiz from Friday, I am after school on Tuesday for makeups. Try and do it then while it still is fresh in your head.
Anyone missing the quiz from Friday, I am after school on Tuesday for makeups. Try and do it then while it still is fresh in your head.
Soph Lit:
Today in class we researched information for our survival guides. Please remember that these are due Wed.
Later in the week, we are going to put some of our reading on pause and work on some last minute MCAS strategies. Not the most exciting thing in the world to do, but I guarentee that it will help you April 1st.
Later in the week, we are going to put some of our reading on pause and work on some last minute MCAS strategies. Not the most exciting thing in the world to do, but I guarentee that it will help you April 1st.
WOS:
If music be the food of love, play on,
Give me excess of it, that surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die
That strain again! It had a dying fall.
Act 1.1 (104)
Give me excess of it, that surfeiting,
The appetite may sicken, and so die
That strain again! It had a dying fall.
Act 1.1 (104)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)