MEAP Test Strategies

Know what they will ask of you! Read Passages Multiple Choice Questions Writing about someone else’s writing Strengths & Weaknesses Compare & Contrast Did the writer develop the main idea?

The test is written in Academic Language Academic Language = Very Formal English that many people do not speak regularly. For example: Which mood is communicated by this sentence… According to this section, what was NOT a factor… What is the best summary of this selection… According to this selection, which of these is a fact? Which of the following correctly describes what the selection is mainly about?

Reading Strategies Wonder what questions will be asked as you read. Read like a Reader Stay focused on the text as you read. Reread Selection

Multiple Choice Strategies Process of Elimination Eliminate or Get Rid Of answer choices The Almost Right Answer In math decimal may be in the wrong place In English, the name of characters could be switched around. Right Fact/Wrong Answer Answer choice includes facts from the reading and it “looks right” When you look at facts from the selection, reread to eliminate wrong answers.

Writing Organize your ideas before you begin Do you express your main point or your thesis at the beginning? Make sure you are responding to the question they ask you. Focus on what they are looking for. Support with Evidence – Use Quotes.

Attic – Main idea, opinion, Introduction Middle – Supporting details, strengths/weaknesses, etc. Basement – Connection, conclusion, restate.

Managing Scantron Sheets Keep track of what number you are on and the number on the scantron sheet. Write your answers in the test booklet Eliminate improbable answers ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS DO NOT LEAVE ANY ANSWERS BLANK!!!!!!!!! After every five questions check to see that you are aligned