Literature and Language MCAS Literature and Language By Mrs. Haynes

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES Multiple Choice

DON’T RUSH

TAKE NOTES

RETURN TO THE PASSAGE

READ THROUGH EACH ANSWER CHOICE

Steps to follow for the Multiple Choice test

Read Blurb Read Passage

3. Underline important details Topic sentence Key facts Do not underline small details or examples

4. When answering multiple choice questions, ASK If yes, leave it alone! If definitely no, cross it out! If maybe, leave it alone! Maybe

Open Response Questions

Your Score You will receive a score between 0-4 You will not receive a score for grammar or usage Best response – clear, answers the question, and uses support from the text

Basic Strategies

Finish Multiple Choice questions first After you finish the Multiple Choice questions, read the open response questions. Answer the easiest one first.

2. Remember what you learned about writing an essay Write a topic sentence Organize your supporting examples

3. Use the passage Read the question and then go through the passage and underline important information Identify examples and evidence that you will use in your answer

4. Never leave an Open Response answer space blank You can earn partial credit You may earn a point by rephrasing the question into a thesis statement

5. Identify the question type Main Idea Detail Character

6. Create a topic sentence First sentence of your Open Response Should summarize your answer TIP: If your topic sentence includes an accurate basic answer, you will receive a point

WRITING REMINDERS

REMINDERS No personal pronouns – use personal pronouns only if it asks for your opinion – BUT NEVER IN THE TOPIC AND CLINCHER SENTENCES Detail, Detail, Detail

REMINDERS Open responses should be 8-15 sentences long – count them! Proofread Use templates and graphic organizers