{ NJ ASK Test Review

1. BEFORE YOU READ: a. Predict what the text is about – the topic. b. Predict the author’s purpose : is it to inform, explain, entertain etc? c. Read the multiple choice questions to help you focus on what is important while you actually read. 2. WHILE YOU READ: Underline important points so that you may refer back to them when answering questions. Do not over do this or it will not be helpful. READING COMPREHENSION

INFORMATIONAL TEXT Read each paragraph and underline the topic sentence. Underline the key supporting details and transition words Pay attention to information presented in bullets or lists. NARRATIVE TEXT Look for details about setting, characters, problems, key events, and the solution Also look for the use of figurative language. READING COMPREHENSION

1. Read the questions before you read the text. 2. Pay attention to the “small” words in the question: BEST, NOT, EXCEPT, MOST, AND, OR 3. Eliminate any answers you know to be wrong. 4. Read over ALL options before making your choice. Sometimes there are TRICK answers there to see if you are really reading carefully. 5. Skip ones that are difficult – come back to it later. Multiple Choice Questions

R – restate the question A –answer all parts of the question (one paragraph per bullet point) per bullet point) C - cite evidence from the text and explain it. Don’t forget the “magic” words: Don’t forget the “magic” words: For example, … For example, … In addition,… In addition,… This shows… This shows… E – explain your evidence by extending your answer and making a connecntion: answer and making a connecntion: This reminds me of… This reminds me of… *Then give a general closing sentence. OPEN-ENDED RESPONSE

INTRODUCTIONBODY PARAGRAPH CONCLUSION 1.Attention Grabber (begin with a preview of the anecdote from the second body paragraph) 2.Necessary Information: Quote and speaker 3.Explain the quote in your own words. 4.THESIS. 1.Topic Sentence (CONNECT THE QUOTE TO THE WORLD) 2.This has to be true: a movie, event in history, celebrity etc. 3.Explain the connection in detail. 1.Topic Sentence (CONNECT THE QUOTE TO YOURSELF) 2.You can make this up as long as it sounds reasonable. 3.Explain the connection between the quote and your life. 1.Restate the thesis 2.Explain the lesson that quote can teach (a universal lesson) EXPLANATORY WRITING (Responding to a quote)

1. Most situational/experience prompts will have a few parts to the question. Read it carefully. Your essay should be four or five question. Read it carefully. Your essay should be four or five paragraphs. paragraphs. 2. Restate the question to use as your thesis statement at the end of your introduction (A.N.T.). your introduction (A.N.T.). 3. You need to come up with TWO or THREE sub-points (one per paragraph). These will become your topic sentences. Sometimes paragraph). These will become your topic sentences. Sometimes the parts of the question can each represent one paragraph (like an the parts of the question can each represent one paragraph (like an open-ended question). open-ended question). 4. Remember to give SUPPORT for your opinions/explain your situation. More support is better than explaining one piece of support. situation. More support is better than explaining one piece of support. 5. Always end with a concluding paragraph. EXPOSITORY WRITING (explaining a situation) Sub Point #1

PERSUASIVE ESSAY: Use a “CHICKEN FOOT” to help you plan. Topic PLUS opinion Reason #1 (anecdote) Reason #2 (personal observation) Reason #3 (current event/ historical event) Put is all together to create your thesis.

A ttention Grabber A ttention Grabber N ecessary Information N ecessary Information T hesis T hesisINTRODUCTION Restate your thesis Give a call to action (tell the reader what you want them to do) CONCLUSION BODY PARAGRAPH REASON #2 REASON #3 Topic Sentence= Transition +Reason Specific supporting evidence: - personal observation - celebrity story/ current event - anecdote Commentary (what the evidence shows) REASON #1

NARRATIVE WRITING CHARACTERS: use dialogue to communicate character traits SETTING: Use sensory words Resolves the conflict and teaches a universal lesson. Internal & External Don’t solve the problem right away.

 MAIN IDEA: What the text is mostly about – the message. (Remember that the title often represents the main idea, or when you are asked about a good “title” for the text, you are looking for the main idea.)  Title + Pictures + All paragraphs = Main idea and author’s purpose  THEME: A “big” idea, not related to the specific characters or situation in the text. Ex. The importance of family.  VOCABULARY IN CONTEXT: Even if you know what the word means, READ IT IN CONTEXT and look for a synonym, definition, example, or antonym to help you figure it out.  MOOD: the emotion the reader feels  TONE: The mood the author creates. LAST MINUTE TIPS

AFTER THE TEST There’s no reason to misspell any of the words you have in front of you. Use the prompt to help you SPELL CHECK. Proof read and IMPROVE your answer.