English Language Arts 8 Unlocking The Door To Answering Multiple Choice Questions

Take Practice Exams  These questions are just like those on the test.  If you get the question right… –Did you know you were right? –Why did you choose this answer?

Take Practice Exams  If you get the questions wrong… –Why did you pick the answer you did? –When you read the correct answer does it make sense? –If yes, what fooled you? –If no, try to find the right information.

Do Multiple Choice Questions First  Answering these questions helps in writing the short and long responses.

Read..  The directions carefully. –Be sure you know what to do. –They are usually the same as on the practice tests, but make sure.  Each question and all of the choices. –Sometimes two choices seem correct, but one may be better. –Read each word carefully to help you decide.

Words That Students Often Miss NNone NNever NNot NNeither

Words That Are Specific  Every  All  Always  Only  With these words there can be no exceptions!

Words That Allow Exceptions UUsually OOften GGenerally MMay SSeldom

Read The Whole Question And…  Read every choice. –Eliminate those that you think are wrong. –Read the others again…which is the best choice? –If you are not sure, read each word again. –If you are still not sure—guess!

Should I Change An Answer?  Yes—if you have a good reason.

Watch The Time!

Review  Practice!  Multiple choice questions help you think about the writing section.  Read the directions carefully.  Read each question and all of the choices.  Look at each word carefully.

Review  Eliminate choices.  Review answers—make changes if appropriate.  Watch your time!

Steps To Student Proficiency  Provide plenty of practice.  Model thinking through of question and review of options.  Have students explain their answers, both right and wrong.