1. ~The CRCT Reading Test ~
6 Steps Every Student Should Take for Success
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2. Step 1
Read the questions and the answer choices first. The reading-comprehension test consists of several long passages followed by a few questions. However, reading the passages before answering the questions is usually more time-consuming than it is helpful. Read the questions and the answer choices first, then read the passage. You will know what to look for!
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3. Step 2
When answers are alike, look for details. It's common for test makers to include more than one answer that is potentially correct. This is why the directions usually say to find the "best" answer, rather than the "right" answer. When two answers are similar, the one that is more specific is usually the choice the test makers want you to pick.
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4. Step 3
When answers are the same, eliminate them. Similar answers are one thing, but answers that say the exact same thing using different words are another. Since there can only be one correct answer, both answers would have to be incorrect.
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5. Step 3 - continued
When answers are the same, eliminate them. For instance, a test question may ask you from whose point of view a story is told. Answer choice "A" reads: "The main character's." Answer choice "B" reads: "The protagonist's."
You know that the protagonist of a story is the main character. Since these answers mean exactly the same thing and you must choose only one answer, neither choice "A" nor choice "B" is correct. Increase your odds of choosing the right answer by eliminating choices that are exactly the same.
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6. Step 4
Put your own personal feelings aside. Detach yourself from the reading. It's tempting to put yourself in the character's place and respond by choosing how you would react in the character's situation. However, doing so is usually an enormous mistake.
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7. Step 4 - continued
Put your own personal feelings aside. When you answer the questions, don't try to make the story be about you or ask yourself how you personally feel. Instead, ask yourself how the author most likely intended for every reader to feel.
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8. Step 5
Use what you already know to help you better understand what you are reading. Context clues can help you figure out unknown words. Latin and Greek roots can also help you find some meaning in unfamiliar words. Utilize text features like captions, graphs, charts, and illustrations which enhance the text and present relevant details.
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9. Step 5 - continued
Use what you already know to help you better understand what you are reading. Highlight, star, or underline key words, phrases, and ideas. When answering questions, go back to the text to find evidence or clues to the answers. On most tests, it is usually okay to write in the test booklet as long as you remember to bubble in your answers on the answer sheet.
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10. Step 6
Know the basic terms. Most reading- comprehension questions relate to a few key terms. It's a good idea to review the following words and their definitions before taking the test.
The next several slides will list some of the Basic Terms You Should Know
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11. Basic Terms You Should Know
Point of view: the perspective from which the story is being told Tone: the author's attitude toward the subject matter Mood: the feeling a reader gets from the setting Theme: the lesson about life behind the story Setting: the time and place of the story Plot: what happens ~the sequence of events in a story
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12. Basic Terms You Should Know
Foreshadowing: a hint about what will happen next Protagonist: the main character or “good guy” Antagonist: the “bad guy” or force Conflict: the main struggle or problem in the story ~ man vs. man, man vs. nature, man vs. society, man vs. machine, or man vs. animal Climax: the most exciting part or a pivotal moment when a change in the conflict occurs
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13. Basic Terms You Should Know
Unifying idea: The message expressed by the passage. May also be called “main idea” or “central idea.”
Supporting details: Specific facts that are directly related to the unifying idea.
Purpose: The reason the author wrote the piece ~ to inform, entertain, or persuade
Context clue: the writing around an unfamiliar word that gives a clue to its meaning
Inference: drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment based on facts and circumstances in the story
Redundant: an error in writing~ author repeats the same thing or is repetitive
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14. Remember these tips for any test…
Keep up with your school work and study over time - don’t wait until the night before a test to try to study!
Get a good night sleep before the test
Eat a good breakfast with protein (egg, meat, or cheese)
Read and listen to all directions carefully
Budget your time and check your progress
Read all the answers before selecting one
Don’t spend too much time on any one question
Check the answer sheet periodically to make sure answers line up with questions
Make sure your answers are marked clearly and that there are no stray marks on your answer sheet
Go back and check your answers if time allows
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15. Remember the Fundamentals
In the weeks before a big test, review the main concepts you have studied over the course of the school year. Think back on what your teacher stressed as important or essential things you need to know. If you have questions, this is a good time to ask your teacher to clarify any concepts you are unsure of.
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16. Stay Focused and Score High!
You Can Do It!
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