1. FCAT READING REVIEW

2. Vocabulary Context Clues Strategy Prefixes, Suffixes, Roots
Substitution

3. Vocabulary Strategies and Tips
Always check to see if you can break a new word down into prefix, root and suffix. See if you can recognize the meaning of any part of the word. Is so, find the answer choice that is closest.

4. Context Clues
Use context clues to help you decipher meaning. Reread the part of the selection near the vocabulary word or expression. Reread the sentence before and the sentence after. Decide what the word of expression probably means.
Look at the answer choices. Pick the choice that is most like what you guessed
Replace the vocabulary word of expression with the answer choice. If it fits well, its correct. If not, try another choice.

5. Organizational Patterns
Sequence organizers help you to work out the sequence in which events occurred.
Graphic organizers dealing with main ideas and supporting details allow you to identify topics and main ideas, subtopics, and the information that supports them.
Headings and subheadings summarize the information in the sections that follow them.

6. Compare and Contrast
The FCAT will often ask you to read two different texts and answer questions about them. These texts maybe tables or information, or fiction or nonfiction passages.
You maybe asked to compare the style, structure, or point of view of the two passages.

7. Tips for Compare and Contrast
See if it would help you to list similarities and or differences in a chart or Venn Diagram
When an author compares two items, ask yourself what characteristics the two items share.
For example, are they both beautiful or ugly, modern or old fashioned, lively or dull? Then ask yourself in what ways they are different.
Focus on the elements mentioned in the question. Then reread the passages, focusing on how this element is treated in each passage.(Comparing aspects)

8. Main Idea WIN Strategy What a selection is mostly about
Details to Main Idea
Example Questions: What is the main idea of this story? What is the best title for this story? What is this story mostly about?

9. Theme The message that the author wants to deliver.
It is a kind of lesson in life. (Never give up)
The author usually does not state the theme directly, which means you have to work it out yourself

10. Supporting Details
Main Ideas and themes are supported by information and details
Often the first sentence in a paragraph contains its main idea and the rest of the paragraph provides examples or details that support that idea. (Likely in informational passages)

11. Main Idea Tips
When you are asked about the main idea of a selection, ask yourself what point the author was trying to get across
To choose the best theme, read the answer choices carefully. Then apply each one to the passages. Select the choice with the message that is closest to the message of the story
Once you have selected a main idea or theme, look for ideas or information that support it. Supporting details are often provided in the form of examples.

12. Authors Purpose Entertain Persuade Inform Explain
Authors perspective or viewpoint is how the author feels about the subject. Authors use words that convey their attitude.

13. Authors Purpose Tips
Look for negative or positive words that indicate how the author regards the topic under discussion
Where you read a selection can provide an important clue as to an authors purpose. Newspaper editorials- persuade, School Texts- instruct. It can help if you know who the author is.
Authors use sentence structure to create an impact. Short, punchy sentences create a sense of drama or tension.

14. Validity of Information
To spot FACTS (as opposed to opinions), ask yourself: Can this statement be checked or proven? If so, it is a fact.
Ways to spot opinions:
- Does this statement express the writer’s personal feelings or judgment? If so it is an opinion.

15. Cause and Effect
Watch out for key words that signal cause and effect. The words that follow the key word explain what caused something or what its effect was
When there are no key words, ask yourself why an event occurred its cause-or what happened because of an event- its effect.
The answer will be in the passage

16. Genres
Folktale- is a traditional story handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth

17. Testing Tips Get a good night sleep the night before the test.
Eat a good breakfast the morning before the test.
Listen carefully to the directions. Be sure to read all the directions you find in the test book.

18. Testing Tips
4. Read each story and question very carefully. You may look back at the story as often as you like.
5. You may read the questions before reading the passage
6. You may underline key words in the questions
7. Go back and underline in the passages to help you answer the questions correctly
8. Use the process of elimination

19. Testing Tips
9. Plan your time. If you do not know the answer to a question, skip it and go back to it later. Answer the questions that you are sure about first.
10. Keep a positive state of mind. Some questions will be harder than others. Just do you best!