1. March 13, 14, 15, 2012

2. Boost Your Score? Absolutely! Not showing up = ZERO POINTS!Show up and try = POINTS!

3. Stay in the lines? YES! And write, write, write and write some more. Your answers are scanned and only the writing on the lines, within the lines, will be visible to the test graders. Yes, write clearly! The graders are not trained in code breaking and deciphering. Take your time.

4. We have to read…stuff? CORRECT! And quite a bit of the pages are full of reading material including poetry, prose, fiction, non- fiction, informational text, graphs, charts ~ you get the picture. What can help? 1. look through the booklet first 2. read the questions before reading the text 3. read with pencil in hand and mark up the text and write in the margins. (Scavenger Hunt!)

5. Two essays?????? It is your time to shine ~ twice Expository Essay ~ explain, describe, tell us about something. Details, details, details! Persuasive Essay ~ pick a side and convince the reader of the rightness of your opinion! Don’t forget the call to action at the end ~ you want the reader to do something or think a certain way. NO FENCE RIDING!

6. Format? Intro, Body, Conclusion Not this...Looks like this.

7. Can I Study? Of course! But, your teachers have prepared you and you have worked diligently so REVIEW is the word Three simple tricks to help? 1. Ten GREAT vocabulary words. 2. Two all purpose quotes to use in a variety of situations. 3. Use snippets of dialog. * Write the first two down as soon as you receive your test.

8. Still want more? YAHOO! Check out the SWIFT site of Allison Agnew! Practice tests, PowerPoints for reading, writing, essay styles, vocabulary, terms, scoring sheets, etc.

9. Stressed?

10. Relax! Get plenty of rest. Eat healthy foods. Drink plenty of water. Bring a snack and water. Be on time. Take the time you need to do your best work. Know that you are supported and that we believe in you.

11. When it is over… CELEBRATE! You are one step closer to graduation!

12. Don’t stop believing! http://www.schooltube.com/video/0bebdcb957b9cd384 ce9/Dont-Stop-Believing