Test Taking Strategies

Test Taking Strategies3/13/13

Not another OAA!Multiple ChoiceLook for key terms in the questions. Words such as identify, describe, used, suggest, change, learn, create and feel will help you answer the question. Next, look at the answers. Eliminate any answers that you think are not correct. Look at what is left. Can you go back in the story and find where the answer may be? If not, can you find the answer through context clues?REMEMBER:You can and SHOULD go back and reread the story to find the answer. You have PLENTY of time. Relax and FOCUS on the test!Extended ResponseSame as the multiple choice- the first thing you want to do is look for what the question is asking.Some questions may want you to answer more than one question- it is your job to look for these types of questions and know what you need to do!Example: What is the authors purpose? How do you know this is his or her intent?Extended Response (Cont.)Other questions may ask you for supporting details from the passage. Be sure that you provide the correct amount the question is asking!

Extended Response (Cont.)Once you know everything that the question wants, you should start a prewriting strategy. Here are two excellent strategies you can/should use before writing!Webbing and Outlining.WebbingWebbing requires you to make a web out of the main idea, main supporting details/ideas, and examples.

I love using webbing to organize my ideas!Webbings First Step:First, fill in the center of the circle, stating the main idea/restating the question. This does not have to be a sentence, but it may help to have a sentence for this main/topic sentence portion.Example:

BaseballStep 2:Make a strand coming from one direction of the circle, listing one of the supporting details for your answer (in this case listing a reason for why baseball is your favorite sport). This should not be a complete sentence.

BaseballLove watching great athletesExample:Step 3:Repeat this process for the other main supporting sentences/ideas.

Example:BaseballLove watching great athletesFun to play.Step 4:Select one of the supporting strands, and add a supporting detail underneath it, providing an example. Again, these should not be complete sentences.These supporting detail strands should help to provide more information to your ideas/sentences by answering one of the who, what, when, where, why or how questions. More Step 4:Be sure to include a snap word, connecting your main supporting sentence with your supporting detail.

Example snap words (these arent all of them!)AndOrButYetForSoBecauseAlthoughHoweverDespiteLikeAs

Basically, snap words are conjunctions or prepositions, which help to add greater detail and connect ideas within sentences.

Example:BaseballLove watching great athletesFun to play.AsThrow, catch and hitStep 5:Repeat step 4 with the other supporting strands, making sure each has a snap.

Example:BaseballAsThrow, catch and hitLove watching great athletesFun to play.WithMy friendsStep 6:Look at your writing wheel and decide what you want to say first, numbering the strands accordingly.The first sentence must be the center statement. It is also good to use this as a closing statement.

Example:BaseballAsWithLove watching great athletesThrow, catch and hitFun to play.My friends1423Step 7:Once you have numbered their strands, write out your sentences.Make sure you include your snap words when writing your supporting detail sentences.

Example:Baseball is my favorite sport. I enjoy baseball because I love watching great athletes as they throw, catch, and hit. Baseball is also fun to play with friends. Baseball is the best sport in the world!

Step 8:Reread what you have written, making sure that you have written a sentence for every strand and snap. Check for understanding and grammar, and then turn in your writing!

All right! I analyzed the question, made a web, organized my ideas and got full credit!OutliningIf making a web isnt your style, try outlining instead!BE WARNED- outlining is a little less visual than webbing, so only use outlining if you organize better with words than with pictures.

What is an Outline?An outline is a kind of graphic scheme of the organization of your paper. It indicates the main ideas of your paper as well as the subtopics under each main idea. Outlining: Step 1:First, identify your main idea. This will be the header to your outline.BaseballOutlining: Step 2:Next, find your subtopics. These are going to be the points you make in your short answer question. Leave some space, though, because youre going to need it for your supporting details.

BaseballLove watching great athletes.SPACE HERE

Fun to playMORE SPACE HEREOutlining: Step 3:Next, find your supporting details. You are going to put these UNDER your subtopics. BaseballLove watching great athletesThrowCatchHitFun to playWith my friends.Outlining: Step 4:Next, look at your outline and decide what you want to say first. Your first statement is going to be the headline to your outline; your second sentence is going to be your first subtopic and so on. Example:Baseball is my favorite sport. I enjoy baseball because I love watching great athletes as they throw, catch, and hit. Baseball is also fun to play with friends. Baseball is the best sport in the world!

Final Step:Make sure that you wrote a sentence for each subtopic. Check for understanding, grammar and then turn it in!

Outlining makes me feel good!Now You Try!Take the next practice OAA test, The Tulip Touch. Be sure to read the story CAREFULLY. You must use one of the prewriting strategies discussed here and turn in your prewriting!Happy Testing!

You can do it! Believe in yourself!