CAHSEE Test Prep The Beginning of Your Destiny!

1. CAHSEE Test Prep The Beginning of Your Destiny! Modified By S. Purcell & T. Wenzel Originally Created By N. Kawalec

2. Commonly Asked Questions CAHSEE Test Tips Topic = CAHSEE Test Skills • More Commonly Asked Questions • Language Arts Strategies • Math Strategies

3. Commonly asked questions regarding The CAHSEE

4. “What is the CAHSEE?”

5. “What is the CAHSEE?” • The California High School Exit Examination • The CAHSEE test is a standardized test. That means all 10th grade public school students in California take the same test, at the same time, in the same way. • Approximately 1.5 million students will take the CAHSEE this year. • The CAHSEE will test 3 areas,Reading, Writing, and Mathematics.

6. “What will I be tested on?”

7. Topic = CAHSEE What will I be tested on? • Word Analysis (7 Questions) • Reading Comprehension (18 Questions) • Literary Response and Analysis (20 Questions) • Writing Strategies (12 Questions) • Written English Language Conventions (15 Questions) • Essay (1 Question) • Number Sense (14 Questions) • Statistics, Data Analysis, Probability (12 Questions) • Measurement and Geometry (17 Questions) • Algebra and Functions (17 Questions) • Math Reasoning (8 Questions) • Algebra 1 (12 Questions)

8. “Why do we spend so much time reading and reviewing the directions?”

9. “Why do we spend so much time reviewing the directions?” • If you do not understand how to take the test, YOU could make a major mistake that could negatively affect your score. • If you read and follow the directions your score will be higher than if you do not read the directions. It is as simple as that.

10. “Why do we spend so much time reviewing the directions?” • If you have any questions about the test ASK THE TEACHER. It’s our job to answer the questions you have. • Teachers cannot give you the answers, but we can explain what the test is asking you to do.

11. “Can my test score be lowered if I do not bubble in my answer the right way?”

12. “Can my test score be lowered if I do not bubble in my answer the right way?” • YES! Make sure you are bubbling in the answer completely, and not outside the lines. • Use a dark, #2 pencil. • Keep track of answers you skip . Make sure your questions and answers match up on the answer sheet. • Stop after a few questions (5,10, 15, so on) and check to make sure your test booklet and answer sheet match up.

13. “Why do we have to take these tests?” • The state of California wants to know how much you know compared to other students in the same grade. • Your teachers need to know what you know and what you still need to learn. That way, they will be able to teach you better.

14. “How well are we expected to do on the test?” • You should always do your best on tests and assignments. Expect Excellence! • This test is what we use to decide whether or not you will receive a high school diploma. • It isalso used for Graduation! • You should use this to show yourself and your parents how good a student you really are.

15. “How well are we expected to do on the test?” • You need a score of at least 350 to pass and a score of 380 to be considered proficient in both English and Mathematics. • Once you have passed both sections, you have completed the test requirement for graduation and you will not have to retake the test.

16. Remember, this test is used to measure what you do know, not to make you feel stupid because of what you don’t know.

17. More commonly asked questions regarding the CAHSEE.

18. Getting Stuck “What should I do if I get stuck on a question? Should I work at it for a while, or should I skip it?”

19. Getting Stuck • Skip it. If you don’t get it within a minute you are wasting time. • Leave that space blank and move on to the next problem. • When you get to the end of the test, come back and use the strategies for guessing. • If you run out of time, make sure you answer every question.

20. Guessing “If I don’t know the answer should I guess, or is it better to leave the answer blank?”

21. Guessing • Guess, but only if you don’t know the answer. • You are not marked down for wrong answers, so a guess is better than a blank space. • Eliminate any obviously wrong answers first, your chances of guessing right are better if you do.

22. Guessing • Think very carefully on questions with “never” and “always.” • Once you guess, stick with your answer. Only change if you are absolutely sure you are wrong. • If you get 5 “All or None of the above” in a row….you may want to go back and double check.

23. Guessing • Many questions have the word “not,” for example, “which of the above is not an example… • Be sure not to miss the word “not.”

24. “What if there is a question we haven’t covered in class?”

25. “What if there is a question we haven’t covered in class?” • That is expected. The CAHSEE is designed to test state standards and there is a LOT to remember. • Since the test is administered before the end of the year, some of the information may not have been covered yet in your classes. • Do your best on what you do know and remember from class. • It is okay.

26. “What happens if I am sick and miss part of the test?”

27. You better be really Sick! • Do your best to be here every day. • You will have to make up the test eventually, so make it if you can. • If you are too ill to effectively take the test, stay home.

28. “What about test anxiety?”

29. Test anxiety! • It is normal to be nervous. • Just slow down and relax. • Think of something peaceful. • Very few people get it all right. • Remember: No one, that we know of, has ever died from taking the CAHSEE. • Take the tests one day at a time. Concentrate on English while taking the Reading section and Math while taking the Mathematics portion.

30. Fight Test Anxiety! • If you have a positive attitude going into the test, chances are you will do better. • Having a positive attitude will only make you feel better, it can’t make you do worse.

31. What can I do to be physically ready?

32. What can I do to be physically ready? • Sleep! You need to be rested and ready for the challenge of the new day. • This does not mean sleep in and get to school late, it means go to bed earlier. • Eat a good breakfast (not one full of empty calories). • Stay away from soda, candy and coffee. They will make you too hyper to take the test.

33. How Can I Prepare For the CAHSEE? • Pay attention in class • Carefully work through the CAHSEE booklets your teachers have been going over with you. • Take a practice test using the Released Items and become familiar with the format of the CAHSEE.

34. Strategies for Language Arts Tests

35. Tip #1-Read the question first! • When you read the questions first you prepare your mind for reading the selection. • Study any graphs, charts and/or diagrams. • Get an idea of what the passage will be about. • Pay attention to any vocabulary words they give. Write them on your scratch paper. • Make sure you understand what each question is asking you.

36. Read the passage carefully! • Read the selection carefully, twice if necessary. • Use your scratch paper to write down any important words. • Use your scratch paper to take notes about important ideas.

37. Look for Clues! • Check the text and question for clues to the meaning. • Look for relationships between words in definition questions. • Break down large words to figure out their meaning. • Use the reading strategies you learned in class.

38. Answer the Questions! • Eliminate any obviously wrong answers. • Choose the best answer from the remaining choices. • Bubble in the answer on your answer sheet; make sure you bubble in the correct space.

39. Analogies Down Below Kick Sit Class • Open is to close as up is to • Back is to rear as under is to • Hand is to write as foot is to -Or- • bed : sleep :: chair : • Fish : school :: student : Analogies can be written either way.

40. Analogy Tips • Figure out the relationship between the two words; try to use them in a sentence. • Choose the pair of words that best fits the original short sentence. • Consider all 5 choices before you pick your answer, the first one you pick may not be the BEST answer. • Bubble in the best answer on the answer sheet.

41. Sentence Completion The Civil War documentary did a good job of showing the ___________ of the battlefield. • stellar • aqueduct • carnage • recapitulate • asteroid

42. Sentence CompletionFill in the blank • Try to answer the question first, without looking at the choices. • Look at the choices, chances are the right answer will be obvious. • Pay attention to key words such as not, never, although, because, however, if, but, and since.

43. Do I Really Have To Write An Essay? • Yes, the essay portion accounts for 20% of your overall English Language Arts Score. • You MUST put a response on the paper in order to receive a passing score. Remember the various techniques your teachers have taught you and try to put them into practice do academic writing comes natural to you. • You may be asked to write either a Response to Literature, Biographical Narrative, Business Letter, Expository Essay, or a Persuasive Essay.

44. Do I Really Have To Write An Essay? • Keeping a journal and writing about people you know will help you prepare for a Biographical Narrative Essay Question. • Keeping a journal and writing about books or newspaper articles you have read will help you prepare for a Response to Literature Essay Question. • Keeping a journal and writing about things you have learned will help you prepare for an Expository Essay. • Keeping a journal and writing about opinions you have on any subject will help you prepare for a Persuasive Essay.

45. Checklist for Writing • Read the description of the task carefully. • Map, graph, cluster, or outline the main points you want to make before you begin your essay. • Use specific details and examples to fully support your ideas. • Organize your writing with a strong introduction, body, and conclusion. • Choose specific words that are appropriate for your audience and purpose. • Vary your sentences to make your writing interesting to read. • Check for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence formation.

46. Checklist for Writing • Remember, a good answer: • Starts with a direct response to the question • Mentions the topics described in the question • Provides specific as well as general information • Uses academic language

47. Strategies for Math Tests

48. Carefully Read the Questions! • Read the problem to yourself, QUIETLY! • Read the problem several times, if necessary. • Write down important information.

49. Draw and Write!!! • Write in the test booklet. • Cross out answers that you know are wrong. • Draw diagrams or pictures for word problems.

50. Draw and Write!!! • Mark distances in geometry problems. • Use your test booklet as scratch paper.