FCAT Prep!

1. FCAT Prep! Yes we can all do well!

2. First! What will be on the test? Reading passages: • 50% literary text (fiction/nonfiction stories, poems or plays) • 50% informational text (graphs, charts, textbook entries, etc.) Categories of Questions: • Vocabulary • Reading Application • Literary Analysis – Fiction/Nonfiction • Informational Text/Research Process Now what does this mean??? Let’s take a closer look.

3. Vocabulary • Context Clues • Find the meaning of words based on how they are used in the passage. • Analyze Words based on prefixes, suffixes and root words • Figure out word meanings based on prefixes, suffixes or root words. • Analyze word/phrase relationships • Figure out the meaning of a phrase or group of words based on how they are used in the passage. • Multiple Meanings • Decide the correct meaning of a word that can have different meanings. MUST refer to the passage to get the correct meaning.

4. Vocabulary - Examples • Context Clues • Read this excerpt: Delighted by the dulcet tones, Franklin began thinking of a better way to produce music on glass… He built the first model of the harmonica in 1761 and gradually perfected the instrument. • What does the word perfected mean in the excerpt above? • A. Displayed • B. Enlarged • C. Improved • D. Repaired

5. Vocabulary - Examples • Analyze words based on prefixes, suffixes and root words • Read this sentence: Richard insisted that he had been the one who first suggested that the science class take a field trip to the park, but his claim remained unverified. • The word verify comes from the Latin word versus, meaning “true.” Based on this meaning, what does unverified mean in the sentence above? • A. Without proof • B. Without honor • C. Lacking accuracy • D. Lacking reliability

6. Vocabulary - Examples • Analyze Words/Phrases • Read this sentence: Although the delicate tones of the glass harmonica were perfect for drawing-room musicals and garden party concerts, the instrument gradually faded from fashion as concert halls grew larger… • What does the author mean by the phrase faded from fashion as used in the sentence above? • A. Became less visible • B. Became less popular • C. Was no longer available • D. Was no longer operational • Which pair of words are most similar in meaning? • A. Delicate, perfect • B. Assorted, varying • C. Arranged, ranging • D. Perform, transport

7. Vocabulary - Examples • Multiple Meaning Words • Read this sentence: “Maybe you and I should play a match sometime,” she said. • Which sentence uses match in the same way as the sentence above? • A. I could not find the match to my red sock. • B. She is no match for him in the spelling bee. • C. He lost the match to someone more experienced. • D. My grandfather used a match to light the candle. • Read this sentence: No member of the team could coast through the adventure race; everyone had to work hard to help the team cross the finish line. • Which sentence uses coast in the same way as the sentence above? • A. The car slipped into neutral and began to coast downhill. • B. My teacher does not allow anyone to coast through his class. • C. When the coast was clear, everyone was able to leave. • D. The sailing crew cheered when they first saw the coast.

8. Reading Application • Author’s purpose, perspective and bias • Main idea, summary, relevant details, making inferences, predicting • Cause and Effect • Organizational patterns (compare/contrast; cause/effect; chronological order; argument/support; definition/explanation; question/answer; listing/description) • Compare and Contrast

9. Literary Analysis – Fiction/Nonfiction • Plot, setting, characterization, character point of view, theme, conflict • Descriptive and figurative language • Descriptive – tone, mood, irony, imagery, alliteration, onomatopoeia • Figurative – hyperbole, symbolism, simile, metaphor, personification • Use text features (headings, subheadings, titles, subtitles, sections, captions, italicized text, charts, tables, graphs, illustrations, maps, diagrams, text boxes)

10. Literary Analysis – Fiction/Nonfiction • Focus on Plot (elements) • Exposition – background information, character and setting descriptions, and introduction to the problem • Rising Action – the building of suspense in the story; the events that lead up to the climax • Climax – the highest point of tension or suspense in a story • Falling Action – events that occur after the climax that relieve the tension • Resolution – how the story turns out, especially for the main character.

11. Informational Text/Research Process • Explain how text features aid the reader’s understanding • Analyze and evaluate information, determine the validity and reliability of information, and read and understand the connection between multiple sources.

12. Informational Text/Research Process • Explain how text features aid the reader’s understanding • Which text feature on the website provides the most accurate information about the locations of Marksdale State Park Facilities? • A. The map and key • B. The subtitle and graphics • C. The message written by the director • D. The list of activities shown in the left column • The section Time Line of Composers and Musical Events from 1700-1850 is important to the article because it • A. Estimates the number of musicians influenced by Ben Franklin • B. Shows the impact Ben Franklin had on the development of music. • C. Places Ben Franklin’s invention within the framework of other significant musical events. • D. Illustrates the superiority of Ben Franklin’s glass harmonica compared to other instruments.

13. Informational Text/Research Process • Analyze and evaluate information, determine the validity and reliability of information, and read and understand the connection between multiple sources. • The information in the article would be most useful for a presentation on • A. Eighteenth-century fashions. • B. The compositions of Mozart. • C. The lives of American musicians. • D. Eighteenth-century musical history. • Based on information in the article, which is the most accurate statement regarding the glass harmonica? • A. The glass harmonica became popular in both the U.S. and Europe. • B. The glass harmonica was introduced in Europe a year after it was invented. • C. The glass harmonica was played in concert halls in Europe by Ben Franklin. • D. The glass harmonica became known to Europeans through the music of Mozart.

14. A few reminders and notes • Read everything CAREFULLY!!!!! • Go back and check your work! • Don’t stress out. Stay calm! • Write in the test booklet! Annotate and cross out obviously wrong answers. • You CANNOT read, draw or write after the test! If you choose to sleep, put your test on the corner of your desk FIRST! • No electronic devices, including cell phones, are allowed in the room when you test! Watches are okay as long as they do not make noise during the test.

15. A few reminders and notes • The test instructions will tell you to write your name on the test book. You will write this above, below or on the printed sticker already there.Go to the bathroom BEFORE the test!!! You will not be able to leave during the test. • Your test will be 70 minutes. The stretch break after 40 minutes will only be a quick 1-2 minute stretch • Bring your own pencils if possible. Trust me! You will feel better if you are using your own materials.