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MSL Preparation. MSL Study Guide Test Taking Tips “People who don't Think probably don't have Brains; rather, they have gray fluff that's blown into their heads by mistake.” – Winnie the Pooh. Test Overview .
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MSL Study Guide Test Taking Tips “People who don't Think probably don't have Brains; rather, they have gray fluff that's blown into their heads by mistake.” – Winnie the Pooh
Test Overview • Think of this exam as a more advanced version of the EOC (similarly, the exam counts as either 15 or 20% of your final grade!) • You will have multiple choice questions based on grammar, writing, mechanics, and reading • You must also provide WRITTEN answers, which we will practice both today and throughout the semester • For the written portion, you will either write a one or three paragraph response. Remember ACES!!!!
Reading • You will be provided with various passages. After reading the passages, you’ll be asked to do several things: • Explaining requires constructing a cause-and-effect model of a system (e.g. explain the recent downturn in the global economy) - Inferring requires drawing a logical conclusion from presented information (e.g. In learning a foreign language, infer grammatical principles from examples)
Written Responses • Your written responses will be scored on a 0-2 scale (you can earn a 0, 1, or 2) • A 2 is the best score, a 0 is not passing • Score Explanations: • Score 0 - No response or the response does not address the prompt • Score 1 - Fulfills only 1 of 2 requirements of a level 2 performance • Score 2 - Explains how the poem exemplifies the device in question; provides 2 examples from the poem in support
Study!! • Decide what you think will be more challenging for you, the constructed response or the textual analysis. • Try and pinpoint what is challenging about these selections. Is it the questions you are asked? The length of the selection? Do you not know where to start when it comes to writing a paragraph? • Once you have targeted what you have difficulties with, you now need to decide how you will target this area. • Having problems with questions? Make sure you know what you are being asked. If you don’t understand the question how will you answer it?
Before the test… • Develop a study plan. You only have 90 MINUTES to complete your exam. You need to have a plan! Trust me; the time will go by quick. • Getting done quickly is not the goal! Putting forth your best effort and achieving a passing score is the goal!!! • If you finish before the 90 minutes is over, go back and check all of your answers. Check your answer sheet for any stray marks.
During the test… • Remember to relax. You have prepared and practiced what to do. • Remember the tips we discussed with answering the questions. • For constructed response: make sure you address what you are being asked in the prompt. Use the starter sentences and transition words on the next page while writing your paragraphs if you get stuck. Remember a short response should be at least a four sentence paragraph, and a long response should be three four sentence paragraphs. Remember ACES!!!!!
Textual Analysis Tips • For textual analysis: Take notes and summarize the article or story as you read. Before you answer the questions you need to understand what you have read. • Highlight important names or characters, events and places. You may be asked questions about these aspects. • For questions that deal with the meaning of words, look at the context the word is used in and substitute all your answer choices. Pick the one that makes the most sense.
If you are unsure of an answer, write the number of the question on the spare piece of paper you will be given and return to it at the end of the test. • Do your best! Once again, we have prepared and practiced all semester. If you get stuck think back to what we have done during the semester to help.
MSL Reading Passage Tips • MY OPINION: DO NOT read the questions before beginning the passage. This is a reading test which means they will be testing your comprehension, not your ability to skim and find answers. They will purposefully put “distracter” answer choices that can be found by quickly skimming the passage but are incorrect based on the overall understanding of the passage. • HOWEVER, you are the one taking the test. Do what you think will help you be most successful!
Quickly look at the title and any images or charts that accompany the passage to get a quick “feel” for what the passage is about. • Highlight when reading the reading passages. This will force your mind to focus on the text. Do not highlight every sentence, but highlight key important points (people, places, events, etc.)
Ask yourself… “What is the main idea of this passage?” as you read. Ask other questions like, “Why is this person doing this?” or “What is important about this place or event?” • Imagine/picture the events, people, or places the text is describing. • As you read, predict in your mind what you think is going to happen.
If you find yourself dazing off, rub your ears (stimulates your brain). Reread the passage where you became distracted. • Once finished with the passage, begin answering questions. Answer each question one at a time. • Put an X beside answer choices that you know are wrong. Do not completely cross out the answer in case you change your mind and need to reread the answer choices.
Put a check beside possible correct answer choices. • Look back at the text to confirm your answer if you are not immediately 100% sure of the answer. Any time the question refers to a specific passage, quote, or word, ALWAYS take the time to go back and read that specific portion before answering the questions. • Choose the BEST answer.
If you find yourself stuck on a question for more than a few minutes, put a large star or question mark beside the question that you are unsure of. Bend the test booklet page down on this page. Go back to this question once you finish all the questions relating to this passage (often you will understand the passage better after you have answered 6-7 questions about it). If you still cannot figure out an answer, bend the text booklet page down on this page. Once you finish the entire test, GO BACK to these questions and choose an answer.
Context Clue questions will purposely ask about large and difficult words. Do not let the “size” of the word scare you. They do not expect you to be familiar with the word or even know how to pronounce it. You simply need to read the text around the word, and this will provide you with the meaning of the word
They will normally always ask you one of each of these types of questions for each passage: • What was the overall main idea, purpose, theme, or meaning of the passage? • Based on the context of the passage/paragraph/sentence, what does __________ mean? • Part to Whole or Stylistic Analysis Question • What does the poet suggest by the title? • The author uses words such as ____, _____, _____to emphasize…? • The author’s tone produces which effect? • How does _____ provide an effective ending to the passage? • What is the purpose of opening the article with ….? • For what purpose does the author include ______? • Which word best describes Joe’s tone? • Which is the best statement of the theme? • What can a reader infer about ________’s feelings for _______? • What makes __________ an effective simile?
Constructed Response Tips ACE the Constructed Response by… Address the question • The first sentence should restate the prompt in a specific, straightforward answer
Cite evidence from the text • (Hint: if possible, give one more example than required. If they say 1, provide 2. If they say 2, provide three). • Use transitions for each example (For example, For Instance, Additionally, Likewise, Similarly, In addition, etc.) • Provide specific quotes from the text
Explain your examples in detail. • Answer the "So What?" What does this example mean/show? • Explain each example before presenting your next idea/example.
Sum it up • Add a concluding sentence that summarizes your response to the prompt • Use a transition (In Conclusion, To summarize, In Summation, etc.)
Starter / Topic Stem Sentences Topic Sentences • What is the topic of your paragraph? • What point are you trying to make? • You may want to include the context (the situation, the book, etc.) • Use these stems: • In this passage (add in the topic of the prompt) … • The author is showing (add the topic here) through their use of… • This passage clearly demonstrates (subject here) in multiple places.
Transition Words Transitions give your paper a sense of flow; without them, your paper appears choppy and hastily put together. • First point (optional): Primarily, First • Additional Points: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Also, Equally important, Likewise, Similarly • Specific Example: For example, For instance • Contrast: However, On the other hand • Final Point: Ultimately, Finally
Closing Stem Sentences In this sentence you should: • Assume you have proven your point • State your topic andadd an additional insight (**This is not an additional reason to support your opinion, just a follow-up to what you have already stated.) • Answer the question “so what?” • Do not simply restate your topic sentence • As stated above… • These examples demonstrate… • In conclusion…
Other Hints: • Do not use contractions (won’t, couldn’t, isn’t) • Do not use First or Second Person Point of View (I, we, our, my, you, your) • Avoid an informal tone (DO NOT USE “cause” instead of because; DO NOT USE “tons of” instead of “many”; DO NOT WRITE “like how he says,” instead write “In this passage the author states…”) • Use the author, poet, and playwright’s name if given when writing your response. • Use specific quotes from the text to support your example. • Reread your response to make sure that it makes sense.
“If you are not willing to learn, NO ONE can help you. If you are determined to learn NO ONE can stop you.” – Anonymous
Are there any questions? Alright! Let’s get ready and practice!!
