"A book, too, can be a star, 'explosive material, capable of stirring up fresh life endlessly,' a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe." - from Madeleine L'Engle's Newberry Medal Acceptance Speech

Monday, April 11, 2011

ELA Test Overview

The days of the test are approaching, May 3 and4. Make sure you are reading regularly and completing your log as you read. Here is an overview of the test:

  • Day 1: 41 multiple choice questions, 6 passages, 70 min + 10 min preparation time
  • Day 2: 90 minutes + 15 min preparation time:
  • Part 1: Listening - listen to a passage, take notes, answer 5 multiple choice questions and 3 short answer questions

  • Part 2: Writing - 3 multiple choice questions on grammar and mechanics

  • Part 3: Reading/Writing - read 2 related texts; complete 4 short answer questions and 1 extended response (4-5 paragraph essay)
Practice tests - we will be doing practice tests in class; for those of absent from class, please complete the following on your own and bring them to class your first day back:
Strategies for answering multiple choice questions:

  • Read questions first - skim the questions and not the answers; do this quickly

  • Annotate text as your read - based on the questions and other important details

  • Read questions carefully - think about the answer before choosing one; make sure you answer the question; use process of elimination

  • Don't leave questions blank on answer sheet; if you're not sure of an answer, mark it lightly and go back to it later

  • Manage your time; you have 70 minutes; take little breaks between passages if possible

  • Check your answers after you have finished the test

  • Have a positive attitude! Make sure you eat a healthy breakfast:)
Other ways to prepare for the test:

  • Review literary devices

  • Read a lot! Read every day! Read a variety of genres: articles, novels, essays, poetry, and memoir. Try to read for long periods of time, 45 min-1 hour.

  • Review rules on sentence structure, spelling, capitalization, punctuation. Do exercises on-line. For a comprehensive overview of grammar rules and some exercises, go to the OWL Purdue Writing Lab website.

  • Review parts of speech, prefixes, and suffixes in your vocabulary book.

Strategies for Listening Section (Day 2, Book 1):

  • A passage will be read to you twice, most likely an informational article.

  • Listen carefully the first time without taking notes then take notes during the second reading. Or, write brief outline of passage the first time then fill in more specific details during second reading.

Writing component:



  • There are 4 multiple choice questions on grammar and mechanics, 7 short answers, and 1 extended response (a 4-5 paragraph essay).

  • Think about your audience, ELA teachers from various public schools throughout the city; they are the ones scoring your tests. Most likely, they resent having to be at the scoring site; don't make them any more disgruntled by making careless mistakes. Instead, wow them with your expert writing skills:)

  • Please proofread and edit your sentences! Make sure you correct sentences, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
Strategies for short answer: write a strong paragraph using this format: RATE

  • Rephrase the question

  • Answer the question

  • Textual evidence

  • Elaborate on evidence; connect evidence back to question
Strategies for extended response: write a traditional 4-5 paragraph essay

  • Read the question carefully

  • Write a brief outline of your essay

  • Introduction: keep it short and simple; include thesis - rephrase the question

  • Organize the body paragraphs in a clear and logical way:
1. Example by example Body paragraph 1: important observations and inferences from Passage 1 that relate to the thesis; quote; elaboration Body paragraph 2: important observations and inferences from Passage 2 that relate to the thesis; quote; elaboration 2. Point by point Body paragraph 1: 1st supporting idea that supports thesis; quote; elaboration Body paragraph 2: 2nd supporting idea that supports thesis; quote; elaboration

  • Conclusion - connect texts to your self, the world, or another text; keep it short and simple

Scoring:

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