Test Prep

8th Grade ELA Test

I. Multiple-Choice Questions Strategies

1.   Scan the title and text; try to identify genre. This should be quick and automatic.

2.   Read questions before reading text (not the answer choices).

3.   Read passage and underline evidence that answer the questions.

4.   Read the questions carefully. Underline key words.

5.   Answer the questions:

a.   Think about and answer the question in your head.

b.   Read all the answer choices.

c.    Use process of elimination.

d.   Go back to the text to find evidence that supports the answer.

e.   Choose the best answer. Don’t get tricked. Often there is more than one possible answer, but you have to pick the answer that more accurately fulfills each part of the question.

II. Short-Response Questions:

• Read question carefully and unpack it:
• What are they asking you to do? What do you need to include in your answer?
• Underline key words. Use the language of the question in your answer.
• Answer the question:
• 1st sentence: answer the question; restate the prompt
• 2nd sentence: provide the number of details they are asking you to provide, most likely 2
• 3rd sentence: elaborate on evidence and connect back to the answer
• To get a 2, you must have:
• Valid inferences and analysis of prompt and text
• Relevant and sufficient details
• Correct, complete sentences

III. Extended Response:

• Read and reread question carefully; unpack it:
• What are they asking you to do? What do you need to include in your answer?
• Underline key words. Use the language of the question in your answer.
• Plan your response - take 2-4 minutes to write a brief outline or synthesis page; abbreviate and use symbols for the evidence; indicate paragraph # and underline definite evidence in the text.

Ex. In “Brain Birds” and “A Soft Spot for Crows,” are the authors’ attitudes toward crows and ravens positive or negative? How do the authors convey their views? Use examples from both articles to support your response. In your response, be sure to

• identify the authors’ attitudes toward crows and ravens

• explain how each author supports his views

• use examples from both articles to support your response

Thesis:The authors of “BB” and “ASSFC” have positive attitudes toward crows and ravens; they both explain amazing characteristics of these birds..

1. “BB”:
1. shows how smart r’s and c’s are
2. P#25
2. “ASSFC”
1. author also appreciates their intelligence
2. P#45
3. both authors are amazed by these birds
1. 1st a: P#60
2. 2nd a: P#75

• Write your response:

Writing the Introduction (2-4 sentences): Simple lead (1-2 sentences): general/universal statement about the main topic Interesting fact or detail from the text brief summary of the text Accurately state title and author of text or texts; this could be part of the lead or thesis Thesis (last 1-2 sentences): Rephrase the main part of the sentence; answer the question and state your focus; be specific

Writing the Conclusion (2-3 sentences): Elaborate on your thinking of the question; show insight: What are your realizations or connections based on the texts? Use sentence starters such as: This text (or these texts) shows / reveals / is significant / makes me realize that… These texts are important because they show…