Basic MULTIPLE CHOICE

Test Strategies

Fundamental strategies
Look at the questions first
Number them from easiest to hardest
Read and annotated the passage note any
answers to any questions by adding the
number to the question in the margin
Answer the questions starting with the
easiest
Leave no question unanswered
Pace yourself through each section
Do basic math BEFORE you begin working
on your MC

More Fun. Strategies

Answer every question in which you can
eliminate at least one or two answers
Do NOT leave blank the answers you dont have
time to finish (Use letter of the day!)
Context clues
Often times the unknown word will be placed with a
passage with a certain image, that should be enough
to give you a clue as to the answer,

Questions are sequential from the beginning of

the passage to the end, not from easiest to
hardest

Basic math
60 minutes to complete MC
If you have 6 sections, thats 10 minutes
per section to READ, ANNOTATE, and
ANSWER
If you run out of time, letter of the day that
section and MOVE ON!!!

Annotate and Rhetorically

Analyze
Annotate the Passage

Clear statement of Argument or Thesis

Vivid Language or vivid Metaphors
Shifts in tone or subject
Parallel syntax
Underline unknown words and look for context
clues
Bold claims or false arguments (satire)

Advice for Certain Questions

Footnotes can
Identify sources
Define Terms
Add facts or details
Clarify confusion
Set the Record Straight

Footnotes questions are typically EASY!!

READ YOUR FOOTNOTES!

Advice for Certain Questions

Roman Numeral Questions
Look at the Roman Numerals first, decide which of these are
correct then move to the A, B, C choices OR Find the Roman
numeral you know is wrong then eliminate those answers.
Knock out any choice A, B, C, etc. that refer to a Roman Numeral
that is clearly WRONG
Example:
The authors devices of argument in the passage
include which of the following?

I. Reinforcing a case by including a personal

perspective
II. Providing a specific example to illustrate an
abstract concept
III. Citing the evidence of historical scholarship

(A) I only
(B) I and II only
(C) I and III only
(D) II and III only
(E) I, II, and III

Advice for Certain Questions

Pronoun Antecedents
It refers to which of the following nouns?
To answer this question, substitute each word in its
place

Familiar but unfamiliar vocabulary

In colonial times, it was important to husband the
food supply during the winter.
Our future would be better insured if we carefully
husband our natural resources.
Best Answer:
To use, to marry, to conserve, to waste, to join

Advice for Certain Questions

Main Idea Stem Questions
the authors primary focus
the intent of the passage
the anticipated outcome of the argument
Dont be fooled by the partial idea distractor

Tone or Mood Questions

Defined by the connotation or imagery
Know your tone words