Final MCAS prep 2015 Mr. Heinegg, Mr. Ambrose, Ms. Hart Mr. Bowen-Flynn, Mr. Esner.
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Transcript of Final MCAS prep 2015 Mr. Heinegg, Mr. Ambrose, Ms. Hart Mr. Bowen-Flynn, Mr. Esner.
Final MCAS prep
2015 Mr. Heinegg, Mr. Ambrose, Ms. Hart Mr. Bowen-Flynn, Mr. Esner
How is MCAS Scored?
36 multiple choice questions (1 point each) = 36 pointsQuestions based on reading passages in all major
genres4 open response questions (4 points each) = 16 points
1-2 paragraph responses that use textual evidence1 long composition (scored out of 10 by 2 readers) = 20 points5-7 paragraph essay about a book that you know wellTotal Points up for grabs = 72 points
MCAS scoring
How many points do I need to pass the test?On the 2012 MCAS ELA test for 10th grade, students needed to earn 41 of 72 possible points to get a Proficient score.On the 2012 MCAS ELA test for 10th grade, students needed to earn 59 of 72 possible points to get an Advanced score.
Score Recalibration260-280 = Advanced (again, at least 59 of 72 possible points)240-258 = Proficient (again, at least 41 of 72 possible points)220-238 = Needs Improvement (not technically “passing”)200-218 = Failing
I think you can all achieve advanced!
Reading Comprehension
Take a cursory glance at the selectionWhat is the genre?Establish the length and the number of questionsTake a good look at the open response question
Reading Comprehension
Read the questions firstRead the questions again!Eliminate obvious wrong answersAnnotate your testKeep track of paragraph #s that’s exactly where the answers will be
Reading Comprehension
For main idea questions, remember (logically) that the answer will be general and NOT a detailFor vocabulary in context, plug in the possible answer and read it to yourself in your head;
Reading Comprehension
For anything written by a person who is not a part of the Dead White Man posse, remember that the answer cannot cast the subject or the author in a negative light, i.e.the test is vanilla and wants to offend no one…
Open Responses
Aim for 2-3 paragraphs apieceUse T-GAS to start with a strong thesisT(itle) G(enre) A(uthor) S(ummary), e.g.“We will rock you” is a rock song by the theatrical British rock band Queen that melts faces everywhere with its anthemic awesomeness.Prove that thesis!Use quotes from the selectionMake sure you’ve made sense and argued wellClincher
Long Composition - Thursday
The long comp is a dynamic character essay or a static character essaythey vary how they get you to write, but historically it’s always been about a character from a work of literature, and YES YOU CAN USE A MOVIE, just
underline the title.
Long Composition
Have two-three movies in your head that you know cold, and know the protagonists coldWrite the Identify the character paragraphbefore the test (today!)Aim for a bare minimum of 5 paragraphs
Long Composition
Perhaps it will look like this…
Often in works of literature, characters gain wisdom through experience.From a work of literature you have read in or out of school, select a character who gains wisdom through experience. In a well-developed composition, (#1)Identify the character, (#2)describe how the character gains wisdom through experience, and (#3)explain how this wisdom relates to the work as a whole
the first part is your Identify the Character paragraph (we’re writing this today)the second part can be several paragraphs (you needn’t stick to a 5 para. model)the third part means how does the lesson relate to the work’s OVERALL THEME (or message)
Long Composition
Use your best vocabularyUnderline your titleUse T-GASAvoid contractionsIndentUse the dictionary to check your spellingDot your i’s (you know who you are!)
Long Composition
Make sure each body paragraph has a thorough structureTopicExample, Elaboration (3x)Clincher
Final thoughts on this?