Eoc Reading passage hints
- 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.
- 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 all of the 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.
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 ______?
An effect of a literary element
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?
