Laurel Park Middle School English 8, April English 8. Reading Review Notes for Parents & Students Laurel Park Middle School

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1 English 8 Reading Review Notes for Parents & Students Laurel Park Middle School 1

2 English 8 Reading Content Review Notes This resource is intended to be a guide for parents and students as we prepare for the English 8 Reading SOL standardized assessment. It may serve as a tool to improve content knowledge and understanding. The information provided is based on the English 8 Standards of Learning taught throughout the school year and originates from the English 8 Standards of Learning curriculum framework developed by the Virginia Department of Education. The curriculum framework in its entirety can be found at the following URL: s/english/index.shtml In addition to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) English curriculum frameworks and released tests, information from various other sources is included. Websites are provided with the most up-to-date information and URLs. A Let s Practice section has also been developed to provide students and parents with an opportunity to check their understanding of the content. 2

3 There are 38 multiple choice questions on the Grade 8 Reading VA SOL Test. 3

4 Will all the English 8 Reading Standards be tested? No please see the Test Blueprint below. Source: Virginia Department of Education 4

5 Let s Practice!!! Reporting Category: Use word analysis strategies and word reference materials 8.4 The student will apply knowledge of word origins, analogies, and figurative language to extend vocabulary development within authentic texts. a) Identify and analyze an author s use of figurative language. b) Use context, structure, and connotations to determine meaning and differentiate among multiple meanings of words and phrases. c) Use roots, affixes, cognates, synonyms, and antonyms to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and technical vocabulary. d) Use dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries to determine definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words. 5

6 Source: Virginia Department of Education 6

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9 You do not need to read a passage to answer the following questions

10 Source: Virginia Department of Education

11 Reporting Category: Demonstrate comprehension of fictional texts 8.5 The student will read and analyze a variety of fictional texts, narrative nonfiction, and poetry. a) Explain the use of symbols and figurative language. b) Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and implied information. c) Explain how authors use characters, conflict, point of view, voice, and tone to create meaning. d) Understand the author s use of conventional elements and characteristics within a variety of genres. e) Compare and contrast the author s use of word choice, dialogue, form, rhyme, rhythm, and voice in different texts. f) Compare and contrast author s styles. g) Identify and ask questions that clarify various viewpoints. h) Identify main idea. i) Summarize text relating supporting details. j) Identify an author s organization pattern using textual clues, such as transitional words and phrases. k) Identify cause and effect relationships. See Practice Passage and Questions on page 12. Read the essay Poppa and the Spruce Tree before answering questions 8 through

12 Source: Florida Department of Education 12

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16 Reporting Category: Demonstrate comprehension of nonfiction texts 8.6 The student will read, comprehend, and analyze a variety of nonfiction texts. b) Make inferences and draw conclusions based on explicit and implied information using evidence from the text as support. c) Analyze the author s qualifications, viewpoint, and impact. d) Analyze the author s use of text structure and word choice. e) Analyze details for relevance and accuracy. f) Differentiate between fact and opinion. g) Identify the main idea. h) Summarize and critique text. i) Identify an author s organizational pattern using textual clues, such as transitional words and phrases. j) Identify cause and effect relationships. k) Evaluate, organize, and synthesize information for use in written and oral formats. See Practice Passage and Questions on page

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20 Source: Virginia Department of Education 20

21 Testing Tips for Multiple Choice Questions The multiple choice questions on the Grade 8 Reading VA SOL Test fall into several categories, which are listed below. Follow the related tips when answering questions in each category. 1) Main Idea: After reading a passage, locate and underline the main idea. Remember that the main idea is the most important point expressed in the entire passage. 2) Significant Details: Find out what details to look for by reading the questions before reading the passage. BUT DO NOT TRY TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS WITHOUT READING THE ENTIRE PASSAGE. Underline these details as you read. Remember that correct answers do not always use the exact words that appear in the passage. Look for synonyms or other rephrasing. 3) Vocabulary: These questions often ask you to define a word within the context of the passage. Remember the four forms of context clues: Synonym, Antonym, Explanation, Example. Sometimes the word in question may have several different meanings. Therefore, answer choices may include distracting meanings of the word that do not fit the context in which the word appears. Read the answer choices and plug them into the passage to determine with answer fits the context. 4) Conclusion and Inference: A conclusion or inference is an implied idea (the author is hinting) within a passage rather than an explicit (directly stated 21

22 by the author) idea. Consider the passage as a whole to determine what the author is implying or what conclusion you might be able to draw about the subject matter. 5) Never Give Up! Keep Reading!! If you do not understand a passage at first, keep reading. Use the masking or highlighting tools to help you focus on difficult passages. Use context clues to decipher unfamiliar words. Create a main idea sentence for each paragraph. By the end of your reading, you will have a summary outline of the passage. 6) Read All Question and Answer Choices: Read each question carefully. Do not rush through the questions. You may miss important words like NOT or EXCEPT which will affect your answer choice. Read all answer choices BEFORE choosing one. Distractors sound like great choices until you compare them to the actual correct answer choice. Distractors may be true but they are not as relevant to the passage or the question being asked. Quizlet Resources Quizlet is a great FREE online website that provides students extra opportunities to practice and review important terms and vocabulary. Here are links to some good practice activities: Greek and Latin Roots 22

23 Reading Strategies English 8 Terms Review List flash-cards/ Quizzizz Resources IXL Resources All are 8 th grade, but students may access similar categories on lower and higher grade levels. 23

24 Review of Important Terms and Concepts 24

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