Day 16 Notes

English – When in Doubt

• When it doubt, take it out
• Keep it short
• Skimming English questions
• Skim a paragraph
• Then do the questions it contains
• Then skim the next paragraph
• Etc…
• Skimming a paragraph should only take a few seconds

English Test 4

Day 17 Notes

3-Step Method for Math

• Step 1: Understand
• Focus on the question stem first (make sure you understand it)
• Words have precise meanings
• Step 2: Analyze
• Decide on a plan of attack
• Look for the quickest and most reliable way to find the correct answer
• Look for patterns and shortcuts
• Try to solve the problem without focusing on the answer choices
• Step 3: Select
• If you got an answer and it is listed as one of the choices, chances are you are correct
• If you didn’t get an answer, narrow the choices as best you can by process of elimination and then guess

Math Test 4

Day 18 Notes

5 Steps for ACT Reading

• Step 1: Preread the Passage
• Prereading = quickly working through the passage before trying to answer the questions
• Understand the “gist” of the passage (the “main idea”)
• Get an overall idea of how the passage is organized so that it will be easier to refer to later
• Underline key points, make notes, circle clues, label each paragraph
• DON’T read slowly
• DON’T get bogged down in individual details

Reading Test 4

Day 19 Notes

5 Steps for ACT Science

• Step 2: Consider the Question Stem
• It is essential that you understand EXACTLY what the question is asking
• Then, go back to the passage and get a sense of what the answer should be BEFORE looking at the answers
• Three basic question types:
• Data analysis: going back to graphs and tables to analyze their data
• Experiment: understand the purpose of the experiments
• Principle: apply a scientific principle or identify ways of defending or attacking a principle

Science Test 4

Day 20 Notes

Write What Counts

• To score a level 4, you must:
• Answer the question
• Support ideas with examples
• Show logical thought and organization
• Avoid major or frequent errors that make your writing unclear
• To score a level 5, all you have to add to a 4 is:
• Address the topic in depth
• To score a level 6, all you have to add to a 5 is:
• Make transition smoother and show variety in syntax and vocabulary

Writing Activity 4