Purpose of Keystone Exam

what is the purpose of the keystone exam?

1. Assessment of Proficiency: The exam assesses students’ proficiency in reading and analyzing literature, which is a key component of the English Language Arts curriculum.

2. Graduation Requirement: For students in Pennsylvania, passing the Keystone Exams is one of the requirements to graduate from high school. The literature exam contributes to ensuring that students meet state standards in literacy.

3. Educational Accountability: The exam is part of Pennsylvania's system of educational accountability. It helps the state monitor the effectiveness of schools and educational programs, ensuring that students are receiving a quality education.

4. Support for Curriculum Development: The data generated from the exam results can inform teachers and administrators about areas of strength and weakness in student learning, guiding curriculum development and instructional strategies.

5. Identifying Need for Intervention: The results can help identify students who may need additional support in reading and literature, allowing for targeted interventions

author’s purpose

• The attitude of the author for the topic

• Finding the purpose is like being a detective

• PIE

• persuade- is the author trying to change your mind, we must , we should

• Informational- teach you something knew , share info

• entertain- enjoyable

simile/ metaphor

comparisons helps clarify an idea, engages emotion by connecting familiar experiences to new ones enable writers to convey complex ideas /

flashback

a literary device that interrupts the chronological sequence to recount events from the past, providing background information and context to the current narrative. Flashbacks can reveal a character’s intentions/motivations and add more depth to the storyline.

imagery

a literary device that uses vivid and descriptive language to create mental pictures, appealing to the senses and enhancing the reader's experience.

satire

a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose the folly or corruption of individuals, institutions, or society. highlights the flaws of humanity humorously

What is personification?

Personification is a literary device in which human qualities, emotions, or behaviors are attributed to non-human entities, animals, or inanimate objects. This technique is often used to create vivid imagery and deeper emotional connections between the reader or audience and the subject being described.

purpose of Dialect in text

The purpose of dialect in text is to convey authenticity, regional identity, and social background of characters, enhancing the reader's understanding of their motivations and cultural significance.

What is foreshadowing?

Foreshadowing is a literary device where an author gives hints or clues about events that will happen later in the story. This technique builds anticipation in the reader, creating suspense and engaging them in the plot. It can occur through dialogue, actions, or descriptions that suggest what is to come. Foreshadowing can enhance the thematic elements of the narrative and prepare the audience for twists or outcomes.

What is symbolism?

Symbolism is a literary device where characters, events, or objects are used to represent broader concepts and ideas. It allows writers to convey deeper meanings and emotions through symbols, enhancing the reader's understanding of themes within a work. Symbols can be cultural, universal, or personal, and they often gain significance based on their context within the narrative. For example, a rose may symbolize love and beauty, while a storm might represent chaos or conflict. The effective use of symbolism can add layers of meaning to a story, prompting readers to reflect on the underlying messages.

test taking strategies (multiple choice)

Test taking strategies for multiple choice questions include techniques such as eliminating obviously incorrect answers, understanding key terms in the question, and using logic to deduce the best possible answer. Additionally, pacing oneself and reviewing answers when time permits can improve overall performance.

Main idea

the key information that the author wants you to know after reading the text. Take the ideas from each paragraph and find what they have in common

connotation

the way a word feels the context around it. Connotation refers to the emotional or cultural associations that a word carries beyond its literal definition. It encompasses the feelings and ideas that a word evokes in a given context, influencing the reader's interpretation. Helps to reveal tone and mood.

denotation

dictionary definition

constructed response format

1 paragraph

same format as a body paragraph in a 5 paragraph essay

1. thesis statement should answer the prompt

2. context summarize

3. evidence- blend + cite (give 2 pieces)

4. analysis -2/3 sentences

5. repeat context,2nd piece evidence, and analysis

6. concluding sentence

constructed response acronym

CCAASPR - clear,complete, accurate analysis, relevant, specific - from prompt.

expanded authors purpose

explain- to break down a process

describe

analyze

compare and contrast

evaluate

inspire

reflect

critique

argue

satirize/ mock

express a theme