Read passage carefully to make sure that you understand the meaning behind the
excerpt/poem
Do the easiest questions first
If you find yourself spending too much time on a particular question, circle it in your test
booklet, skip it, and come back to it later if you have the time
Always watch for key words such as: EXCEPT, all of the following are true EXCEPT, which
of the following are FALSE, pick the BEST answer choice, etc. . .
Do not randomly guess, as each wrong answer will deduct a quarter point off your total
multiple choice score
Try to eliminate wrong answer choices on difficult questions. If you are able to eliminate at
least two choices (three is better) then you may try to make an educated guess, as you have a
better possibility of guessing correctly
Pace yourself by working quickly but carefully because time is a factor
Don't panic if you do not understand a passage. Try reading the passage again and looking
at the questions to see if they will help give you a clue about what the passage may be about
Always try your best!
ESSAY QUESTIONS
Remember that the questions do not have to be answered in order. Answer the questions in
the order that you wish to answer them
Remember to pace yourself, giving each question about 40 minutes
DO NOT SUMMARIZE THE PLOT
Support with EXamples (S.E.X.)
In the question, underline exactly what the question is asking (the what and the how)
Remember to answer both the "what" and the "how" in your essay
Cluster your ideas on the passage itself before writing your essay
On the open ended literature question, remember that you do not have to choose from the list
of books listed - they are just suggestions (but you should know that these books are listed
because they definitely apply to the question)
