3. Literature Keystone Exams
EACH Module Contains:
23 Multiple-choice questions
◦ Each is worth 1 point
4 Constructed Response Questions
◦ Each is worth 3 points
◦ Responses are scored using item-specific
scoring guidelines
4. Multiple Choice Tips
Use the text if needed especially if the questions
states “in the passage….. On line 2……. In the 3rd
paragraph…”
Take your time and read carefully
◦ Watch for words like EXCEPT, MOST LIKELY, LEAST
LIKELY, BEST, and ANTONYM
DO NOT leave any questions blank. Make an
educated guess
◦ Eliminate choices
◦ Use word roots, connotation, and/or context clues
5. VOCABULARY SKILLS
Identify and/or apply a synonym or antonym of a word used in a text.
Identify how the meaning of a word is changed when an affix is added;
identify the meaning of a word with an affix from a text.
6. VOCABULARY SKILLS
Use context clues to determine or clarify the meaning of
unfamiliar, multiple-meaning, or ambiguous words.
“Growing up in a family that liked adventure equipped her with the skills to
be gregarious in social situations.”
What does the word gregarious mean as it is used in the sentence?
Draw conclusions about connotations of words.
“As Rafael read the first chapter of the book, he became famished to know
the ending.”
Which feeling is being suggested by the use of the word famished?
A. eagerness
B. compassion
C. selfishness
D. confusion
8. Making Inferences/Drawing conclusions
Which sentence from the passage best
supports the generalization that beauty
comes in many forms?
Based on information in the passage, what
conclusion can be made about apples?
11. Persuasive Techniques
What does the opinion used in the sentence contribute
to the passage?
Which detail is least essential to the overall
understanding of the passage?
13. Multiple Choice Tips
Use the text if needed especially if the questions
states “in the passage….. On line 2……. In the 3rd
paragraph…”
Take your time and read carefully
◦ Watch for words like EXCEPT, MOST LIKELY, LEAST LIKELY,
BEST, and ANTONYM
DO NOT leave any questions blank. Make an
educated guess
◦ Eliminate choices
◦ Use word roots, connotation, and/or context clues
14. Constructed Response Tips
Read these questions FIRST then annotate the text for
support/answer as you read. You will have to use
evidence from the text to support your answer
Please follow the directions carefully. Reread your
response and make sure it answers all parts of the
question.
DO NOT leave any question blank.
Students can earn at least some credit by simply
rewording the question as a statement in their response.
15. SCORING GUIDELINES
3 Points
• The response provides a clear, complete, and accurate answer to the task.
• The response provides relevant and specific information from the passage.
2 Points
• The response provides a partial answer to the task.
• The response provides limited information from the passage and may include inaccuracies.
1 Point
• The response provides a minimal answer to the task.
• The response provides little or no information from the passage and may include
inaccuracies.
0 Points
• The response is totally incorrect or irrelevant or contains insufficient information to
demonstrate comprehension.
16. Module 1 Fiction
Constructed Response Questions
Example 1: Explain what the author’s purpose is for writing
the passage. Use information from the passage to
support your explanation.
Example 2: Analyze what a character’s thoughts throughout
the passage reveal about his personality. Use information
from the passage to support your explanation.
19. Constructed Response Tips
Read these questions FIRST then annotate the text for
support/answer as you read. You will have to use
evidence from the text to support your answer
Please follow the directions carefully. Reread your
response and make sure it answers all parts of the
question.
DO NOT leave any question blank.
Students can earn at least some credit by simply
rewording the question as a statement in their response.
20. Take it seriously & Try your Best
Students who do not score proficient or
advanced in May 2013 will receive remediation
which may impact their free periods, study halls
and electives next year.
Students who do not score proficient or
advanced on the May 2013 Keystones will
retake them in December 2013.
21. Remember
Bring #2 pencils & your calculator!
You are allowed to highlight or write in the
text booklet! (Mark the text as you read!)
You have unlimited time to take all sections.
22. Test Security
Students are not allowed to go to their locker once
testing has started.
Students who must use the bathroom need to be
escorted there and back.
During the entire testing session, students are NOT
permitted to use ANY of the following electronic
devices: cell phones, iPods/MP3s, and personal
laptops.
23. Ticket-Out
On the other side of the index card list:
1 Test Taking Tip
&
1 Skill That Will Be Assessed
Also: please indicate if you want to
set up a conference with me
