Rotation 1

​ANALYZING TEST QUESTIONS

Standardized tests can feel intimidating, but they don’t have to be and understanding how to approach test questions is key to boosting your confidence and performance.

​Why is it important?
Analyzing test questions helps you break them down into manageable pieces, identify exactly what is being asked, and avoid common traps. When you understand the structure and intention behind the questions, you gain an edge—not just for tests, but in developing critical thinking skills you’ll use throughout life.

​Let’s start with a quick challenge! Imagine you’re stranded on a desert island, and you have to solve a puzzle to get rescued. Solving a standardized test question is just like solving that puzzle—you have all the tools you need, but it’s about using them the right way.

Open Ended

If you were stranded on a deserted island, which five things would you look for to survive and escape?

​When I take the FAST Reading/ELA test, it is critical that I read and analyze all of the questions carefully. Whether it's math or reading, understanding what I'm being asked to answer is crucial for my success.

Let's keep it SIMPLE...

​1. Read each question for the section you're in.

2. Highlight key words in the question and make a note of what these words mean.

3. Read the text a paragraph or two at a time, then highlight key words, and make a short summary of each paragraph.

4. Look for evidence for answers to the questions you are being asked.

​What evidence from the text supports the abductive reasoning for the claim that "many aspects of Aztec culture can still be seen today"(paragraph 1) Select three correct answers.

What are the key words that you would highlight in this question?

• ​"Evidence from the text" – This indicates that I need to focus on specific parts of the text to find supporting details.

• "Abductive reasoning" – This term highlights that I should look for logical connections or inferences that support the claim.

• "Claim" – Indicates that the question is about providing evidence for the statement.

• "Aztec culture can still be seen today" – This is the central claim that I must address.

• "Three correct answers" – This emphasizes that there are multiple answers, and I must choose exactly three pieces of evidence.

​Strategy for highlighting in the text to answer the question:

• Look for phrases in paragraph 1 that explicitly or implicitly link aspects of Aztec culture to modern times.

• Pay attention to descriptions of cultural practices, symbols, traditions, or influences that remain visible today.

• Identify connections between historical Aztec elements and contemporary society (e.g., language, food, art, or architecture).

​What evidence from the text supports the abductive reasoning for the claim that "many aspects of Aztec culture can still be seen today"(paragraph 1) Select three correct answers.

Poll

How are you feeling so far?

• I'M SOOOOOO CONFUSED!

• I'M SUPER!!

• I'm getting there!

• I already know this stuff!

Multiple Select

What key words would you highlight?

What evidence from the text supports the abductive reasoning for the claim that "many aspects of Aztec culture can still be seen today"(paragraph 1)

• evidence

• paragraph 1

• three

• aspects

​DEFINITIONS:

Evidence - Facts or details from a text that help prove something is true or valid.

Supports - Helps to explain, prove, or strengthen

Abductive Reasoning - A way of thinking where you make the best possible guess based on the evidence you have.

Example: If you see muddy shoes by the door, you might use abductive reasoning to guess someone went outside.

Open Ended

Explain EVIDENCE in your own words.

Multiple Choice

When you see "supports" in a test question, that means:

• Facts or details from a text

• A statement or idea that someone says is true

• Helps to explain, prove, or strengthen an idea or claim.

• A way of thinking

Multiple Choice

If you see a lot of Superman stuff in a classroom and all red, blue, and yellow, you might guess the teacher likes Superman. This is:

• inductive reasoning

• abductive reasoning

• telepathy

• agricultural

​DEFINITIONS:

Claim - A statement or idea that someone says is true and tries to prove.

Aspects - Different parts or features of something.

​1. Make a claim about this school

2. What are some aspects of this school?

​Stand up / Pair Up

Multiple Choice

When you see the word "claim" in a test question, you are trying to figure out:

• A way of thinking where you make the best possible guess

• Different parts or features of something.

• A statement or idea that someone says is true and tries to prove.

• Facts or details from a text to prove something is true.

Multiple Choice

When you see the word "aspects" in a test question, you are looking for:

• Different parts or features of something.

• Facts or details from a text to prove something is true.

• A statement or idea that someone says is true and tries to prove.

• A way of thinking logically.

​Ready for memory test?

Multiple Choice

For the practice question, how many CORRECT answers were you supposed to select?

• 2

• 3

• 1

• all of the above