State Test Prep Reading

When a question asks you to analyze a character’s actions, what should you do?

• List all the events in the story.

• Break down their actions and explain why they did them.

• Rewrite the story in your own words.

• Find a sentence that describes the character.

If a test question asks you to infer what a character is feeling, what should you do?

• Look for clues in the story to figure it out.

• Find a sentence that directly says how the character feels.

• Skip the question because it isn’t clear.

• Choose the answer that sounds the best.

When you interpret a poem, what are you doing?

• Explaining its meaning in your own words.

• Copying it word for word.

• Counting how many lines it has.

• Finding the title of the poem.

A test question asks you to evaluate an argument in an article. What does this mean?

• Decide if the argument is strong and explain why.

• Find a sentence that you like in the article.

• Change the argument to fit your opinion.

• Write a summary of the argument.

If you are asked to support your answer with evidence, what should you do?

• Give your personal opinion.

• Find a sentence in the text that proves your answer.

• Explain why the story is interesting.

• Make up a reason that sounds convincing.

Which is the best way to summarize a story?

• Retell the entire story with every detail.

• Give a short version that includes only the main points.

• List every character’s name.

• Copy the last paragraph of the story.

If a question asks you to compare two characters, what should you do?

• Explain how they are similar.

• Show how they are different.

• Describe what they wear.

• Tell which character you like better.

When a question asks you to describe a character, what should you do?

• Give details about what they look like, how they act, and what they say.

• Write the character’s name.

• Guess what the character might do next.

• Copy a sentence from the story.

If a test question asks you to explain why a character made a certain choice, what should you do?

• Give reasons based on the story’s details.

• Write about a time you made the same choice.

• Copy a sentence from the story.

• Write what you think the character should have done instead.

Which of the following best describes the theme of a story?

• The main characters and setting.

• The events that happen in the story.

• The central message or lesson the author wants to share.

• A summary of the plot.