Keystone Exams 2012

Each Keystone exams consist of 2 modules.

You will have approximately 90 minutes per module. However, this test is untimed.

Students needing extra time will finish testing in the Black Box.

Literature Keystone Exams

Module 1 – Fiction

3 Passages

23 Multiple-choice questions

◦ Each is worth 1 point

4 Constructed Response Questions (aka short answer)◦ Each is worth 3 points◦ Responses are scored using

item-specific scoring guidelines

Module 2– Nonfiction

3 Passages

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

Reading for Meaning – Vocabulary

Module 1 – Fiction & Module 2 - Nonfiction

Identify and/or apply a synonym or antonym of a word used in a text.

Ex - Which word is a synonym for enact?

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.

Ex - The prefix “in-” helps the reader know that “inexplicable” means

Reading for Meaning – Vocabulary

Module 1 – Fiction & Module 2 - Nonfiction

Use context clues to determine or clarify the meaning of unfamiliar, multiple-meaning, or ambiguous words.

Ex - “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.Ex- “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?

Reading for Meaning – Author’s Purpose

Module 1 – Fiction & Module 2 - Nonfiction

What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?

Which addition to the passage could best support the author’s purpose?

Which statement best describes how the author’s use of the phrase “…………….” influences the reader?

Reading for Meaning – Modules 1 & 2

Summarize the key details and events of atext, in part or as a whole.

Read the incomplete summary of the passage.• Seagraves walks down toward the oxen.• He lies down on the ground and watches the different animals at work and

at play.• Seagraves hears the neighbors as they go about their daily lives.• ________________________________________________

Which sentence best completes the summary?A. Seagraves hears the cry of birds.B. Seagraves is inspired by the scenes of the land.C. Seagraves is nervous about the surrounding activity.D. Seagraves hears the sound of wagons.

Reading for Meaning – Making Inferences/Drawing

conclusionsModule 1 – Fiction What does Samuel most likely do at

the end of the passage after he looks at the landscape?

Which sentence from the passage best supports the generalization that beauty comes in many forms?

Based on information in the passage, why does Mrs. Allen visit different places in town each day?

Module 2 – Nonfiction Based on information in the passage,

what conclusion can be made about apples?

Which statement from the passage best supports the generalization that the sport of curling requires careful strategy?

Identify and/or explain stated or implied main ideas and relevant supporting details from a text. Note: Items may target specific paragraphs.

Analyzing and Interpreting

Module 1 – Literature

In which way are the poem and the passage similar?

Which characteristic of the passage best indicates to readers that it is fiction rather than informational nonfiction?

Module 2 – Nonfiction

In what way are the two passages most similar?

Which characteristic most identifies the passage as nonfiction rather than fiction?

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

Module 1 – Fiction & Module 2 – Nonfiction

Setting Theme Mood/Tone Point of View Historical/Cultural Significance

Based on the passage, which American cultural idea is most emphasized?

A. frugality

B. independence

C. love for land

D. respect for rights

Text Organization

Module 2 – Nonfiction

What is the main organizational structure of the passage?

What effect does the text organization have on the passage?

Based on information in the chart and the passage, what conclusion can be made about butterflies?

How does the chart help to clarify information in the passage?

Persuasive Techniques

Module 2 – Nonfiction What does the opinion used in the sentence contribute

to the passage?

Which detail is least essential to the overall understanding of the passage?

Which persuasive technique does the author use by including the results of a survey?

Why does the author use a personal anecdote about failure?

Constructed Response Questions

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

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.

Module 1 Fiction – Samples

Sample 1: Explain what the author’s purpose is for writing the passage. Use information from the passage to support your explanation.

Sample 2: Read the statement from the passage.“ . . . silence was the only speech amid such splendors.”Explain the significance of this statement to the passage.

Use information from the passage to support your explanation.

Module 2 Nonfiction - Samples

Sample 1: Read the sentence from the passage.“New York’s compact geography and increasingly robust bicycle

infrastructure make it ideally situated to reap significant transportation benefits from a bike-share program.”

Explain how the author’s use of the words “compact geography” influences the reader. Use information from the passage to support your explanation.

Sample 2: Analyze how the author constructs the argument in the passage. Use examples from the passage to support your analysis.

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.

Take it seriously & Try your Best

Students who do not score proficient or advanced on the December Keystones will retake them in May with the students who are taking them at the end of the course. (Bio, Alg I, or Lit)

◦ a. Pending board approval, students who do not score proficient or advanced in May will receive remediation which may impact their free periods, study halls and electives next year.

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.

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.

Good Luck

Get a good night’s rest & morning breakfast

Bring something to read when you are finished