Strategies for Improvement on Ohio

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Strategies for Improvement on Ohios State Tests
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Extended-Response Questions
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Extended-Response and Short-Answer Questions

• Typically difficult for students.
• Each wants specific things from students.

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Patterns of a Four-Point Question
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• Questions contain keywords and expect an answer
  for each one
• Ex Identify, describe, explain, compare,
  determine, list, draw, graph, give details, etc

• Special keywords
• Describe, explain and compare.
• Require more depth and detail.
• Worth two points since there is partial credit.

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• When reading the question, mark all keywords. If
  there are fewer marked keywords than the number
  of points, the special keywords need extra
  attention.

• For example, instead of a quick description, a
  full and detailed description is needed.

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• Test makers do not make all questions in the
  same way
• Questions have a mix of keywords, special
  keywords and subjects.
• The most common combinations are
• Four Keywords
• Two Special Keywords for one Subject
• Two Keywords on two Subjects

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Two Special Keywords for One Subject
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Four Keywords
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One Special Keyword for Two Subjects
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Extended-Response Recommendations

• For Reading, Social Studies, Science and Math.
• Read the question carefully and completely.
• Underline each keyword (action words).
• Circle each special keyword.

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Extended-Response Recommendations

• Generally, students have a harder time responding
  to special keywords.
• Think of examples and details for each describe,
  explain and compare question.

• Often the difference between a score of 2 and 4
  is the lack of details or support for each of
  these special keywords.

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8 Most Often Used Keywords
Clue Word Action Required
Compare Show both the similarities and differences.
Contrast Compare by showing differences.
Criticize Give your judgment or reasoned opinion of something, illustrating its good and bad points. It is not necessary to attack it.
Define Give the formal meaning by distinguishing it from related terms. This is often a matter of giving a memorized definition.
Describe Write a detailed account or verbal picture in a logical sequence or story form.
Discuss Describe giving the details and explaining the pros and cons of the subject.
Explain Give reasons for.
List Produce a list of words, sentences, or comments.
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Types of Writing Question
Grade 4

• Informational Prompt
• Narrative Prompt
• Letter Writing

• Expository Prompt
• Informational Prompt
• Persuasive Prompt
• Narrative Prompt
• Letter Writing

Grade 7 and 10
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Writing Test Strategies
Graders are given areas of importance to gauge
completeness

• Treatment of Prompt/Topic
• Directly Addressed/Focused
• Awareness of Audience/Purpose
• Clearly Adapted
• Ideas, Examples and Details
• Strong/Compelling/Ample Available
• Organization and Development
• Clearly Evident/ Exceptional

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Writing Test Strategies
Graders are given areas of importance to gauge
completeness

• Sentences and Vocabulary/Word Choice
• Consistent Variety/ Appropriate
• Sequence and Style
• Unified and Coherent/Engaging
• Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling, Paragraphing
• Few/No Errors - Grade 4

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Writing Test Recommendations
Students should ask themselves

1. Did I answer the question completely?
2. Did I provide enough evidence or support to make
   my point?
3. Was my essay organized in a logical way?
4. Did I make good use of word choice and sentence
   structure?
5. Did I proofread my essay? (fix grammar, spelling,
   punctuation)

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Short-Answer Strategies

• A two-point question has two brief tasks or one
  detailed task
• Have the same keywords and special keywords as
  constructed response. It asks

• Two keywords, or tasks.
• One keyword for two subjects.
• One special keyword about one subject.

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Thank You!
Stan.Heffner_at_ode.state.oh.us