Multiple-Choice Test Protocol (Used Sometimes)--Strategies for SAT, ACT, APs, EOCs, Reading, Critical Thinking
- For each answer that you select, you must include a quotation (with page citation) from the text to support your choice. Exception: If the question or your answer choice includes a quotation or reference to lines within the text, you need not include a quotation.
- For each multiple-choice answer, you must explain why the answer you chose is the best (metacognition: thinking about your thought process; how you arrive at decisions). This explanation could consist of you telling me why the other choices are wrong, or which key words or phrases in the quote that you chose support your answer, and precisely why those words support your answer.
- If the multiple-choice test asks you to select the best definition of a word, you must also write two excellent context sentences. You need not do steps one and two above for vocabulary-definition questions.
- If the test includes a short-response section at the end of the multiple-choice questions that requires you to write a few sentences, your response must be at least one paragraph with a quotation and citation (keep it brief) to support your answer. The minimum number of sentences in a paragraph should be five (quotation not included in this sentence count).
- (Ask me if this step is required; not always necessary.) Use the handout on the different types of multiple-choice questions (see New SAT Reading Test post on this website or the handout I distributed). After you have taken the multiple-choice test, analyze the questions, indicating on a separate sheet of paper the type of question for each and every question.
"Why do I have to do this extra work for a simple multiple-choice test?"
Rationale: Too often students answer questions on multiple-choice tests without "thinking through" their answers. As a way to ensure that students are reading closely and reflecting upon exactly why their chosen response is correct (metacognition, critical thinking skills), I use the techniques above. The multiple-choice assessment in the English classroom can be a great learning tool, if used correctly.
Objectives:
- Improve close reading skills.
- Improve skill at providing support for an assessment response.
- Improve work-citation skills.
- Improve metacognition (thinking about the thought process).
You will become a better critical thinker and test taker as a result!