Taking Objective Tests

Review the tips for taking objective tests on this page. Then give students additional time to prepare for the test on capitalization. (Discuss what the students are doing during their preparation.)

Finally, distribute the capitalization test. After students take the test and review answers with each other, provide them the correct answers:

True-False Questions

1. F ("Always" makes this false. Cardinal directions are not capitalized unless they refer to a part of the country.)
2. F (The names of seasons are not capitalized unless they are part of a proper noun: "Fall Harvest Festival.")
3. T
4. F ("Never" makes this false. These words are capitalized as part of proper nouns: "Mississippi River.")
5. F ("Except" makes this false. Language courses are capitalized.)

Multiple-Choice Questions

1. d
2. c
3. b

Writing to a Prompt

This page introduces students to the unique challenge of writing a timed response to a specific prompt. Review how to use the PAST strategy to help students discover the specific actions a prompt will ask them to do. Use the related minilesson as practice. 

Planning Your Answer

Lead students through the tips for planning a response. Let students know that creating a focus statement and a quick list of supporting details will help them plan their writing. 

Highlight the importance of managing time for on-demand responses. To help students understand how to divide their time, recommend using the following process for 30-minute timed response:

• Use the first 5 minutes to analyze the prompt and plan a response.
• Use about 20 minutes to draft the response.
• Leave 5–10 minutes at the end to revise and edit the response.