Key Terms for Standardized Tests
Analyze
Definition: To study carefully in order to determine what something is, what its parts are, or how its parts fit together.
Synonyms: Study, Investigate, Consider, Question, Explore
(Level I)
Analyze Getting Dressed
TERM: Analyze
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph analyzing the process of getting dressed in the morning.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Be sure to include each step (brushing teeth, combing hair, putting on sock and shoes, etc.).
-Could you change the order that you do things in the morning to get dressed faster?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., The first thing I do when I get up in the morning is brush my teeth.)
(Level II)
Analyze a School Play
TERM: Analyze
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph analyzing the process of putting on a school play.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Analyze the process of how the play comes together (casting, rehearsals, dress rehearsal, etc.).
-Analyze the different characters in a play (main character, supporting characters, etc.) and how they work together.
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., The first thing you must do when putting on a school play is to cast the characters.)
(Level III)
Analyze a Personal Computer
TERM: Analyze
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph analyzing the parts of a personal computer.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Analyze each component (computer, monitor, keyboard, etc.) and tell what job it is responsible for performing.
-Analyze how the different components work together to produce the output.
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., The keyboard is responsible for accepting input from the user.)
Compare
Definition: To represent as similar. To study in order to note similarities and differences.
Synonyms:Link, Relate, Equate
(Level I)
Compare Colors
TERM: Compare
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph comparing the colors blue and purple.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What do the 2 colors have in common?
-What 2 colors are mixed together to make purple?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., Blue and purple are both dark colors.)
(Level II)
Compare Computer and Typewriter
TERM: Compare
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph comparing a personal computer to a typewriter.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What tasks are you able to perform with both a computer and typewriter?
-What do the keyboards of both have in common?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., The computer and typewriter both have a backspace key on the keyboard.)
(Level III)
Compare the United States and Canada
TERM:Compare
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph comparing the United States and Canada.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What things do the 2 countries have in common (industry, geographic border, sports, etc.)?
-What languages are spoken in both countries?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., The English language is spoken in both the United States and Canada.)
Contrast
Definition: To examine and compare in order to show differences. To show differences when compared.
Synonyms:Distinguish, Distinction, Disparity
(Level I)
Contrast Spring & Fall
TERM:Contrast
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph contrasting the difference between Spring and Fall.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Describe the differences you see outside in plants and animals during the 2 seasons. ex., Certain animals come out of hibernation in Spring.)
-Be sure to include the differences in the colors you see outside during Spring and Fall.
-Which season do you like better and why?
(Level I)
Contrast Grade Levels
TERM:Contrast
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph contrasting the work you do this school year versus last school year.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What lessons did you learn in classes last year versus this year? (ex., Last year in Math class we learned about fractions, while this year we studied geometry.)
-Be sure to include the teachers you had last year versus this year.
-What do you think you will learn next year?
(Level II)
Contrast Seasons
TERM:Contrast
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph contrasting the difference between the 4 seasons of the year.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Describe the differences you see outside in plants and animals during the 4 seasons. (ex., Certain animals hibernate during the winter.)
-Be sure to include the differences in the colors you see outside during the 4 seasons.
-Which season do you like better and why?
(Level III)
Contrast People
TERM:Contrast
DIRECTIONS: People come in all colors and races. Write a paragraph contrasting the difference between yourself and someone of a different race than yourself.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Describe cultural differences such as food, dress, music, etc.
-What are the differences between the neighborhood you live in and the neighborhood they live in?
-Explain why differences in people help to contribute to the world in many ways?
Describe
Definition: To use words to tell or write about something. To give a detailed account of.
Synonyms:Illustrate, Tell, Portray
(Level I)
Describe Favorite TV Show
TERM:Describe
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph describing your favorite television show.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Remember to include why this is your favorite show.
-Make sure you give details about the characters on the show.
-Include the time of day and week that the show comes on.
(Level I)
Describe Your Outfit
TERM:Describe
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph describing the outfit you are wearing.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Remember to include every piece of clothing (socks, shoes, etc.)
-Make sure you use adjectives (words that describe) when describing your clothes (My black shoes have rubber soles.
-Is this one of your favorite outfits? Why?
(Level II)
Describe Your Favorite Teacher
TERM:Describe
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph describing your favorite teacher.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What subject does this teacher teach?
-What is it you like about this teacher?
-Remember to write in complete sentences. (ex., My favorite teacher is Mr. Smith, who teaches Math.)
(Level III)
Describe Your Neighborhood
TERM:Describe
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph describing your neighborhood.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What are the nationalities of the people in your neighborhood?
-What places in your neighborhood do people visit most?
-Remember to write in complete sentences. (ex., My favorite place to go in my neighborhood is the roller skating rink.)
Evaluate
Definition: To find out, judge or estimate the quality or value of. To appraise.
Synonyms:Estimate, Calculate, Appraise
(Level I)
Evaluate School Lunch Program
TERM:Evaluate
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph evaluating your school lunch program.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Remember to include nutritional value when writing (ex. Our lunch program provides fruit for us, which is good for you.)
-If you bring your lunch instead of getting hot lunch, tell why.
-Include suggestions for how the lunch program could be better.
(Level II)
Evaluate Standardized Tests
TERM:Evaluate
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph evaluating standardized tests.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Do you think students should have to take standardized tests and why?
-How often should students take the tests.
-Do the tests give a good indication of how much the student is learning in school?
(Level III)
Evaluate the Internet
TERM:Evaluate
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph evaluating the Internet as a means of communication.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-How does the Internet compare to the library when it comes to research?
-Does email work better than regular mail?
-Where do you see the Internet going in future?
Explain
Definition: To make clear or understandable. To clarify or give details of.
Synonyms:Clarify, Justify, Enlighten
(Level I)
Explain How a Plant Grows
TERM:Explain
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph explaining how a plant grows.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Make sure you explain each step (A plant starts out as a seed).
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., The seed needs water in order to grow.)
(Level II)
Explain Plants and Animals
TERM:Explain
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph explaining the difference between plants and animals.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-How do plants and animals look?
-How do plants and animals reproduce?
-Remember to use complete sentences to describe the features of plants and animals. (ex., Plants and animals are different in many ways, including the way they grow.)
(Level II)
Explain Cooking an Egg
TERM:Explain
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph explaining how to cook an egg.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Make sure you explain each step (I start cooking an egg by cracking the shell).
-Which way do you like to cook your eggs? (scrambled, boiled, etc.)
(Level III)
Explain Photosynthesis
TERM:Explain
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph explaining the process of photosynthesis.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Make sure you explain each step in the process.
-What types of plants undergo photosynthesis?
-Explain how humans benefit from this process.
Formulate
Definition: To express (a theory, plan etc.) in a systematic way. To express or reduce to a formula.
Synonyms:Prepare, Plan, Originate
(Level I)
Formulate School Clean-up
TERM:Formulate
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph formulating a plan of how the staff and students at your school can clean up the grounds around the school for Spring.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Remember to put your ideas in the proper order. (ex., You must clean up trash from ground before planting new flowers.)
-Remember to use adjectives (words that describe) when writing about the flowers you are going to plant.
-Include the positive things that could come from such a project.
(Level I)
Formulate Morning Routine
TERM:Formulate
DIRECTIONS:Formulate a plan of what you need to do in the morning to get to school on time.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Remember to include times for each activity (ex, I wake up at 6:45a.m. to start my day.)
-Don't leave anything out that you should do in the morning (including brushing teeth, etc.)
-If you ride the bus or get a ride to school, make sure you include what time you need to be ready.
(Level II)
Formulate Science Fair Project
TERM:Formulate
DIRECTIONS:Formulate a plan to make a winning Science Fair Project.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What project would you make?
-What steps would you need to take to complete the project?
-Remember to write in complete sentences. (ex., My project would be to make a volcano that erupts.)
(Level III)
Formulate Fundraising for Senior Trip
TERM:Formulate
DIRECTIONS:Formulate a plan to raise money to pay for a Senior Trip.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What types of fundraising events would you hold and how much money do you expect to raise?
-How long do you expect it will take to raise enough money to pay for the trip?
-Remember to write in complete sentences. (ex., My first fundraising project would be to have carwashes on Saturdays.)
Infer
Definition: To conclude by reasoning from evidence. To lead to as a conclusion.
Synonyms:Conclude, Gather, Assume
(Level I)
Arcade Visit with $5
TERM:Infer
DIRECTIONS: Your parent gives you $5 to go to the arcade in your neighborhood. You spend the money on games that give out tickets for you to turn in at the counter in exchange for a prize. What can you infer about what kind of prize you will be able to get when you turn in your tickets?
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Will you get a plastic ring or a big stuffed animal?
-What other types of prizes might you get?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., When I go to the arcade I like to play the Skee Ball game.)
(Level II)
Weekly Allowance
TERM:Infer
DIRECTIONS: You receive $15 per week allowance. What can you infer about what you can afford to buy each week?
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Will you be able to afford a music CD or an electric scooter?
-What other things would you need to spend you allowance on (lunch, bus fare, etc.)?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., When I get my allowance each week I spend it on lunch at school.)
(Level III)
City Budget
TERM:Infer
DIRECTIONS: Sam Jones is the Mayor of a small town with a budget deficit. Most of the residents of his town are retired or elderly people. Mayor Jones has the following annual budget to run the city:
Annual Revenues Expenses
Taxes, etc. $1,000,000 Police/Fire $500,000
Sanitation $250,000
Education $250,000
Recreation Centers $200,000
$1,000,000 $1,200,000
What can you infer about where Mayor Jones will cut his expenses in order to have a balanced budget?
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What expense should be cut based on the age of the majority of the residents?
-Can you think of ways to increase revenues instead of cutting expenses?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., I think the Mayor can hold fundraisers to increase revenues and balance the budget.)
Predict
Definition: To tell about in advance. To state what one believes will happen beforehand.
Synonyms:Guess, Expect, Foresee
(Level I)
Predict Baseball Score
TERM:Predict
DIRECTIONS: You are in gym class and two teams are playing baseball. Your team has a lead of 10 to 2 over the other team with 2 innings left to play. What can you predict about who will win the game?
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-What do you think the final score will be?
-Can the other team come back and win?
-Give reasons to support your prediction.
(Level II)
Predict Sunset
TERM:Predict
DIRECTIONS: When the seasons change form Fall to Winter, the days get shorter and it gets dark earlier. It is October and sunset occurs at 7p.m. What can you predict about what time sunset will occur in December?
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-How much earlier do you think the sunset will occur each month?
-What is the earliest time you think sunset will occur throughout the Winter and when?
-Give reasons to support your prediction.
(Level III)
Predict Final Grade
TERM:Predict
DIRECTIONS: You are half way through the semester in Science class and you currently carrying a grade of D. What can you predict about what your final grade will be?
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-How many assignments and tests do you have left until the end of the semester?
-What things could you do between now and the end of the semester to raise your grade?
-Give reasons to support your prediction.
Summarize
Definition: To tell briefly or be a summary of. To sum up.
Synonyms:Review, Recap, Condense
(Level I)
Summarize a Television Show
TERM:Summarize
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph summarizing a recent episode of your favorite television show.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Who are the main characters on the show?
-What lesson did you learn from the episode?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., My favorite television show is Sponge Bob Square Pants.)
(Level II)
Summarize a Movie
TERM:Summarize
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph summarizing a movie you've seen recently.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Who were the main characters in the movie?
-What was the final outcome of the movie?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., I recently saw the movie "Anger Management" and thought it was very funny.)
(Level III)
Support the Drinking Age
TERM:Support
DIRECTIONS: The legal drinking age in most states is 21. Do you feel it should stay at 21 or be lowered to 18. Take a position and support your position with relevant facts.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-If you can vote at age 18, should you be able to drink at age 18?
-What affect would a change in the law have on the death rates of teenagers?
-Make sure you write in complete sentences. (ex., I feel that the legal drinking age should stay at 21.)
Support
Definition: To stand behind the cause of or be in favor of (to support a cause). To help prove or defend.
Synonyms:Defend, Encourage, Assist
(Level I)
Support Bedtime on School Nights
TERM:Support
DIRECTIONS: Write a paragraph supporting your opinion on what time elementary students should go to bed on school nights.
THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC:
-Remember to give good examples to support your opinion.
-Use complete sentences when writing your paragraph (ex. I think 8:30p.m. is a good time for elementary students to go to bed.)
-Make sure you include what time you have to go to bed at your house and why.
(Level II)
SupportSchool on Saturdays
TERM:Support
DIRECTIONS: In some parts of the world, students go to school on Saturdays. Write a paragraph supporting whether you would want school on Saturdays if it meant you only went to school from September until the end of April.