FCAT 2.0 Reading

Length and Number of Questions on FCAT 2.0

Reading Exam

Grade Minutes Number of Questions 6 140 50-55 MC7 140 50-55 MC8 140 50-55 MC9 140 50-55 MC10 140 50-55 MC

Reporting Categories

FCAT FCAT 2.0

Words and Phrases in Context Vocabulary

Main Idea, Plot and Purpose Reading Application

Comparison and Cause/Effect Literary Analysis (Fiction and Nonfiction)

Reference and Research Informational Text Research Process

FCAT Reading ContentVocabulary Reading

ApplicationLiterary Analysis Informational

Text

Meaning of words in context

Main Idea Use of Comparison and Contrast

Organization & interpretation of information

Word Analysis Supporting Details

Cause & Effect Relationship

Chronological Order

Similarities and Differences among characters, setting, and events

Author’s Purpose in Simple Text Plot

Development & Conflict Resolution

New FCAT Reporting Categories for Reading

Grades Vocabulary Reading Application

Literary Analysis

Informational Text

3-5 15-25% 25-35% 25-35% 15-25%

6-7 15-25% 25-35% 25-35% 15-25%

8 15-25% 20-30% 20-30% 25-35%

9-10 15-25% 20-30% 20-30% 25-35%

Types of Reading Text

Grade Literary Informational

4-6 50% 50%

7-8 40% 60%

9-10 30% 70%

Literary passages provide entertainment or inspiration and include fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama.

Informational passages are subject-matter centered and the language may be used to solve problems, raise questions, provide information, or present new ideas. The context of these passages includes everyday life outside of the classroom.

Types of Literary Text

Fiction

• Short Stories• Poetry• Historical Fiction• Fable• Folk Tales & Tall Tales

New for FCAT 2.0• Legends• Myths• Fantasy• Drama• Excerpts from longer works

Types of Literary Text

Non-Fiction

• Biographical and autobiographical sketches

• Diaries, memories, journals and letters

• Essays (personal and classical narratives)

• Critiques

Types of Informational Text

Functional Materials• Consumer Documents (warranties, manuals, contracts,

applications)• Embedded in text (tables, charts, maps, graphs,

illustrations, photographs, captions, text boxes)• How - to Articles• Brochures

New for FCAT 2.0• Schedules• Website pages

Types of Informational Text

Functional Materials• Consumer Documents (warranties, manuals, contracts,

applications)• Embedded in text (tables, charts, maps, graphs,

illustrations, photographs, captions, text boxes)• How - to Articles• Brochures

New for FCAT 2.0• Schedules• Website pages

Categories for Reading

• Vocabulary:• Definitions ONLY??? NO!• Vocabulary is composed of:• Context clues• How to use the word in a sentences (Same

meaning, analyze how it is used)• Synonyms (similar), Antonyms (opposite)• Use of Prefix/Suffix• Use of Roots and Base Words

Reading Application

• Author’s Purpose:Persuade, Entertain,Inform, Educate• Main Idea: (Stated or

Implied)-, Title, First sentence, Last paragraph/Last sentence/Inference(You must draw conclusions on your own)

• Relevant Details (Most important details that relate to the main idea)

• Author’s Perspective: How does the author FEEL about the topic? Perspective involves emotion or opinion.

• TEXT STRUCTURE:– How is the text

organized:– Chronological order

(First, second, last)– Compare/Contrast– Flashbacks– Examples– Cause/Effect – Problem Solution– Details– Argumentative Support

Literary Analysis: Fiction/Non-Fiction

Plot Development• Foreshadowing,Flashback Setting Character

Development Character Point of

View THEME (Lesson) Conflict/Resolution

• Descriptive Language (tone, mood, irony, imagery, alliteration, onomatopoeia)

• Alliteration (Think Sounds and Poetry)

• FIGUARTIVE LANGUAGE: HYBERBOLE, SYMBOLISM, SIMILE, METAPHOR, PERSONIFICATION

INFORMATIONAL TEXT/RESEARCH PROCESS

• TEXT FEATURES: PHOTOGRAPHS,

• HEADING, SUBHEADINGS, TITLES, SUBTITLES, CHARTS, TEXT BOXES, MAPS, DIAGRAMS, CAPTIONS, ILLUSTRATIONS, GRAPHS, BOLD OR ITALIC TEXT.

• They are an AID to help you understand the passages.

• Exam makers PAY to put features into the text, they will most likely ask you questions involving them!

• It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you do NOT SKIP over the photographs, captions, graphs, text boxes or other features provided. They contain important information that WILL help you.

INFORMATIONAL TEXT/RESEARCH PROCESS

(CONTINUED)• Synthesize information(within or across texts)• Analyze and Evaluate

Information• Determine the validity

and reliability of the information (within or across texts)

• TIP: Reread the portion they are asking about

• TIP: Eliminate choices that are Obviously not it

• What does this mean to you? Here are some examples:

• They may ask you “what is the evidence that supports …”

• They may ask: “According to the article, which is correct…”

• They may ask “which evidence suggests…”

• They may ask you “which statement from the article provides the best evidence…”

Reading TipsReview the questions before reading the

selection.Read the passage.While reading, underline any words,

phrases or sentences you think are important to the meaning of the passage.

Put a check mark in the margin across from key phrases.

Mark out the obviously wrong answers.

Make sure you read the article carefully. The test makers have selected articles for the test that they think you don’t know very much about. That is because FCAT 2.0 is a “thinking test”. It is made to test the strategies that you use when you read.

Pace yourself. You will have about 20 minutes to finish each article and questions.

Make sure you read the headings and captions that go with the pictures. They contain important information.

PLEASE REMEMBER

• If you score below 300 on the Reading section of FCAT 2.0, you will be required to take an Intensive Reading class.

• Try to do your very best so that you do not have to take intensive classes next year.

GENERAL TEST TAKING TIPS Be prepared to “stick with it” throughout the

entire test. Stay focused on your test taking strategies. Ignore what others are doing. Pace yourself. Do not spend too much time on

one question. Circle it and come back to it later if you have the time.

Practice reading nonfiction articles at home prior to test day. This might include newspaper articles, FCAT 2.0 materials, encyclopedia articles, nonfiction books, etc. Try to find the main idea, key words and phrases, etc.

Answer all questions! Don’t give up! Don’t just answer the easy questions and

skip the hard questions. The hard questions are worth more points. If you skip all the hard ones you will not score well.

Seven Smart Reading Strategies

Step 1: Read and Box the title

Step 2: Number the paragraphs and/or text features.

Step 3: Read each paragraph and/or text feature. Stop and think about what you’ve read. Write 1 to 3 key words in the margin for each paragraph.

Step 4: Read each question and underline 1 to 3 key words that connect back to the text.

Step 5: Read each answer and eliminate wrong choices.

Step 6: Prove your answer.

Step 7: Mark your answer.