Study+Guide

FINAL EXAM - Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
Here is the link to this year's final exam.

http://mrsmelissab.wikispaces.com/8+th+Grade+Advanced

In a nutshell, you need to know a little bit of everything you learned this year.

Competencies covered: **Reading, Writing, Grammar and Literature.** You already did your listening and speaking test a few weeks ago.


 * Reading:** //The Odyssey, The Most Dangerous Game and Romeo and Juliet//

You don't need to know every detail of these stories but be ready to answer some general questions about each story. For example, why do Odysseus and his crew visit the Cyclops' cave? Or how do they escape?


 * Writing:** Travel Journal. Summarize your travels. This is a brief essay so you will have to highlight the best parts only. Begin at the beginning, describe an event or two worth mentioning and then wrap it all up by coming back home.


 * Grammar:** subject-verb agreement, passive voice, conditionals, pronouns


 * Literature: ** plot diagram (definitions + elements: exposition, narrative hook, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution) alliteration, foreshadowing, personification, simile, metaphor, line, stanza, rhyme scheme, lyric poetry, narrative poetry, couplet, oxymoron, sonnet, theme, mood, hyperbole, onomatopoeia

Best of luck.

Trimester 3 -2nd Weekly on Tuesday, April 24th, 2012
RULE #1: Do NOT panic! Take a breath and read on for some helpful tips and clues to the upcoming test. RULE #2: Bring your textbook to the test. It is an open book test. RULE #3: Do NOT complain! Especially if you do not study. The test is not difficult or long. Just take your time and try to do your best.


 * Reading Competency 2:** As hard as you might try, you cannot get away from reading. It´s an important skill to possess. You ought to be thankful you know how to do it already. Now you just need to become better at it. We get better at something when we practice a lot -would you not agree?

On the test, there will be a short reading with a few multiple choice questions. Some of the questions will be based on the surprise reading and other questions will be based on the Odyssey part 2. You should put a book marker so you can find this section of your textbook easily. Some questions are multiple choice while others are short answer questions. If you haven't read Part 2 of the Odyssey by now, do not wait to do so during the test. You are just making things more difficult.


 * Grammar Competency 4:** Review the phrasal verbs from the exercises we did in class and on the handouts. Here is a link to Miss Melissa´s wiki which has plenty of resources. phrasal verbs

There may also be some sentence combining -so review your previous tests and notes on this as well.

Best of luck!
 * D

1st Weekly on Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Although we have not had much time to cover material in class since the beginning of this final trimester, I am confident that any student that takes the time to follow this study guide and work in class will do well on Tuesday's tests.

Two competencies will be covered on the test. Competency 2 -Reading Comprehensions and Competency 5 -Literature.

For the reading, there is little to do to prepare. You will be given two brief poems to read followed by some multiple choice questions. I recommend that you read the poem once quickly and then the questions. If there are questions you do not know the answers to, simply reread the poem. The poems are about how we feel and act when we or someone we care about leaves us on a great journey. Imagine how you or your mother/father feel when the other parent leaves on a lengthy business trip. Also, try to imagine how your parents would feel if you were the one leaving on a long trip. What advice would they give you? Would your friends ask you to buy souvenirs (things like t-shirts and postcards)?
 * Competency 2:**

This section of the test is completely based on your understanding of Part 1 of the //Odyssey//. Begin by reading //New Coasts and Poseidon's Son// on page 814. This will give you a good idea of how the story begins. Also, there is a question on the test based on your understanding of this part -**SO READ IT!!!** It's very short -not even a page. Now look at the illustrations on pages, 816, 825 and 826. Try to imagine what each picture represents. Recall how the crew and Odysseus behaved in each situation. With the lotus eaters, the crew were lazy, irresponsible and selfish while our hero was bossy and anxious to return home. What other characteristics can you give them and why did they behave that way? Finally, I insist that you watch the following clips and take notes on the character traits of the main characters in the story. You do not need to watch the entire clip, but at least watch it until Odysseus meets Circe since you will be tested on your knowledge of the Lotus Eaters and Polyphemus the man eating cyclops and son of Poseidon.
 * Competency 5:**

media type="youtube" key="NSNiaEQ-lfM" height="315" width="560"

If you want to watch the actual movie, here it is on youtube. media type="youtube" key="TOYPBCYFOKA" height="408" width="546"

Trimester 2 Exam Study Guide
1. Reading (new short story)

You can't really study for this part since it's an unknown reading. You get your exam sheet and you read the story. My advice: Read the story over once without hesitation. Don't worry if you do not know the meaning of a word. Once you have finished reading, attempt to answer the reading comprehension questions. If you do not know the answer to a question, place a star or mark of some kind next to it and come back and do it later. Next, you should reread the story but skim through it quickly as to try and find the answer to the questions you marked as unanswerable earlier. Keep doing this until you're done. Just remember not to spend to much time on this one competency. You are being timed so move on as soon as possible.

2. Literature (from the new short story) : point of view (1st person for example), mood, plot diagram (elements), tone, alliteration, metaphor, simile, irony...

You can review all these literature elements in your textbook (pages R1 to R13) or online. Use the internet and google the elements listed above and read the definitions. You should also look for some examples.

3. Grammar : conditionals and sentence combining

There are some examples below and there are plenty of conditional exercises on line to help you practice. Just check what I wrote below on conditionals, click on the link I provided or simply google "conditionals" yourself. If you don't have the time, at least try to remember that the modal will/would does not follow If. The modal helps the verb in the dependent clause.

EXAMPLE: If I will study, I pass my tests <-is completely wrong! If I study, I will pass my tests. <-is completely correct! See the difference? If not, you should read below and work on some exercises.

Sentence combining should be straight forward if you have been participating in class lately. There are two ways to approach this. One is taking two relatively short sentences and combining them into one. For example:

Jeff is a silly boy. Archie is a silly boy too. --> Combine = Jeff and Archie are silly boys.

But sometimes you have a very long sentence and it would be a good idea to split them into two or more pieces. For example:

NEEDS WORK -->My students tend to talk a lot, get out of their seats during class, fool around and speak way too much Spanish during class. (You will notice the repetition of the word 'during' and the fact that our series runs unnecessarily long)

BETTER--> My students tend to talk a lot, get out of their seats and fool around during class. In addition, they almost always speak Spanish instead of English.

4. Writing: will be done in class

There will be a short answer essay -again, it's nothing you can study for so relax. Also, we will give you time in class to complete this and this portion of the test only. So do not do the writing part first. OK! When you are writing, don't forget to outline your ideas before you write your final response.

Well, many of you had trouble with the grammar portion of the last test and you should now take the time to go over the study guide and make sure you pass it this second time. Most of the grammar is based on the first 3 types of conditionals. Here are some examples and exercise you can do to prepare for the test.


 * Type 1: There's a chance for something to happen if certain conditions occur.**


 * EX 1** - If it rains tomorrow, I won't go to the beach.
 * EX 2** - I will go to the beach tomorrow if it does not rain.
 * EX 3** - If we have money, we go to the beach.

In the first 2 cases, if something happens, something WILL occur. The verb in the IF clause is in the simple present while the condition is in the furutre -hence, WILL or WON'T go

Now you try. Tell me something that will or won't happen in your life if you study or do not study for this test.


 * Type 2: There's a chance something could happen but the probability is low.**


 * EX 1** - If we saved money, we would buy a new car.
 * EX 2** - we could be rich if we invested in the stock market.
 * EX 3** - If I worked here, I might be happier.

In each of the above cases, the verb is in the simple past tense in the IF clase. Since there is a possibility of something occurring we use words like would, could and might in the conditional clause.

Now you try. Tell me something about improving your grades by completing this sentence:

If I studied more often, I .................. I would do better in school if I .................


 * Type 3: There's no chance on earth of it happening. It's all over and we sometimes use these conditional to express regret.**


 * EX 1** - If I had made more money when I was young, I could have bought a bigger house.
 * EX 2** - I would have been a famous rock star by now if I had not taken my dad's advice
 * EX 3** - If I had not wasted so much money, I might have become a wealthy man.

Now you try. Tel me something you regret using If I .........

In addition to reading the above notes and trying the exercises, you should follow the links I have provided you so you can practice.

http://mrsmelissab.wikispaces.com/CONDITIONALS

Here is where you can find your study guide for up coming weekly tests

Study Guide - Jan 24, 2012:
This is going to be a big test despite only being back in school for a few days. To bad so sad. But seriously, if you follow the study guide, read "The Most Dangerous Game" you won't have any trouble passing it with flyingcolors.


 * Reading Competency:**

You will have a short reading followed by multiple choice questions.


 * Tips:** Read the story carefully once and then try to answer all the questions. DO NOT HESITATE on questions you do not know the answer; just plow straight through. Once you finish, go back and read the story again but this time much quicker. Skim through the story while looking for the answers to the questions you had trouble. The vocabulary part should be easiest since you can find the words __underlined__ and in **bold** letters. Again:

Step 1) Read story carefully Step 2) Answer questions you know the answer Step 3) Skim through story looking for answers to questions you had a doubt Step 4) Move on to another part of the exam


 * Literature Competency:**

Understanding character traits and the significance of plot elements, especially conflict and its resolution. You also need to have a very good understanding of the short story "The Most Dangerous Game." If you do not read the story from your textbook or from the link I have provided you with, you will have trouble doing this section. Furthermore, you need to know what certain literature elements mean such as plot, theme, mood, foil, conflict, etc. These are all defined in your textbook. See R1 to R13.


 * Grammar:**

You should review all the vocabulary words covered in the two stories we have read this trimester. Review the words found at the beginning of "The Lady, Or the Tiger" and "The Most Dangerous Game." There are less than 20 words to review so it should not be a problem. However, if you don't even try, you might have some problems doing the test. It's up to you.

You also need to be familiar with Type I, II and III conditionals. There are links available in the class activity section for practice. The exercises are well explained, easy and fun.


 * Vocabulary:**


 * From "The Lady, Or the Tiger"** we have: **impartial, emanate, dire, fervent, imperious, novel and presume**


 * From "The Most Dangerous Game"** we have: **tangible, quarry, discern, condone, scruple, diverting, deplorable, imperative and zealous**

Most of you have already seen these words either by reading the two stories or doing the class worksheet exercises given to you in class. You can look the words up at www.dictionary.com if you have forgotten them.


 * Writing:**

The writing will be based on "The Most Dangerous Game." You will be given class time to answer the short answer and essay questions. Again, I cannot stress the importance of reading this short story enough. Your task will be very difficult to accomplish if you do not read Richard Connell's classic thriller, "The Most Dangerous Game."

===

===

Study Guide - Dec 12, 2011:
A random short story followed by several multiple choice questions.
 * Reading Competency:**

Tips: Read the story carefully once and then try to answer all the questions. DO NOT HESITATE on questions you do not know the answer; just plow straight through. Once you finish, go back and read the story again but this time much quicker. Skim through the story while looking for the answers to the questions you had trouble. The vocabulary part should be easiest since you can find the words __underlined__ and in **bold** letters. Again:

Step 1) Read story carefully Step 2) Answer questions you know the answer Step 3) Skim through story looking for answers to questions you had a doubt Step 4) Move on to another part of the exam

Understanding character traits and the significance of plot elements, especially conflict and its resolution.
 * Literature Competency:**

For example, you should know the various types of conflicts by now. Internal and external conflicts have to do with the way the protagonist is challenged in a story. In the case of the Movie "Jaws," the hero is facing an external "man versus nature" conflict. Whenever a character faces a huge decision to make, they are facing an internal "man versus himself" conflict like when Huckleberry Finn has to decide whether to go to school or help out a friend in need.

You have to finish reading __The Lady Or The TIger__. There is no excuse for not reading this short story. You have had plenty of time to do so. You will be tested on your understanding of the characters and the various plot stages of the story. If you did your homework and made class notes you will do fine on the test. Those students who did not pay attention in class or read the story will have a miserable time on Monday.

Study Guide 3 - November 10, 2011:

random poems
 * Reading:**

poetic elements: Types of poetry (lyrical, narrative, dramatic), rhyme, internal rhyme, rythm, meter, syllables, alliteration, assonance, consonance, onomatopeia, hyperbole, imagery, simile, metaphor, repetition, tone, theme, speaker
 * Literature:**

ROMEO AND JULIET characters, character traits, foil characters, setting, plot pun, oxymoron, iambic pentameter,sonnet, couplet, aside, soliloquy

passive/active voice subject/verb agreement verb tenses
 * Grammar:**

will take place during class time
 * Writing:**

will take place during class time
 * Listening:**

Study Guide 2 - October 4, 2011:

The test tomorrow will challenge your grammar and writing abilities.

You should be familiar with the active and passive voices. If you are having trouble, do exercises 8 and 9 on pages 181-2 of your grammar textbook.
 * Grammar:**

You should also be familiar with verb tense agreement, especially in the use of verbs in the third person singular.

Example: Juliet (love/loves) Romeo. Answer: Juliet loves Romeo.

You will have to produce an outline to a question. Outlines should include:
 * Writing:**

A topic sentence Supportive details A) B) C) And a Conclusion

Finally, you will have to write a brief essay in answer to a simple question.

Study and practice your writing and you should have no trouble on tomorrow´s test.

Study Guide 1 - September 6, 2011

The competencies covered are Reading (2) and Literature (5). The test is a mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions. If you have paid attention in class, performed the class activities and studied you should have no trouble passing the test. If you need further encouragement, please read on.

You should focus energy on knowing the following poetic elements:

Alliteration, assonance/consonance, free verse, hyperbole, meter, onomatopoeia, personification, simile/metaphor, rhyme, repetition, what a line is in poetry and a stanza too.

You should be able to read and understand the theme (main idea) of a short poem. You should also be able to recognize the various elements of poetry mentioned above when you see them in a poem or song.

Here is an example of what you might find on the test:

By Robert Frost
 * Spring Pools **

These pools that, though in forests, still reflect The total sky almost without defect, And like the flowers beside them, chill and shiver, Will like the flowers beside them soon be gone, And yet not out by any brook or river But up by roots to bring dark foliage on.

The trees that have it in their pent-up buds To darken nature and be summer woods - Let them think twice before they use their powers To blot out and drink up and sweep away These flowery waters and these watery flowers From snow that melted only yesterday.

Open ended question like: In the above poem, find an example of imagery. Explain. OR What is the rhyme scheme of the first stanza?

Or a multiple choice question like: The line "Let them think twice before they use their powers" is an example of a) hyperbole b) simile c) personification d) none of the above

If you cannot answer the above examples, you need to study! Contact me if you need help but be patient and be fair. I am not a doctor and I am not paid to be on call. Any help I give after school is strictly a favor.