How Do I Answer a Reading Prompt on Standardized Test?
Standardized tests can be intimidating, as often much of your success for the entire school year will be judged solely on this one grade. Most standardized tests will include both reading and writing prompts, both of which encourage you to think critically about the material presented. When reading and answering a reading prompt, analyze the selection piece by piece and focus on taking a step-by-step approach to writing your response. Read the instructions carefully before reading the selection, and identify what type of response the test is requiring. You may need to write a narrative or descriptive response, exposition or a persuasive answer, so identify that before you begin. Read the prompt to develop an overall impression. Identify what the purpose of the prompt is; is it asking for a story, a description, an explanation or your opinion? Take notes and jot down ideas on a separate sheet of paper. Allow your ideas to come freely, and don’t worry about structuring them yet. Read thr
