EXAM STRATEGIES & MENTAL GAME

The passage focuses on what makes each person distinct. Use the “main idea” strategy: ask yourself what single word or concept the WHOLE passage keeps returning to. Eliminate answers that only apply to one paragraph.

Look at the context around the referenced section. The passage emphasizes strength as a key value. Use the I.D.E.A. strategy: Identify what the question asks, locate the Detail in the text, Eliminate wrong answers, then pick the Answer that matches the text.

This is a matching question. Read the first 1-2 sentences of each paragraph to identify its purpose. Paragraph 4 uses language like “should” or “I believe” (opinion). Paragraph 5 compares two things. Paragraph 6 presents data or statistics (facts).

Vocabulary-in-context question. Re-read the sentence with a blank where the word would go. Which answer choice makes the sentence mean the same thing? “Endurance” fits the context of persisting through difficulty.

The passage describes achieving something significant. This is an inference question — the word “accomplishment” is not stated directly, but the evidence (details about completing a challenge) points to it.

A strong answer uses the template: (1) State your main point clearly, (2) Use a quote or specific detail from the passage, (3) Explain how that evidence supports your point. Example: “The passage suggests that individuality is valuable. The author states that [specific detail from text], which shows that being unique is presented as a strength rather than a weakness.”

Explicit question — the answer is stated directly in the passage. Scan for keywords from the question and locate the matching sentence.

Vocabulary question. Substitute each answer choice into the sentence and see which one preserves the original meaning. “Situation” works as a synonym for the word in context.

Author’s purpose question about quotes. Why does a writer include expert quotes? Not for decoration — to add credibility and support their claims. Eliminate answers about entertainment or repetition.

Sorting/organizing question. Create a mental two-column chart. Scan the passage for details about each animal and match them to the correct category. Be careful not to mix up which detail belongs to which animal.

Explicit detail question. The passage specifically names which animal uses this particular cooling strategy. Go directly to the relevant paragraph and confirm.

Main idea + supporting details question. The main idea is the ONE sentence that captures the entire passage. Supporting details are specific facts that prove the main idea. Never put a small detail as the main idea.

The question asks WHERE specific information is located. Skim paragraph openings to find the one that matches the described content. Do not guess — verify by reading the first sentence of each paragraph.

Purpose question about a specific sentence or phrase. Ask: is it defining a term, correcting a misunderstanding, adding a detail, or something else? “Clarification” means making something clearer.

Vocabulary-in-context. The passage describes work that requires exactness and attention to detail. “Precise” captures this idea of careful, accurate work.

Explicit detail question asking about senses. Scan the passage for descriptions of sensory experiences. The text describes sounds (hearing) and physical sensation (touching).

Sequence question. Look for time markers: “first,” “then,” “later,” “eventually.” The passage presents a chronological progression from simple to complex work.

Inference question. The passage includes an ironic detail about the character. Read carefully for what is surprising or unexpected about his situation given his skills.

Purpose question about a specific element. Quotes from other people in a news report serve as evidence or testimony. These quotes prove that Aaron is genuinely skilled, not just claiming to be.

Comma error question. Check if the comma separates a subject from its verb (wrong) or joins two independent clauses without a conjunction (wrong). The first comma here interrupts the sentence flow incorrectly.

Pronoun usage question. The trick: remove the other person from the sentence. Would you say “Me collected leaves”? No — you would say “I collected leaves.” Therefore “Sakinah and I” is correct.

Sentence combining question. The key is using commas to set off a non-essential (parenthetical) phrase. “Located in front of Parliament Buildings in Ottawa” is extra information that can be removed without breaking the sentence.

This is a sentence correction question. Read each option aloud — the one that sounds natural and is grammatically complete is correct. Check for subject-verb agreement, proper word order, and logical meaning.

Colon and list question. A colon introduces a list after a complete sentence. Items in a list are separated by commas (the comma before “and” is optional in Canadian English).

Possessive form question. Two levels of possession: the truck belongs to Parvinder (Parvinder’s), and something belongs to the truck (truck’s). Both need apostrophe-s.

Transition/conjunction question. Read the sentence with each option. “Until” creates a logical time relationship that fits the context. Other options create meanings that do not make sense.

The essay is scored on two criteria: Topic Development (60 points) and Conventions (40 points). Here is the checklist and structure that earns Code 50+:

Introduction (~50 words): Hook sentence that grabs attention → 1-2 sentences of context → Clear thesis statement (your opinion in one sentence)

Body 1 (~100 words): Topic sentence stating your first reason → Evidence (a specific example with names, numbers, or facts) → Explanation of how that evidence supports your thesis

Body 2 (~100 words): Topic sentence stating your second reason → Evidence → Explanation

Body 3 (~100 words): Topic sentence stating your third reason → Evidence → Explanation

Conclusion (~50 words): Restate your thesis in different words → Summarize your three reasons briefly → End with a strong closing statement

✓ Clear thesis in the introduction? ✓ Three body paragraphs with specific examples? ✓ Every body paragraph supports the SAME position? ✓ Conclusion restates the thesis? ✓ 450+ words? ✓ No run-on sentences? ✓ Homophones correct (there/their/they’re)?

Character feeling question. Look at what the character says AND how they say it. Tone words, exclamation marks, and the content of their dialogue reveal emotions. Both frustration and discouragement are shown through the character’s complaints and hesitation.

Text feature question. The referenced section provides multiple examples in sequence. This is a list structure, even if it is written in paragraph form rather than bullet points.

Vocabulary-in-context in dialogue. The character is expressing that something has no value or purpose. “Pointless” captures this frustration with futility.

Purpose/motivation question. The character is asking questions because they want to be sure about their decision. This is about due diligence, not uncertainty or fear.

Sequence question in dialogue. Track the order of events by looking at what is mentioned first in the conversation versus what happens later. Dialogue often reveals events in the order they are discussed.

Pronoun case after “than.” Complete the comparison: “She sings better than I [sing].” Use the subject pronoun “I” because it is the subject of the implied verb.

Correlative conjunction question. “Both...and” is a fixed pair in English. When you see “and” joining two items, check if “both” is the appropriate introductory word.

Preposition question. The correct idiom is “different from” in standard Canadian English. Test each preposition in the sentence to see which one sounds correct.

Quotation marks and punctuation question. Remember: periods and question marks go INSIDE quotation marks. Each new speaker gets a new set of quotation marks. Dialogue tags use commas unless the quoted sentence ends with ? or !

Comma in compound sentence. When two independent clauses are joined by “and,” place a comma before “and.” Also, “First” at the start of a sentence is an introductory word and needs a comma after it.

Appositive phrase question. “A busy student who is taking extra courses” is a non-essential phrase that describes Nina. It must be surrounded by commas because the sentence works without it.

Sentence clarity question. The correct version avoids ambiguity about which items are paired. Read each option carefully to see which one creates the clearest meaning.

Explicit detail question. The passage directly names these materials. Scan for the scientific terms mentioned in the text.

Vocabulary-in-context. The passage discusses creating substitutes for natural body parts. “Artificial replacement” captures the concept of something human-made taking the place of something natural.

Text feature question about a dash or colon. Authors use these punctuation marks to define or explain a technical term. The text introduces a term and then provides its meaning.

Comparison/contrast question. The passage compares the old method with the new 3-D printing method. Look for signal words like “however,” “unlike,” or “in contrast.”

Application question about 3-D printing uses. The passage mentions these as examples of what 3-D printers can create. Match the examples to what is stated in the text, not what you know from outside sources.

Main idea + supporting details. The entire passage is about the revolutionary potential of 3-D printing in medicine. The supporting details are the specific medical applications mentioned.