IAR ELA Test Prep

For the ELA IAR tests, you will have at least 1 passage to read, questions to answer using the passage(s), and a prompt that you will use to write an extended response.

Before reading each passage, what should you do first?

• Read the prompt for the extended response.

• Quickly answer the multiple choice questions.

• Take a break.

• Eat a snack.

When reading the prompt for the passage(s), what are some important tips to remember?

• Identify key words to help you when reading the passages.

• Use the highlighting tool on the testing site to gather and organize thoughts.

• Identify what the prompt is asking you to write about.

• Write the response immediately after reading the prompt, don't bother reading the passages.

Review this prompt for a narrative task on the IAR: "You have read a passage from “The List.” Think about what might happen the next day if Wyatt thinks of three new things to try. Write a narrative that describes what happens the following day when Wyatt tries the things on his new list. Use what you have learned from the passage to write your story." What should you do to properly respond to the prompt?

• Describe the setting

• Use dialogue telling what Wyatt thinks of

• Rewrite the story from another character's point of view

• Use transition words, phrases, and clauses to show the order of events

Review this prompt from the IAR test: "The passage from Wild River is told from Ryan’s point of view. Retell the narrative from Tanner’s point of view. Be sure to include Tanner’s thoughts as the kayak moves down the river. Your narrative should clearly reflect the characterization and setting in the passage." What should you do to properly respond to the prompt?

• Retell the story from Ryan's point of view.

• Use dialogue to reflect Tanner's character.

• Include details about the setting.

• Use details from the passage.

Label this basic plot diagram.

a

b

c

d

e

Falling action

Rising action

Introduction

Climax

Resolution

This image is an example of _______.

c

inference

metaphor

hyperbole

personification

To make an inference, the reader must use ​ (a)   and ​ (b)   to understand what the author does not say in the text.

• text evidence

• background knowledge

• dictionary

• highlighter

A ​ (a)   compares two things using a direct comparison.

• metaphor

• alliteration

• onomatopoeia

• simile

Read this prompt from a previous IAR test: "Write a continuation of the story of Bahauddin Shah using details from the passage. Describe what you think might happen after Bahauddin Shah climbs out of the Salt Caverns. What obstacles might he face, and what actions might he take to overcome them?" What should you do to properly respond to this prompt?

• Make a graphic organizer or outline on your scratch paper to plan out your response.

• Retell the story from another character's point of view.

• Use descriptive language when describing the obstacles he faces and the actions he takes.

• Write a story that shows how the character's childhood shaped his outlook on life.

When you are writing your response on the IAR, what should you think about and plan for in your response?

• How you will organize your response

• How you will develop the characters and the conflict

• How varied sentence structure improves a narrative response

• How word choice can change the tone of your response

• How limiting grammar and spelling mistakes will improve your response