Library Word of the Week - Words of the MCAS

I found a great list of words most likely to be found on the MCAS test. Sometimes, when we take tests, we really do know the answer to the question, but we don't always understand the question itself.

Here are some words you should try to remember for MCAS:

Word:
Summarize

Example:
Summarize the arguments for and against offering courses in public schools.

What you need to do:
In a paragraph, briefly cover the major points presented in the selection.

More here: Mr. Whittier's MCAS words

Learning Moments (and a Word of the Week)

Learning for Fun

This morning, two students printed sports statistics. Who is a better basketball player? They were talking how they're going to prove that one player was better. This was apparently a conversation that started before school and they were excited to have found the statistics.

I asked them; "You had an argument about who is a better player, and now you've printed stats to prove you are right?"

Yes.

"So, you had a thesis, got supporting documentation, and now have your argument?"

Yes.

Light dawned and they both realized that these skills are exactly what their teachers have been telling them: have an opinion, find supporting research/facts, and prove your point. Amazing! I love when connections are made.

Graduation

Last night was graduation. Congratulations to all our graduates! The HSC Library will not be the same without our interns, but you will all move on to amazing futures.

Library Word of the Week

Science MCAS is next week. Here's a biology word for those taking the Bio Exam!

food web

A food web (or food cycle) is the natural interconnection of food chains and generally a graphical representation (usually an image) of what-eats-what in an ecological community. Another name for food web is a consumer-resource system. (from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_web) 



Good luck to all our test-takers next week!

Library Word of the Week ... The Words of the MCAS

MCAS season is upon us. In order to help everyone prepare, here is a list of commonly used MCAS terms:

• Argue Prove your points by using facts 
• Analyze Separate into parts and explain 
• Cause & Effect Tell what happened and why it happened 
• Compare Find how two or more things are alike 
• Contrast Find how two or more things are different 
• Criticize Tell about the value of something 
• Define Give a clear meaning 
• Describe/Discuss Look at the good and bad points and give a detailed answer 
• Diagram Make a drawing or chart and label all of the parts 
• Evaluate Give the strengths and weaknesses but include more of your own opinion 
• Explain/Interpret Tell how and why about a subject 
• Identify Pinpoint and explain Illustrate Give examples OR use a drawing or chart (this depends on the subject) 
• Justify Prove your answer List Put the answer down point by point 
• Prove Show evidence or proof about something 
• Relate Compare showing similar points 
• Review Critically examine and comment on major points 
• State/Summarize Tell the main points 
• Trace Follow an event from beginning to end emphasizing the main points 

More MCAS help information can be found here: Survivor Handbook

Science MCAS

The HSC Library will be closed June 2nd-5th for Science MCAS. 

We apologize for the inconvenience. Please plan accordingly.