PSSA ELA Prep

Tredyffrin-Easttown School District8th Grade

English PSSA Testing: April 14th – 17th

Grades 4-8 FormatSection Content Emphasis Number of MC/EBSR Number of WP/TDA Estimated Number

of PassagesEstimated Section

Testing Time (in minutes)

1 Writing and Language 20 MC 1 0 60

2 Reading 15–18 MC4–5 EBSR 0 3 58–69

3 Reading andText Dependent Analysis

14 MC2 EBSR 1 2 73

4 Reading andText Dependent Analysis

5–8 MC1–2 EBSR 1 1 48–57

Examples of Changes…PSSA 2010

Give at least two reasons that Dr. Ebbesmeyer probably wants to continue receiving information about these shoes. Explain why this information would be helpful. Use details from the passage to support your response.

PSSA 2014The drama focuses on events in the life of Florence Nightingale. Write an essay analyzing how the three-scene structure of the drama emphasizes certain characteristics of Florence. Use evidence from the drama to support your response.

Non-Examples and Examples

Page 4 •

Not Text-Dependent Analysis Questions Text-Dependent Analysis Questions

In the text there once was a curious bird who says to Tortoise, “And you sowed yourself, too”. Describe a time when you showed yourself you could do something.

The text begins with: There once was a curious bird who wondered, What can a small bird be? Write an essay that analyzes why the authors chose to begin the text with this question. Use evidence from the text to support your response.

Amelia Earhart has been depicted as a daring, courageous person. Identify at least three events that demonstrate these traits. Then write a summary of Amelia Earhart’s life.

The authors of each of the two texts about Amelia Earhart have been stated that she was a daring, courageous person. Consider the argument each author made to demonstrate her bravery. Write an essay that analyzes the strength of the arguments using textual evidence to support your ideas.

In “Casey at the Bat”, Casey strikes out. Compare yourself to Casey by describing a time when you failed at something.

The author of “Casey at the Bat” uses humor to describe Casey’s experiences. Write an essay analyzing the author’s techniques. Be sure to use textual evidence to support your analysis.

Language is Different – but you know it! Argument – position or claim – should be supported with valid evidence and reasoning. Should include a counter argument (counterclaim) to illustrate opposing viewpoints.Claim – another word for thesis statement that forms the basis of your argumentElaborate – add detail from the textFigure of Speech – a word or phrase used to convey meaning or heighten effectDrama – a play to be performed on stage, radio or televisionElement of Fiction – see your short story term sheet (character, plot, theme, symbol, tone…)

Stand Alone Multiple Choice – types of questions

Read a short passage and answer questionsGrammarHow does an author use a certain word? (lit/symbolic)Sentence StructureRevisionAny element of fiction – “What is the theme?”Which intended effect do the sentences have on the reader’s point of view?Which answer best supports…

Some Multiple Choice Questions will have two parts – or more than one answer

Part I – A stand alone question

Part II – Depends on your answer to part I

Read each question carefully – some will require two answers for one question.

Text Dependent Analysis

Some questions may require a written response. They will call it an essay.This essay could incorporate one, two or even three different texts.You are required to use all texts provided to answer that question.For any questions that say, “Text Dependent Analysis” you are NOT required to write 6 paragraphs.You do need to make sure that you answer ALL parts of the question and use EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE, EVIDENCE – specific examples from the text!!!!

Stand Alone Writing Prompts: ArgumentativeThis is similar to the writing we have done in class:

Introduction with a thesis/claimTwo-Three body paragraphs that support your claimOne paragraph of counterclaim of rebuttal. Conclusion

Example: Your school is considering a change in the way class presidents are chosen. Some students want to create a small committee which, in turn, would choose the class president. On the other hand, there are those students who want all students in the class to be able to vote for their choice of class president. Think about which method of choosing the class president is the most effective. Write an argumentative essay stating your claim about whether a small committee of students or all the students in the class should be allowed to chose the class president. Be sure to use reasons and evidence to develop your argument.

Stand Alone Writing Prompts: Informative or Explanatory

Introduction with a guiding statementTwo to Three Body Paragraphs devoted to one controlling point eachConclusion

Example: Think about a law that is important – national, state or local. Consider why it is important and why it affects peoples’ lives. Write an essay for your teacher that describes an important law and explain why it is important. Be sure to use details and examples to support your ideas.

Stand Alone Writing Prompt: Narrative

Tell a story that has a clear sequencing of events – includes charter, plot, setting, theme…

Example: Imagine that someone became a positive role models for others. Think about what this person might have done to become a positive role model. Consider other people who might have been involved. Write a story that tells how someone became a positive role model for others.

8th Grade English Testing Schedule

You will have 2 hours each day to read, answer all multiple choice questions and plan, write and revise your essays. All tests are untimed – so if you need more time - you have it!

Building Schedule

6 min. 30 min.

Homeroom Period 1

7:50 - 7:567:58 - 8:26

30 min. Period 2 8:28 - 8:56120 min. Test 9:00 - 11:0030 min. Period 3 11:02 - 11:3044 min. Period 5 11:32 - 12:1644 min. Period 6 12:18 - 1:0230 min. Period 4 1:04 - 1:3230 min. Period 7 1:34 - 2:0231 min. Period 8 2:04 - 2:33

Make-up Testing: April 20, 24 and May 4-8