Answer to Question 1
Teachers might use test genre teaching strategies like the following:
Determine what these students already know about this genre: for example, after reading a short passage, will they be answering multiple choice questions, generating short answer responses, or doing summary writing?
Immerse students in materials exactly like the format of the test they will take. Many test publishers sell practice books. Some states provide item samplers for teachers' use with their students on the state's department of education website.
Ask students to explore the materials by reading through the sample test passages. How are the passages organized and what types of questions are asked?
Time students as they work through a number of passages to practice timed testing. Ask them to read and respond to a number of the sample passages. Then, talk about the strategies they used to read and respond to the questions.
Focus on the test questions and directions. Ask them to highlight the key words and phrases (e.g., compare, similar, actions, use details, from the text). Note how important it is to read the questions and directions carefully.
Show students how to use details from the text to support their answers.
Give the students a passage and ask them to write the questions for this passage. Being test writers themselves will help them look at the questions and answers from a new perspective.
Answer to Question 2
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Counseling Strategies
Development Strategies
Strategies for replicating linear genomes
High school students shopping at the mall
Students working around a computer
Standardized human chromosome banding patterns