Know Your Foe

          

One of the objectives for this course is for you to become more familiar with the Regents' Reading Test. Is it really a vicious beast or a ruthless foe? It may look like one to you now, but the better you get to know it, the less intimidating it will seem.

 

I believe very strongly that the more familiar you are with the test you're taking, the better you'll do on the test--not just this test, any standardized test. Study guides are available for the SAT, the ACT, the GACE, the MAT, the GRE, and many other tests. Before taking one of these tests, it's a good idea to get (even if you have to pay for it) and use the study guide. I know these study guides have worked for me! They helped me know what kinds of questions to expect and gave me tips on how to tackle each kind of question. The exercises and sample tests gave me the opportunity to practice skills and work on pacing myself in order to be able to finish the test. This course can do the same thing for you as you prepare to take the Regents' Reading Test.

What does the fight entail?

You can find a description of the Regents' Reading Test at the following website:

http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwrtp/

As you read through the description of the test, jot down the kinds of passages and the particular skills mentioned with which you feel you need the most practice. Do the 30-minute online practice reading test (or the full-length test) at the same site. Take note of  which kinds of questions and/or passages are most difficult for you. Save the notes you make regarding your reading weaknesses. One of your assignments for this course is for you to design a Personal Reading Improvement Plan. You will want to address these problem areas in your plan. What was your score on the test? Keep in mind that a 61 or higher is a passing score.