The Pennsylvania State Science Assessment is comprised of three basic types of questions.
- Content-Focused Multiple Choice
- Science Scenario - Based Questions
- Constructed Response (Often Scenario Driven)
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Strategies for Solving Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Read the question carefully before reading alternative answer choices.
2. Look for key words in the question, such as "which is NOT," itallicized, or bold words.
3. Try to answer the question before looking at the given choices.
4. Eliminate the answers that you know are wrong. Look for key words in the answer that relate back to the question. Look for absolute words (ALWAYS, NEVER, etc) these are usually NOT the answer. When in doubt USUALLY the longer or more detailed answer is correct.
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Strategies for Scenario-Based Problems
Scenario-based problems are fucused more on scientific method, than they are on the actual content. In other words they will discuss a situation, or experiment and ask you to analyze the experiment and / or make predictions about it. They may also ask you to hypothesize WHY it happened as it did. These questions are usually multiple choice, but in many cases, the constructed response questions may be similar to scenarios.
Whether multiple choice, or constructed response, there are a few things that you should do when you see a scenario.
1. Study and analyze the scenario to get an idea of the subject. This senario may include pictures, graphs, charts, or maps. (Always consider the problem, information given, what you already know, and what you may be asked).
2. Carfelly read the questions. Pay attention to key words.
3. Identify the type of question.
4. Use appropriate test taking strategies to help you answer the question.
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Constructed Response
The constructed response questions will usually begin with a picture or written scenario. In most cases you will be asked to analyze the question or picture, and to explain it in some way related to scientific facts that you should know.
1. Always study the question / scenario carefully.
2. Think about the problem, the information given, the information you know, and the question being asked.
3. Due to space constraints, this is not an extended constructed response, and therefore may be only one paragraph. Follow what you have learned in reading and english!
4. When you begin writing, be sure to restate the question. Always use FRED.
5. Be aware of what you are being asked. For example, if you are asked to give 3 facts, examples, or reasons, be sure that you give 3.
6. Be sure to include a closing statement to your writing.
7. Before finishing, remember to proof read and correct any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
8. DO NOT use text messaging abbreviations! If you do, your response will be scored a zero.
9. NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOUR RESPONSE IS, IT CANNOT BE SCORED IF THE HANDWRITING CANNOT BE READ! Write legibly.
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