Areas of Reading Skills on the 5-8th Grade FCAT

Reading is one of the three areas tested on the FCAT or Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test. By knowing which parts of reading are covered, a parent can help to prepare their child for any type of reading question that might be covered. From year to year, the tests change. What is concentrated on one year, may not be the area of focus the next. Therefore, it is good to be well prepared in all reading area. Students in 8th grade, must pass the FCAT before advancing to high school. Reading is broken down into key areas and subareas. These are listed, as well as definitions of each category.

1) Words and phrases in context: a) Meaning of words in context - This is a useful skills when a reader does not know the definition of a word. By looking at other connecting words, and surrounding information in the sentence, a words definition can be guessed. b) Word analysis - This skill uses a reader's knowledge of phonics and how sounds fit together. Although a word may be familiar, a student may not know how to pronounce it. By knowing basic phonic rules, a student can pronounce a word fairly accurately.

2) Main idea, plot and purpose: a) Main idea - What is the focal point of the paragraph or reading selection. Although this sounds simple, many students have difficulty with this area, and need additional practice. b) Relevant detail - Can a student decide which information is important? Some writers add extra information merely for flow, and some information is not important. c) Organizational patterns - Does the author write in a logical style. Does the story take place in flashbacks? Few of these questions are on the FCAT however a student should still be familiar with them. d) Author's purpose - A reading passage is to entertain, inform, persuade and share. Students will be asked to read a passage and tell what the author was trying to say. e) Character and plot development - Who or what is the story about. Is the character the hero or villain? f) Setting - Students will be asked questions on the FCAT about where the story takes place. g) Conflict resolution - No story is complete without a problem that arises. Who takes part in the problem resolution, and how it is solved is conflict resolution.

3 ) Comparisons and cause and effect: a) Use of comparison -. A great author uses comparisons in their story, especially when the meaning of something needs to be expanded on. b) Cause and effect - We all know we encounter cause and effect in everyday life. Often in a story, cause and effect is related to the conflict. Why is Pinocchio's noise growing? He told a lie. Students will be asked to find cause and effect in their reading passages on the FCAT

4) Reference and Research: a) Organization - A student should be familiar with an index and glossary and know how to find information in them. b) Interpretation & synthesis of information - Are researched facts clear? The author may list a resource for their research, but the information may not make sense. a c) Validity & accuracy of information - As many of us know from the age of the Internet, what is written may not always be the truth. This piece of testing data tests if a student knows how to compare information for facts.

By knowing what skills are on a test, by practicing, and not being stressed, your child can achieve a good score. Passing the FCAT is easier than your child thinks!

http://fcat.fldoe.org/pdf/releasepdf/grade8readingtestbook.pdft
http://fcat.fldoe.org/aboutfcat/english/reading/reading.html