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| From "FCAT 2.0 High School Vocabulary Other Ways to Say..." |
You will be evaluated on 4 benchmarks:
- LA.910.1.6.3
- LA.910.1.6.7
- LA.910.1.6.8
- LA.910.1.6.9
A benchmark is a standard measurement that is used to compare what you; the student will be expected to do on the FCAT with other students in your grade level such as:
The student will use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar words. (From FCAT 2.0 Reading Test Item Specifications, Grades 9–10, LA.910.1.6.3)
Each question on the FCAT will measure primarily one benchmark and will be appropriate for your grade level. Some questions will be more cognitively demanding (difficult) than others. For example...
On questions that ask you to use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases, you may be asked about words that are up to two grade levels above the grade you are being tested in.
Here are the 4 "You Dos" (Benchmarks) in Category 1: Vocabulary...
- The student will use context clues to determine meanings of unfamiliar words.
- The student will identify and understand the meaning of conceptually advanced prefixes, suffixes, and root words. Also assesses LA.910.1.6.11 The student will identify the meaning of words and phrases from other languages commonly used by writers of English (e.g., ad hoc, post facto, RSVP).
- The student will identify advanced word/phrase relationships and their meanings.
- The student will determine the correct meaning of words with multiple meanings in context.
Each of these benchmarks has a different content focus. A content focus is a term that defines the specific content (subjects and topics) measured by each FCAT test item.
The content focus in Category 1: Vocabulary will include:
- Context Clues
- Analyzing Word Structure (e.g., affixes, root words) and Analyzing Words/Phrases derived from Latin, Greek, or Other Languages
- Analyzing Words/Phrases and Word Relationships
- Multiple Meanings of Words
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| The 4 "You Dos" in Category 1: Vocabulary Grades 9 - 10 FCAT 2.0 |
Each benchmark on the test will be measured in the form of a question. Each question will vary in cognitive complexity. Remember, cognitive complexity means difficulty. This means that approximately 25% of the questions will be low, 50% medium and 25% high.
But BE CAREFUL! The BIG points are in the high - level questions. Getting 100% of the low - level questions correct will land you smack dab in the middle of Intensive Reading again and/or only earn you a Level 1 - 2 at best!
Category I: Vocabulary Games/Activities
Multiple Meanings of Words
Homographs/Multiple Meaning Words
Using Context Clues
Understanding Figurative Language
Homographs/Multiple Meaning Words
Using Context Clues
Understanding Figurative Language
The way in which words are used can have a profound influence upon how they may be interpreted. Play Word Choice Buffet: All You Can Eat to experiment with how choosing one word over another can impact or make a difference in a sentence!
I. Vocabulary Development
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| Try This! |
Recommendations
- Focus primarily on vocabulary sentences, reverse sentences, synonym and antonym practices.
- READ EVERY SENTENCE.
- READ ALL OF YOUR ANSWER CHOICES.
- Randomly clicking on the multiple-choice options until you find the right answer will only delay completing the exercises.
- Morpheme Practice/Word Parts (LA.910.1.6.7)
- Freshman Vocabulary (LA.910.1.6.3 & LA.910.1.6.9)
- Sophomore Vocabulary (LA.910.1.6.3. & LA.910.1.6.9)
Here are the links for FCAT Retake (Grades 11 & 12)...
Vocabulary Power Plus Tests for the NEW SAT
Are you up for a challenge? Here is the link for AP Senior Vocabulary... II. Test Strategies: What "You Do"
Context Clues: LA.910.1.6.3
FCAT Tip & Practice
The basic strategy for unlocking the meaning of an unfamiliar word is to search the context of the sentence in which a new word appears for clues. This is especially important when a word has multiple meanings that you already know and you must decide the particular one that applies. Try using the following strategy:
Step 1: Check the context for clues: definitions and synonyms given "right there" as well as words of opposite meaning - antonyms.
Step 2: Substitute each meaning you know in the context of the sentence until you find one that makes good sense there. (Hennings, p. 48)
Important notes From Literacy for the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach by Gail Tompkins
- Contexts Clues alone are NOT enough to help you learn a new word.
- Context Clues are MOST helpful to students who read a minimum of 30 minutes a day or are somewhat familiar with the word already.
- Avid readers have a 1 in 20 chance of learning the meaning of a word solely by its meaning in context. "That might seem insignificant but if students read 20,000 words a year, and if they learn 1 of every 20 words from context, they would learn 1000 words."
Sample Item 1: (LA.910.1.6.3)
Read this sentence from the essay.
The warmth of the sun raised the water temperature enough to awaken the rainbow and cutthroat trout that slumbered, and the caddis flies were dancing their erratic dance, here and there, over the water.
What does the word erratic mean as used in the sentence above?
√A. aimless
B. graceful
C. leisurely
D. swift
(From "A Day in the Stream", Grade 9)
Sample Item 2: (LA.910.1.6.3)
Read this sentence from “Walking.”
They are all, somehow, one plant, each with a share of communal knowledge.
What does the word communal mean as used in the sentence above?
A. actual
B. basic
C. diverse
√D. mutual
(From "Walking", Grade 10)
The BEST Preparation for Understanding Words in Context is...
- READ EVERY DAY.
- Choose novels at or 1-2 levels higher than your "lexile" level.
- Maintain a Vocabulary Journal. This will help you to understand how words are used in different contexts and "" (From "Guide to Literary Terms/ Context"). Here is essentially all you need to note...
- Write the word.
- Copy the context (sentence) the word was written in.
- Write the meaning of the word.
- Elaborate the word in 2 different ways.
- Extrapolate the word in 2 ways.
- Give an example of the word.
- Give a nonexample of the word.
- Create clues about attributes of the word.
- Create a question about the word-answer it.
- Create a simile or metaphor using the word. Click here
- Give synonyms for the word. Click here
- Give antonyms for the word. Click here
- Draw a quick picture of the word.
- Explain how the word relates to your life.
- Create an analogy with the word.
- Give additional information about the word (more facts).
- Paraphrase what the word means.
- Explain how the word relates to the world currently.
How to Extrapolate Vocabulary Words
- Use an online Etymological Dictionary to give the word origin and history Click here
FCAT 2.0 will also ask you to analyze word structure and analyze words/phrases derived from Latin, Greek, or other languages. Etymological Dictionaries are helpful tools for finding out a words origin (e.g. Mod.Fr. , L., Anglo-Fr., O.Fr., and ect.).
Important notes:
- A word is built on at least one root.
- Words can have more than one root (ex. geology has two roots "geo" and "logy"), prefix (ex. insubordination has two prefixes "in" and "sub") or suffix (ex. beautifully has two suffixes "ful" and "ly")
- Not all words have a prefix and a suffix (ex. "read" has no prefix or suffix, "reading" has a suffix and no prefix, "preread" has a prefix but no suffix).
- Suffixes change the part of speech. [ex. nation (n) - national (adj) - nationality (adv)]
- Spelling does NOT change with prefixes BUT the spelling of roots often change with suffixes.
- Be careful! Sometimes, what looks like a word part, is not a word part. (ex. "mis" in missile is part of the root and not a prefix.)
- Many word parts have the same meaning. (ex. bi-, di-, and duo- mean "two" and un-, il-, dis- and contra- all mean "not").
FCAT 2.0 will test your knowledge of conceptually advanced prefixes and suffixes. READ the details and information CAREFULLY before you decide what the best answer is to a question. REMEMBER, focus on the meaning of the words and phrases within the context being given to you.
Read the section National Park Service African American History Month Observance 2008 in the National Park Service homepage.
Culture comes from the Latin word cultura, which came from colere, meaning “to cultivate.” Based on the meaning of the root word culture, what does the “theme . . . of Multiculturalism” mentioned in this section suggest about groups of people in a society?
A. Many people in a society are responsible for determining the customs
within their group.
B. Different groups of people in a society will support the views expressed
by its scholars.
√C. A society is enriched by various groups who merit equal respect and
scholarly interest.
D. An informed discussion among groups in a society can reveal many
conflicting views.
within their group.
B. Different groups of people in a society will support the views expressed
by its scholars.
√C. A society is enriched by various groups who merit equal respect and
scholarly interest.
D. An informed discussion among groups in a society can reveal many
conflicting views.
(From “National Park Service Homepage”, Grade 9)
Analyze Words and Phrases
In Elementary School, most of us learn that...
"Sentences are complete thoughts expressed by words".
And that there are 4 types of sentences...
- A Simple Sentence
- A Compound Sentence
- A Complex Sentence
- A Compound-Complex Sentence
On FCAT 2.0, you will be asked to Analyze a Word(s)/Phrases in Context (An excerpt from a literary or informational text). Remember, looking at the word(s)/phrases by by themselves (out of context) will NOT lead you to the BEST answer. Word(s)/Phrases are only a fraction (small part) of the whole; complete thought.
Sample Item 4: Analyze Words/Phrases Derived from Latin, Greek, or Other Languages (LA.910.1.6.7)
Read this excerpt from the essay.
Although it maintained a humble exterior, the Montana dude ranch where I was to meet my latest client was much more than a corral-and-bunkhouse affair. A chef with a tall white hat prepared gourmet meals; the massage sign-up sheet was posted on an easel by the front desk; the fax and copy machine were to the left.
The words chef, gourmet, and massage are French words that have been absorbed into the English language. What does the use of these words tell readers about the services being provided by the dude ranch?
A. The dude ranch provides activities and services that appeal to the
children of the clients who come to fish.
√B. The dude ranch appeals to clients who are looking for more refined
services during their fishing vacation.
C. The dude ranch allows its staff to participate during their free time in the
many activities that are available.
D. The dude ranch mainly attracts those clients who will need to continue
working during their vacation
(From “A Day in the Stream”. Grade 9)
Sample Item 5: Analyze Word Structure (LA.910.1.6.7)Read this sentence from the article.
Jaded thrill seekers must be wondering why there are so few really tall mountain ranges on Earth, and why the ones we have aren’t taller.
The word jaded comes from the Middle English word iade, which means “a worn-out horse, a nag.” Based on the meaning of the root word, the sentence implies that some mountain climbers have become
√A. bored with the sport of scaling Earth’s available mountain
peaks.
B. resentful of the superior skill to climb Earth’s mountains shown
by others.
C. frustrated at their inability to successfully ascend Earth’s highest
mountains.
D. exhausted by their efforts to reach the summits of Earth’s highest
mountain peaks.
(From “Cutting Off the World’s Roof ”, Grade 10)
Sample Item 6: Analyze Words/Phrases (LA.910.1.6.8)Read this sentence from the article.
Though swing never completely died out, it wasn’t until the late
1980s that the music experienced a true rebirth.
What does the sentence above tell readers about swing music during the late 1980s?
√A. Swing music once again became popular.
B. Swing music was rewritten into modern versions.
C. Modern instruments gave swing music a new sound.
D. Unpublished compositions of swing music were discovered.
(From “Swing Is the Thing!”, Grade 9)
Sample Item 7: Word Relationships (LA.910.1.6.8)
As used on the homepage, which two words are most similar in meaning?
As used on the homepage, which two words are most similar in meaning?
A. future, unspoiled
B. important, majestic
C. centennial, seasonal
√D. extraordinary, remarkable
B. important, majestic
C. centennial, seasonal
√D. extraordinary, remarkable
(From “National Park Service Homepage”, Grade 9)
Sample Item 8: Analyze Words/Phrases (LA.910.1.6.8)
Read these lines from “Woman with Flower.”
The leaf's inclined to find its own direction;
Give it a chance to seek the sunlight for itself.
The leaf's inclined to find its own direction;
Give it a chance to seek the sunlight for itself.
Based on the rest of the poem, which sentence best restates the meaning of the lines above?
A. The leaf isolates itself from other leaves.
B. The leaf wants to create its own illusions.
√C. The leaf prefers to seek its own destination.
D. The leaf avoids previously established paths.
(From “Woman with Flower/Offspring”, Grade 10)
Sample Item 9: Word Relationships (LA.910.1.6.8)
Read this line from the poem “Offspring.”
Face slanted upward toward a threatening sky,
Face slanted upward toward a threatening sky,
Which word from the poem “Woman with Flower,” if used to replace threatening, would create the most opposite image of the sky?
A. eager
√B. nurturing
C. prodding
D. watchful
√B. nurturing
C. prodding
D. watchful
(From “Woman with Flower/Offspring”, Grade 10)
Sample Item 10: Multiple Meanings (LA.910.1.6.9)
Read this excerpt from the essay.
I showed him how to keep his fly from dragging, how to fish the deeper pools. He was absorbed by the whys and the hows and the execution.
In which sentence does execution have the same meaning as used in the excerpt above?
A. After an execution of this computer program, the entire system might
shut down.
√B. Their plan was sound, but its faulty execution caused a delay in starting
the project.
C. After agreeing on the terms of the sale, the execution of the deed to the
house will be finalized.
D. The execution of the terms of his final will and testament should occur
as soon as the judge approves it.
(From “A Day in the Stream”, Grade 9)
Sample Item 11: Multiple Meanings (LA.910.1.6.9)
Read these lines from “Woman with Flower.”
The leaf’s inclined to find its own direction;
Give it a chance to seek the sunlight for itself.
In the lines above, what does the word inclined reveal about the leaf ?
A. The leaf grows at an angle to find its own direction.
B. The leaf bends down to find its own direction.
C. The leaf hesitates to find its own direction.
√D. The leaf prefers to find its own direction.
(“Woman with Flower/Offspring”, Grade 10)
Sample Item 12: Multiple Meanings (LA.910.1.6.9)
Read this sentence from the user manual.
To obtain Week View mode when in Month View mode, simply highlight any day in the desired week and choose Week at the bottom left of the display.
In which sentence does mode have the same meaning as in the sentence above?
A. She reacted to the change in the mode of the teacher’s voice.
B. The instructor asked the students to find the mode of a set of numbers.
√C. She switched the computer’s application from keyboard to voice mode.
D. The subway is her favorite mode of transportation when she visits the
city.
(From “Quest-4 Cell Phone––User Manual”, Grade 10)
Don't Forget!
- Read Daily.
- FCAT 2.0 passages are LONG.
- For Grade 9, passages are 300 - 1400 words per text. (Average: 900 words)
- For Grade 10, passages are 300 - 1500 words per text.(Average: 1000 words)
- A passing score, in Grade 10 is a 300, however, you must earn a Level 3, 4 or 5 on the 9th grade test to avoid being placed in Intensive Reading/Remedial Reading.
I am college bound.
Not because I say I am,
but because I work hard at it.
Last but not least, use the links that follow to help you select your next novel and raise your score. If you don't know your Lexile measure, you can click here or simply click on the links below, by grade level. Here are the Lexile measures for Grades 9 -12...
(This conversion chart is based on educational levels from the published “Lexile Framework” chart) 
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