TSI Pre-Assessment Activity: Important Information and Sample Questions

1. SAISD Texas Success Initiative (TSI) 2016 Pre-Assessment Activity

2. Pre-Assessment Activity for Students Taking the TSI Assessment Very Important Once you complete this Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA), you are eligible to take the TSI Assessment. (TSIA) At the beginning of the assessment, you will be given 14 background questions to answer. The first question reads: 1. Pre-Assessment Activity: Were you provided with information and/or an activity to help you understand all of the following: 1) The importance of this assessment, 2) Sample Questions, 3) Course options, and 4) Resources for students? Yes /No Answer “yes” to the first background question. If you answer “no” to the first question, you will be locked out and unable to continue.

3. Why is the TSI Assessment so important? • The TSI assessment measures college readiness • If students entering college do not meet the minimum standard, they will be required to take developmental courses • Students enrolling in Dual Credit must meet the minimum standards in order to enroll • For students not meeting minimum standards, the TSI diagnoses the level of developmental course work required

4. Before You Test… You Need to Know • TSI assessment determines your college readiness • A minimum score is required for enrollment in college or Dual Credit courses • Cannot pass or fail the TSI Assessment • No study materials, reference materials, cell phones or other communication devices allowed. - Calculators “pop up” when needed. PREPARE PREPARE PREPARE

5. What to expect on the TSI Assessment TAKING THE TSI ASSESSMENT • Computer Administered - Multiple Choice and Essay using keyboard and mouse • Untimed • Computer Adaptive - questions increase or decrease in difficulty level depending on how you respond. • Diagnostic Test - provides an academic profile to target areas and fast-track your college preparatory program • Scored Immediately

6. What Does the Assessment Cover? Mathematics - • Elementary Algebra and Functions • Intermediate Algebra and Functions • Geometry and Measurement • Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability

7. What Does the Assessment Cover? Reading - • Literary Analysis • Main Idea and Supporting Details • Inferences in a Text or Texts • Author’s Use of Language

8. What Does the Assessment Cover? • Writing and Essay • Multiple Choice • Essay Revision • Agreement • Sentence Structure • Sentence Logic • Essay • Write a five-paragraph persuasive essay 300 – 600 words

9. Math Test Sample Questions 1 & 2 2. The variables x and y are directly proportional, and y = 2 when x = 3. What is the value of y when x = 9?A. 4 B. 6 C. 8 D. 12 1. If 3t-7 = 5t, then 6t= A. 21 B. -7 C. -21 D. -42

10. Math Sample Question Answers 1& 2 1 C Choice (C) is correct. If 3t - 7 =5 , then 5t- 3t=- 7, and 2t = 7. Therefore, 6t= (3)(2t )= (3)( 7) = - 21. 2 B Choice (B) is correct. Since the variables x and y are directly proportional, they are related by an equation , y= kx where k is a constant. It is given that y = 2 when, x = 3 and so 2 = (3)k, which gives k = 2/3. Therefore, y = 2/3x and so when x = 9, the value of y is y = 2/3(9) = 6.

11. Math Test Sample Questions 3 & 4 4. The yard behind Cindy’s house is rectangular in shape and has a perimeter of 72 feet. If the length l of the yard is 18 feet longer than the width w of the yard, what is the area of the yard, in square feet? 36 144 243 486 3. There are 3x – 2 trees planted in each row of a rectangular parcel of land. If there are a total of 24x – 16 trees planted in the parcel, how many rows are planted in the parcel? 21x-18 21x-14 8x 8

12. Math Sample Questions Answers #3 and 4 3. D Choice (D) is correct. Since there are 3x -2 trees planted in each row of the parcel, and a total of 24x - 16 trees planted in the parcel, it follows that the number of rows in the parcel is 24x – 16 divided by 3x – 2 which can be rewritten as 8(3x – 2)/(3x-2) = 8. 4. C Choice (C) is correct. If the length l of the yard is 18 feet longer than the width w of the yard, then w = l − 18 and so the perimeter, P, which is P =2(l + w),can be rewritten as 2(l + l -18) = 2(2l -18). Since the perimeter of the yard is 72 feet, it follows that 2l - 18 = 36, and so l = 27 and w= 27 - 18 = 9. Therefore, the area of the yard is (27)(9) = 243 square feet.

13. Reading Test Sample Question #1 Directions for questions 1–3. Read the passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage. 1. When we think of volcanoes, eruptions, lava, and smoke filled air come to mind—all occurring on land. Most people are surprised to learn about the prevalence of underwater volcanoes on our planet. Because the lava and smoke spilling out of an active, underwater volcano is contained by the ocean, people generally do not take note of these eruptions. However, the largest underwater volcanoes are capable of creating huge tidal waves, threatening coastal communities. The main idea of the passage is that A. traditional volcanoes and underwater volcanoes are similar B. the lava and smoke from an underwater volcano is contained by the sea C. most tidal waves are caused by underwater volcanoes D. underwater volcanoes receive little attention but can be dangerous

14. Reading Sample Question Answer #1 1. D Choice (D) is correct. The main idea of the passage is that underwater volcanoes receive little attention but can be dangerous. The author explains that while “people generally do not take note” of underwater eruptions because “the lava and smoke . . . is contained by the ocean,” such eruptions are dangerous because they are “capable of creating huge tidal waves, threatening coastal communities.” Choice (A) is incorrect because the passage highlights differences, not similarities, between traditional and underwater volcanoes. Choice (B) is incorrect because although the passage notes that the lava and smoke from underwater volcanoes is contained by the sea, that fact is not the main idea; it supports the larger point about what people notice. Choice (C) is incorrect because the passage does not indicate that most tidal waves are caused by underwater eruptions.

15. Reading Test Sample Question #2 2. In 2010, talk show host Oprah Winfrey and novelist Jonathan Franzen kissed and made up after a nine-year feud. In 2001, Franzen was disinvited from appearing on Winfrey’s TV show to pitch his novel The Corrections after he made it clear that he was unhappy about the book’s being chosen for the Oprah Book Club. Describing his work as “in the high-art literary tradition,” Franzen said he didn’t want to be associated with the Club, which he accused of occasionally choosing “schmaltzy, one-dimensional” novels. But Winfrey is apparently able to forgive and forget: she chose Franzen’s next novel, Freedom, for her book club and said of it, “Now you haven’t heard me say this word often, but this book is a masterpiece.” The passage implies that Franzen’s criticism of the Oprah Book Club was motivated primarily by A. pride B. anger C. insensitivity D. ignorance

16. Reading Sample Question Answer #2 2. A Choice (A) is correct. The author of the passage states that Franzen refers to his own work as belonging to a “high-art literary tradition” and to Oprah’s book club choices as being “schmaltzy,” or overly sentimental, and “one-dimensional.” These details suggest that Franzen felt that his own book is of higher quality than other books chosen for the book club. In other words, Franzen’s criticism of the Oprah Book Club was motivated by his pride, or his sense of self-importance. Choices (B) and (C) are incorrect because there is no indication in the passage that Franzen felt any anger or was trying to be insensitive. Choice (D) is incorrect because there is no indication that Franzen’s comments about Oprah’s choices were ignorant or uninformed.

17. Reading Test Sample Question #3 3. The main authors of The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are usually thought of as America’s “Founding Fathers.” Other, less known personages also deserve the title, however, and Noah Webster was one of these. Through his writings, which include the still influential dictionary that bears his name, Webster sought to legitimize an “American English” that was independent of British spelling and pronunciation. For instance, Webster removed the “u” from “colour,” creating the distinct American version of the word. What is the main purpose of this passage? A. To praise the Founding Fathers B. To present information about an important American C. To define and explain “American English” D. To distinguish American dictionaries from British dictionaries

18. Reading Sample Question Answer #3 3. B Choice (B) is correct. The author discusses Noah Webster and the idea that he deserves the title of Founding Father. The author clearly considers Webster important, citing his “still-influential dictionary” and his attempt to “legitimize an ‘American English.’” Choice (A) is incorrect because although the author mentions that the Founding Fathers authored certain documents, he or she offers no specific praise of the Founding Fathers. Choices (C) and (D) are incorrect; although the author mentions Webster’s attempt “to legitimize an ‘American English’” and to create an American English dictionary, neither of these points is the main focus of the passage.

19. WritingTest Sample Question #1 Directions for questions 1 -3. Select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first answer. • It is important to learn how to swim, even if one is afraid; the skill will invariably prove useful later in your life. A. one is B. you are C. everyone is D. they are

20. Writing Sample Question Answer #1 1 B Choice (B) is correct. It avoids the pronoun agreement errors of the other options by providing the second-person pronoun “you” to be consistent with the second-person pronoun “your” that follows it (“in your life”). The third-person pronouns “one,” “everyone” and “they,” in choices (A), (C) and (D), respectively, are not consistent with the second-person pronoun “your.”

21. Writing Test Sample Question #2 2. In the Roman Empire, the first fish to be brought indoors was the sea barbel, it was kept under guest beds in small tanks made of marble. • sea barbel, it • B. sea barbel, which • C. sea barbel, but • D. sea barbel, and

22. Writing Sample Question Answer #2 2 B Choice (B) is correct. It avoids the comma-splice error of the original sentence by replacing the pronoun “it” with the relative pronoun “which,” thus making the second independent clause into a dependent clause. Two independent clauses (“the first fish to be brought indoors was the sea barbel” and “it was kept under guest beds in small tanks made of marble”) cannot be joined by only a comma. Choice (C) is incorrect, because there is no contrast between the idea that “the first fish to be brought indoors was the sea barbel” and the fact that the sea barbel “was kept under guest beds.” Choice (D) results in awkward phrasing: “. . . the first fish to be brought indoors was the sea barbel and was kept under guest beds . . . ”

23. Writing Test Sample Question #3 3. The idea that lightning never strikes the same place twice is one of the oldest and most well-known weather-related myths; in fact, lightning strikes the Empire State Building in New York City about 100 times per year. • in fact • therefore • moreover • in contrast

24. Writing Sample Question Answer #3 3 A Choice (A) is correct. It avoids the illogical phrasing of the other options by providing the phrase “in fact,” which is used in this context to introduce evidence validating a previous statement. In this sentence, the information in the second clause (“lightning strikes the Empire State Building . . . about 100 times per year”) offers evidence confirming the truth of the statement made in the first clause (“The idea that lightning never strikes the same place twice” is a “well-known” yet false belief). Options (B), (C) and (D), while grammatically correct, result in illogical phrasing because they do not indicate the relationship specified by the information in the sentence

25. Developmental Courses If students do not meet the minimum standards required on a subject assessment the campus will address student’s need for developmental courses and options for further re-testing. If entering college, students scores may require them to take a developmental course prior to enrolling in required subject courses. Campus will brief students on minimum scores needed based on the students grade level.

26. What Strategy Should I Use When Taking the TSI Assessment? Relax. Breathe. Pace Yourself. • Stay relaxed and confident. Keep a good attitude and remind yourself that you are going to do your best. • Read directions carefully! • Read the question and all answer choices before entering your response. You cannot change answers once you leave a page. • Try to answer every question. Make the most intelligent guess you can and move on.

27. TIME MANAGEMENT

28. PRIORITIZE • What do you want to achieve? • What is the best use of my time right now? • What are you willing to cut out or reduce so that you have time to do what you believe is most important? TIME MANAGEMENT

29. BENEFITS OF EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES • Reduces your time wasters • Helps you overcome procrastination • Better planning for what you want to accomplish • Keeps you on track to your goals • Helps you accomplish your highest priorities • You get more done with less effort • You gain extra time for fun and recreation • Supports your most important values • Reduces your stress TIME MANAGEMENT

30. THINGS TO CONSIDER • Allowing for too many distractions • Disorganized study environment • Poor diet and lack of exercise • Studying too long without breaks • Too much to do • Not setting deadlines • Spending too much time on low priorities • Doing activities you least like first • Failing to use small pockets of time wisely • Not seeking help TIME MANAGEMENT

31. MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR TIME • Use a planner and calendar • Identify your common time wasters • Prioritize • Delegate • Set time limits and deadlines • Let others know your needs and your schedule of important activities • Schedule your work for the right or best time • Review your class notes and readings before class and often TIME MANAGEMENT

32. Supporting Your Success

33. FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION All dual credit programs waive tuition and fees • Traditional Dual Credit will waive 2 courses up to 8 college credits per term • Early College High School will waive up to 12 to 16 college credits per term • Alamo Academies will waive 6 to 10 college credits per term • Phoenix will waive up to 12 college credits per term —Textbooks • Most ISDs/High Schools will fund the textbooks needed for their students. Confirm with your high school counselor or high school dual credit liaison prior to the start of classes —Financing your education in the future • High school graduates may complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. • You may also receive grants, loans, work study, and scholarships

34. Community Resources for Help with Going to College • United Way • Food Bank • City of San Antonio services • VIA • Child Care (all Texas) • Child Care – on campus • Palo Alto College • St. Philip’s College • San Antonio College • San Antonio Housing Authority • Student Housing • Tobin Lofts near San Antonio College

35. Additional Resources… Student Resources • Local Colleges and Universities Additional Resources • Military • Veteran • Student with a Disability • ESL Student • International Student • Financial Resources • Student Financial Aid • FAFSA • Financial Literacy 101 • Financing Your Future • College for All Texans • Bigfuture • Cafecollege / Find the Money

36. TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

37. BENEFITS OF MEMORY AIDS • Can learn and recall facts, names, and figures more easily • Brain functioning improves because you stimulate parts of your brain • Test scores will usually improve • Improves your concentration • Will be able to recall more information when writing papers TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

38. WAYS TO HAVE A BETTER MEMORY • Exercise • Get enough sleep (8-10 hours of sleep) • Keep stress levels low • Drink enough water • Eat well TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

39. STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MEMORY • Break up your study periods, review often, organize your materials, and create study aids (flash cards, idea maps) • Pay attention • Create memorable images • Make associations • Rehearse, recite • Create interest TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

40. STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE MEMORY • Use MNEMONICS • Acronyms – Roy G. Biv • Acrostics or first letter strategy – “Every Good Boy Does Fine” • Rhyme – “In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue” • Chunking – 19531825 would be “1953” and “1825” • Method of loci – associate what you’re learning, remember with a familiar path TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

41. Prepare Test-Taking Strategies Use test-taking strategies Reduce test anxiety Know absolute and qualifying words TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

42. BENEFITS OF TEST TAKING SKILLS • Reduces your test anxiety • Increases your self-confidence • Makes good use of your types of intelligence • Improves your test scores and grades • Improves your self-confidence • Improves your self-esteem • Increases motivation • Increases ability to focus on learning TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

43. TEST PREPARATION STRATEGIES • Find out what kind of test you’ll be taking • Set a goal test score you want to achieve • Use test strategies • Use memory strategies • Apply test anxiety strategies • Be positive • Get a good night sleep & eat healthy • Review • Arrive early, prepared and stay POSITIVE! TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

44. STRATEGIES TO USE DURING THE TEST • READ the instructions and LISTEN to instructions • READ each question carefully • Answer EVERY question • Keep track of time • Use ALL of the available time TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

45. REDUCING TEST ANXIETY • BE prepared • Change how you see tests • Use positive self-talk • Put the test in perspective • Exercise or listen to relaxing music before the test • Recognize that you are not helpless • Arrive early • Visualize success • Tense your muscles then relax them • Count backward from ten in your head • Take slow, deep breaths • Be present TEST TAKING STRATEGIES &REDUCING ANXIETY

46. Pre-Assessment Activity for Students You are now eligible to answer “yes” to the first background question. Very Important 1.Pre-Assessment Activity: Were you provided with information and/or an activity to help you understand all of the following: 1) The importance of this assessment, 2) Sample Questions, 3) Course options, and 4) Resources for students?

47. Think Positive!