Welcome to Lesson 7
Tips for Taking an Exam
Types of Questions
•Definition • Cause &Result / Effect
•Dilemma • Compare / Contrast
•Evaluate • Collection / List / Details
•Paradox/Irony • Generalization and Example
•Reference • Draw Conclusions
•Purpose • Main Idea / Supporting Idea
• Sequence • Writer's Argument / Opinion
• Writer’s Attitude
• Writer’s Recommendation
Definition and Listing
What is the definition of ________?
• A definition of a term “X” must answer the
question “What is X?” and must be
specific. Look for words like defines,
means, expresses.
List the reasons/examples/causes _______.
• Look for words like first, second, in
addition, moreover, not only… but also or
punctuation marks.
Writer’s Purpose
What is the writer’s purpose?
• to present and prove his claim/theory
(i.e., the main idea)
• to test a hypothesis
• to present a problem and suggest a
possible solution
• to argue against a specific idea/theory
• Use verbs like : analyze, show, express,
emphasize in your answer.
Compare and Contrast
Compare two different ideas.
• Always relate to the same basis of comparison!
X is tall Y is short
but not
X is tall Y is smart
Make sure you relate to both sides of the comparison.
In what way are the ………similar?
What is the difference between…………..?
What two arguments do opponents and supporters give to ……?
Change/Shift Trend
• When you describe a change /shift you
need to mention what was before and
after.
• When you describe a trend you need to
mention what changed: increased /
decreased
On the one hand, my Irony
son hated studying
history in high school.
On the other hand, he
married an historian.
How ironical!
Paradox
•A paradox and a
dilemma have two
sides.
Cause and Result
Why did the changes occur?
What factors enable …………………..?
What is the result of ……..…………?
What is the effect of …….. on ……?
?..………What brought about the changes in
What are the obstacles……………… ?
Did this strategy have a positive or negative
effect?
Generalization and Example
idea illustrate
means
shows
What does the example illustrate?
• The writer uses examples to support the
main idea.
• The answer you need to give is the idea and
not the example.
Writer’s Arguments
In order to understand a writer's
argument, you must consider the basis
of the argument - the evidence.
•Is the writer in favor of / against a
particular position?
•What is the writer’s argument to support
…….?
Main Idea
What is the main idea?
• The main idea usually appears in the
abstract, the beginning and the end of
the text, but is also repeated throughout
the text.
• Note: The main idea must relate to the
whole text and not only to specific
parts, ideas or examples in the text.
Research Terms
• Hypothesis
• Subjects
• Findings
• Evidence
• Study
• Recommendations
• Limitations
• Conclusions
How do you start?
:Look at the exam
• Read the title, sub-title, abstract and the
conclusion to get a general idea of the text.
:Divide your time wisely
• Don’t get stuck on a question or a word.
• Do not devote too much time to a question
- just continue and come back to the
question later.
During the Exam
• Read the first question and start reading from
the abstract/introduction and the first
paragraph.
• Stop reading only when the text talks about
something which is irrelevant to question 1.
• From question 2 and on, work according to
key words in the questions. Read carefully
the part where the words appear in the text.
• Devote 5-7 minutes to a question. If the
question has a few items, consider each item
as a question.
Remember
Go over:
• questions you had difficulty with in
your mamanim.
• items in the resource center
• practice text
Bring:
• a student card and the card of the
exam.
• two dictionaries – electronic (new
batteries!!!) and a regular one.
Good Luck
