The document provides information about the Keystone exams for literature. It notes that each exam consists of two modules that students have approximately 90 minutes each to complete, though the tests are untimed. One module focuses on fiction passages while the other examines nonfiction passages. Each module contains multiple choice and constructed response questions. The document reviews the types of questions students will encounter in each module and provides sample questions. It emphasizes taking the tests seriously and outlines test security procedures.

1. Keystone Exams 2012
 Each Keystone exams consist of 2
modules.
 You will have approximately 90 minutes per
module. However, this test is untimed.
 Students needing extra time will finish
testing in the Black Box.

2. Literature Keystone Exams
Module 1 – Fiction Module 2– Nonfiction
 3 Passages  3 Passages
 23 Multiple-choice questions  23 Multiple-choice questions
◦ Each is worth 1 point ◦ Each is worth 1 point
 4 Constructed Response  4 Constructed Response
Questions (aka short answer) Questions
◦ Each is worth 3 points ◦ Each is worth 3 points
◦ Responses are scored using ◦ Responses are scored using
item-specific scoring guidelines item-specific scoring guidelines

3. Reading for Meaning – Vocabulary
Module 1 – Fiction & Module 2 - Nonfiction
 Identify and/or apply a synonym or antonym of a word
used in a text.
Ex - Which word is a synonym for enact?
 Identify how the meaning of a word is changed when
an affix is added; identify the meaning of a word with
an affix from a text.
Ex - The prefix “in-” helps the reader know that “inexplicable” means

4. Reading for Meaning – Vocabulary
Module 1 – Fiction & Module 2 - Nonfiction
 Use context clues to determine or clarify the
meaning of unfamiliar, multiple-meaning, or
ambiguous words.
Ex - “Growing up in a family that liked adventure equipped her with the skills to be
gregarious in social situations.”
What does the word gregarious mean as it is used in the sentence?
 Draw conclusions about connotations of
words.
Ex- “As Rafael read the first chapter of the book, he became famished to know the
ending.”
Which feeling is being suggested by the use of the word famished?

5. Reading for Meaning – Author’s Purpose
Module 1 – Fiction & Module 2 - Nonfiction
 What is the author’s purpose in writing the passage?
 Which addition to the passage could best support the
author’s purpose?
 Which statement best describes how the author’s use
of the phrase “…………….” influences the reader?

6. Reading for Meaning – Modules 1 & 2
Summarize the key details and events of a
text, in part or as a whole.
Read the incomplete summary of the passage.
• Seagraves walks down toward the oxen.
• He lies down on the ground and watches the different animals at
work and at play.
• Seagraves hears the neighbors as they go about their daily lives.
• ________________________________________________
Which sentence best completes the summary?
A. Seagraves hears the cry of birds.
B. Seagraves is inspired by the scenes of the land.
C. Seagraves is nervous about the surrounding activity.
D. Seagraves hears the sound of wagons.

7. Reading for Meaning –
Making Inferences/Drawing conclusions
Module 1 – Fiction Module 2 – Nonfiction
 What does Samuel most likely do at  Based on information in the passage,
the end of the passage after he looks what conclusion can be made about
at the landscape? apples?
 Which sentence from the passage  Which statement from the passage
best supports the generalization that best supports the generalization that
beauty comes in many forms? the sport of curling requires careful
strategy?
 Based on information in the passage,  Identify and/or explain stated or
why does Mrs. Allen visit different implied main ideas and relevant
places in town each day? supporting details from a text. Note:
Items may target specific paragraphs.

8. Analyzing and Interpreting
Module 1 – Literature  Module 2 – Nonfiction
 In which way are the poem  In what way are the two
and the passage similar? passages most similar?
 Which characteristic of the  Which characteristic most
passage best indicates to identifies the passage as
readers that it is fiction rather nonfiction rather than fiction?
than informational
nonfiction?

9. Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
Module 1 – Fiction & Module 2 – Nonfiction
 Setting
 Theme
 Mood/Tone
 Point of View
 Historical/Cultural Significance
Based on the passage, which American cultural idea is most emphasized?
A. frugality
B. independence
C. love for land
D. respect for rights

10. Text Organization
Module 2 – Nonfiction
 What is the main organizational structure of the
passage?
 What effect does the text organization have on the
passage?
 Based on information in the chart and the passage,
what conclusion can be made about butterflies?
 How does the chart help to clarify information in the
passage?

11. Persuasive Techniques
Module 2 – Nonfiction
 What does the opinion used in the sentence contribute
to the passage?
 Which detail is least essential to the overall
understanding of the passage?
 Which persuasive technique does the author use by
including the results of a survey?
 Why does the author use a personal anecdote about
failure?

12. Constructed Response Questions
 Read these questions FIRST then annotate the text for
support/answer as you read. You will have to use
evidence from the text to support your answer
 Reread your response and make sure it answers all parts
of the question.
 DO NOT leave any question blank.
Students can earn at least some credit by simply
rewording the question as a statement in their
response.

13. Module 1 Fiction – Samples
Sample 1: Explain what the author’s purpose is for writing
the passage. Use information from the passage to
support your explanation.
Sample 2: Read the statement from the passage.
“ . . . silence was the only speech amid such splendors.”
Explain the significance of this statement to the passage.
Use information from the passage to support your
explanation.

14. Module 2 Nonfiction - Samples
Sample 1: Read the sentence from the passage.
“New York’s compact geography and increasingly robust bicycle
infrastructure make it ideally situated to reap significant
transportation benefits from a bike-share program.”
Explain how the author’s use of the words “compact geography”
influences the reader. Use information from the passage to support
your explanation.
Sample 2: Analyze how the author constructs the argument in the
passage. Use examples from the passage to support your analysis.

15. SCORING GUIDELINES
3 Points
• The response provides a clear, complete, and accurate answer to the task.
• The response provides relevant and specific information from the passage.
2 Points
• The response provides a partial answer to the task.
• The response provides limited information from the passage and may include inaccuracies.
1 Point
• The response provides a minimal answer to the task.
• The response provides little or no information from the passage and may include
inaccuracies.
0 Points
• The response is totally incorrect or irrelevant or contains insufficient information to
demonstrate comprehension.

16. Take it seriously & Try your Best
 Students who do not score proficient or
advanced on the December Keystones will
retake them in May with the students who are
taking them at the end of the course. (Bio, Alg I,
or Lit)
◦ a. Pending board approval, students who do not score
proficient or advanced in May will receive
remediation which may impact their free periods,
study halls and electives next year.

17. Remember
 Bring #2 pencils & your calculator!
 You are allowed to highlight or write in the
text booklet! (Mark the text as you read!)
 You have unlimited time to take all sections.

18. Test Security
 Students are not allowed to go to their locker once
testing has started.
 Students who must use the bathroom need to be
escorted there and back.
 During the entire testing session, students are NOT
permitted to use ANY of the following electronic
devices: cell phones, iPods/MP3s, and personal
laptops.

19. Good Luck
 Get a good night’s rest & morning
breakfast
 Bring something to read when you are
finished