Weekly Warrior
Volume 18 Issue 3 March 2, 2020
Important Dates
Mar 10th-Statewide ACT
Mar 12th-Class of 2024 visits SWHS
Mar 16th- KOSSA EOP Testing Window Opens
Mar 18th-Faculty Meeting
Mar 24th-District ACT Testing/Makeup for State ACT
Mar 25th-Department Meetings
Apr 3rd-Growth Day for Teachers
Apr 6th-10th-Spring Break
Apr 15th-PLC Meetings
Apr 17th-Work Ethic Seal Luncheon
Apr 18th-Prom
Apr 20th-Career Fair
Apr 22nd-Department Meetings
ACT--Upcoming for ALL Juniors 3-10-20
#1 Tip--Never leave anything blank. The ACT does not deduct points if a question is wrong so it is to everyone's advantage to fill in an answer for every question.
English (approx 39 out of 75 questions correct to hit benchmark):
- Remember these 4 words---complete, consistent, clear, & concise. Good writing should be in complete sentences; everything should be consistent; the meaning should be clear. The best answer, free of any errors, will be the most concise.
- The English section of the ACT is a test of your editing skills, not how well you are able to write. There are always 5 passages (approx. 9 minutes per passage).
- Don't be afraid to select NO CHANGE. If things sounds correct the way they are, leave them alone.
Math (approx 27 out of 60 questions correct to hit benchmark):
- Don't linger too long with a question you struggle on. Make a note of it in your answer booklet and move on to a question you are able to answer. Come back to those questions that you struggled with at the end if you have any time left.
- The test is multiple choice! You might find the answer quickly by substituting the given answer choices to see which one is correct. This is known as backsolving. When using this as your strategy, start with the middle choice first. That way if what you get is too high or too low you have possibly eliminated 2 additional answer choices.
- When you face those questions that deal with vague guidelines instead of just numbers, try picking numbers that fit the guidelines given. For example, if a<b is part of the question, pick any two numbers that fit that guideline and substitute in for a and b. (a could be 2 and b could be 3)
- If your answer is in decimal form and the answer choices are not, try converting the answer choices into decimals using your calculator. For fractions, divide the numerator (top) by the denominator (bottom). For radicals, type the answer directly into your calculator and compare. Find the one that matches your decimal answer.
Reading (approx 22 out of 40 questions correct to hit benchmark):
- Read the passage first! Write a summary of 3-5 words at the end of each paragraph so that you know where to go quickly after reading each question.
- Underlining is often overused. Students who use this strategy tend to underline way too much and have to sort back through everything they have underlined.
- There are 4 passages in the following order:
- Prose Fiction (excerpts from short stores and novels)
- Social Science (history, economics, psychology, political sciences, and anthropology)
- Humanities (art, music, architecture, and dance)
- Natural Science (biology, chemistry, physics, and physical sciences)
It has been suggested to read through the Prose Fiction (Passage #1) last because it is often the most difficult to get through.
Science (approx 27 out of 40 questions correct to hit benchmark):
- Content Areas: physics, chemistry, biology, and earth/space sciences
- 7 passages in 35 minutes (5 min per passage)
- Science passages come in 3 different types (not necessarily in this order)
- Data Representation (there are 3)-text without headings, tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams. Do these 3 First! These passages have 5 questions.
- Research Summary (there are 3)-text with headings, experiments relating to the Scientific Method. These passages have 6 questions.
- Conflicting Viewpoint (1 passage)-this is a passage with headings indicating 2 scientists or researchers who disagree on a topic. Do this one Last! This passage has 7 questions to answer.
Upcoming PD Opportunities Offered by the District
Teresa Nicholas is offering a Google training in March if you are interested and/or need PD hours. Please register using the link on the Professional Development Calendar located on the district's website.
3/9/20 Gmail, Calendars, and Extensions
Albert.io ACT Practice
Math/Science
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English/Reading
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Success With Higher Standards
Southwestern High School will strive to graduate every student college/career ready and prepared for the 21st century.
Southwestern High School
Email: danita.ellis@pulaski.kyschools.us
Website: southwesternhigh.net
Location: 1765 WTLO Road, Somerset, KY, United States
Phone: 606-678-9000
Twitter: @SWHS_Warriors