CAHSEE Preparation Tips - Critical Reading Strategies

When it comes to the critical reading section ofIf you are not familiar with a word being used,
the CAHSEE, there are several key items totry and use the other words in the sentence to
keep in mind when answering the questions.help determine it's meaning. It can be helpful to
Choose The Answer Before Reading Thempretend the word in question is, in fact, a blank
For multiple choice questions, after reading thespace. If you re-read the sentence with the blank
question, try to answer it before looking at thespace, it may be easier to fill in the space with a
possible answers. If you come up with an answermore common word that helps better define the
that is included as one of the choices then,original word. You can also be on the lookout for
chances are, it is the right one. Even if you areother words in the sentence that have a similar
confident, however, make sure to read through allmeaning to the word you may not be familiar
the possible answers before selecting yourwith.
answer.Check Your Transitions
Pay Attention To Negatives and PositivesAlways pay close attention to transition words
Always pay attention to the words being used inand phrases, such as likewise, however, and on
the questions and answers. Double check to makethe other hand, to help determine whether you
sure the sentence says 'is' instead of 'is not' orare comparing similar items or concepts in the
'does' instead of 'does not'. These are commonsentence or opposite one. These details can make
terms used in questions and answers to makea huge difference when trying to understand the
sure students are actually paying attention the theoverall question and selecting the best answer.
wording being used.Following these basic tips will definitely increase
Try To Fill In The Blankyour chances of passing the CAHSEE.