TASC Test Assessing Secondary Completion™ For Dummies^®

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2016947157

ISBN 978-1-118-96643-3 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-118-96645-7 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-118-96644-0 (ebk)

About This Book

TASC For Dummies is an essential study tool — consider it your instruction manual for succeeding on the new TASC test. We explain everything you need to know before test day — what subject areas are tested, how long the exam is, what the test format is, how to register, how the test is scored, and so on.

Just as important, we walk you through how the new TASC test has changed to conform with Common Core State Standards and why it has replaced the GED exam in many states. Some of the question formats have changed as well, so to help you step up your game, this book includes in-depth analysis and samples of each type of question that can appear on the new TASC. These include constructive-response questions, evidence-based selected response questions, drag-and-drop questions, multiple-select response questions, and so forth.

This book also contains an in-depth subject review for each of the five subject areas: Language Arts Reading, Language Arts Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science, along with useful tips to help you understand the main concepts of each topic.

To give you an idea of how ready you are to take the new TASC, we also include two full-length practice tests in the book. These practice tests have been designed to simulate a TASC exam and are as close to the real thing as you can get. Try taking each part of the test under exam conditions to get a good idea of how you’ll do on the real exam.

After taking each test, go through the answers and explanations so you can determine which subject areas you still need to work on. Then head back to the appropriate in-depth subject review chapter to brush up on those topics or concepts that you haven’t yet mastered.

Foolish Assumptions

In writing this book, we assume several things about you, the reader, including the following:

• You are serious about achieving your high-school equivalency and want to pass the TASC with minimum effort and maximum efficiency.
• You’ve made getting your TASC a priority in your life because you want to advance in the workplace or move on to college.
• You’re willing to give up some free time and activities to prepare properly for the TASC.
• You have sufficient English language skills to handle the test. (Note: The TASC is also available in Spanish.)
• You’ve already checked that the state you live in currently offers the TASC as a high-school equivalency test.
• You’ve already checked to make sure that you meet your state’s requirements regarding age, residency, and the length of time since leaving school that make you eligible to take the TASC exam. (Double-check with your local TASC test administrator to find out your state’s requirements.)
• You want a fun and friendly guide that will help you to stay on track to achieve your goal.

Icons Used in This Book

Icons are those cute little pictures that appear in the margins of this book. They indicate why you should pay special attention to the accompanying text. Here’s how to decode them:

This icon points out helpful hints about strategy — what the strong test-takers already know and the rookies want to find out.

This icon identifies the traps that the TASC-writers are hoping you fall into as you take the test. Take note of these warnings so you know what to do (and what not to do) as you move from question to question on the real TASC.

When you see this icon, be sure to file away the information that accompanies it. The material will come in handy as you prepare for (and take) the new TASC.

This icon identifies questions that resemble those on the actual TASC. Be sure to read the answer explanations that always follow the questions.

Beyond the Book

In addition to the book content, you can find valuable free material online. We provide you with a Cheat Sheet that addresses important things you need to know and consider when getting ready for the TASC test. You can access this material by going to www.dummies.com and searching for “TASC Test Assessing Secondary Completion For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.

Where to Go from Here

Some people like to read books from beginning to end. Others prefer to read only the specific information they need to know now. Either way, we’ve arranged the book into eight parts, which will make it easy for you to find exactly what you’re looking for.

The chapters in Part 1 start off with an overview of the TASC test and how to register for the exam. For those of you who feel unsure about how best to prepare for a standardized test like the TASC, we also provide you with a wealth of study tips that will help to get you on the right path. We also review the different types of questions and how you can prepare for those subjects.

The chapters in Parts 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 go into detail about each of the test sections. In each of those parts, you find information on the number of questions and the time permitted for that section.

When you’re ready to dive into full-length practice tests that mimic the real TASC test, check out the chapters in Part 7. Be sure to check your answers with the detailed answer explanations we provide for each test section (but be sure to wait until after you take the practice tests to look at the answers!).

The chapters in Part 8 provide you with our top ten tips that will help you to maximize your score on the TASC and calm those pre-test jitters leading up to the morning of test day. We even include some advice on what to do right before the test starts to stay focused and relaxed.

No matter what you do next, start by doing something simple: Keep calm and carry on, and score big on the TASC.

Why the TASC and Not the GED?

In many states, such as New York, West Virginia, and Indiana, the TASC has replaced the GED completely. Students living in those states who are pursuing their high-school equivalency can no longer take the GED exam — they must take the TASC instead. It’s worth double-checking which high-school equivalency options your state permits. Some states only offer the GED, others only offer the TASC, and others give students a choice between the GED and the TASC. Either way, it’s good to keep in mind that not all high-school equivalency exams are created equal.

Two of the most noticeable differences between the TASC and GED tests are the cost and the format flexibility. The price of the TASC is more reasonable and affordable than that of the GED, and the exam is also available as a paper-and-pencil test as well as online. If English isn’t your native language, you also have the option of taking the Spanish version of the TASC. There are also large-print, Braille, and audio versions of the TASC available for those students with special needs.

Another advantage that the TASC has over the GED exam is that the TASC is gradually being aligned to the Common Core State Standards. This will help you stay competitive for both career and college opportunities by showing that your abilities and knowledge in each subject are of the right standard to help you succeed.

Lastly, the types of scores you receive from taking the TASC are both College and Career Readiness (CCR) scores and passing scores. Earning a satisfactory CCR score shows how well-prepared you are and that you can compete with any American high school graduate!

Getting Up to Speed with Common Core

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The Standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

—Common Core State Standards Initiative

Today’s students need to be better prepared than ever to handle the increasing demands of colleges and industry. Previously, each state in America used to have its own academic curriculum. This meant that it was virtually impossible to compare students from different states because the curriculum and standards for graduating high school varied greatly from state to state. But all that changed recently with the release of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which establish clear, consistent guidelines for what every student needs to know in math and English language arts (ELA) from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Common Core State Standards were drafted by leading experts and teachers throughout the country and are designed to ensure that all students will be ready for success after high school. By focusing on developing critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, the Common Core helps prepare students for today’s freshman-level college courses, workforce training programs, and entry-level careers.

Currently, CCSS are available in ELA and mathematics, with strands devoted to the other content areas such as social studies and science. Forty-two states so far have voluntarily adopted the CCSS and are moving forward with their full implementation. Teachers in those states now have a way to measure all students’ progress throughout the school year to ensure that they’re on the right path to success in their academic careers.

The CCSS have a greater focus on rigor and knowing a topic in depth. This means at each successive grade level, a topic is looked at again in a more detailed way. When educators and policy makers discuss rigor, they mean that there are now higher goals for all students. In addition, there’s a greater emphasis on using evidence in all subject areas. Analyzing and using nonfiction texts are common practices in high schools today as well. In mathematics and science, there’s a greater focus on solving real-world problems, methods of solving or experimenting in different situations, and the use of models.

In other words, the TASC exam just became a little bit tougher to pass! But the good news is that the new format will better prepare you for the challenging world of work or college.

To register for the TASC, visit http://www.tasctest.com and follow the instructions.

Scoring: How Do You Measure Up?

Probably the one question that is most important to you is how will you be graded? Each of the multiple-choice and gridded-response questions is worth 1 point. You don’t get points off for selecting the wrong answer, so make sure to answer every question. Multiple-response questions may be scored differently because they may have more than one correct answer. In reading questions with a Part A and Part B, you must successfully answer Part B to get credit for the question as a whole.

Your essay will be read by two readers who will each score it from 0 to 4. If both scores match or are within a point of each other, then the scores are added together and that is your essay score (out of 8 possible points). For example, if the readers score your essay as a 2 and a 3, then your essay score will be 5. On the other hand, if the two scores differ by more than a point, then a third reader will be asked to score your essay as well. For example, if the two original readers score your essay as a 2 and a 4, that’s a 2-point difference, so a third reader will be brought in to read your essay. The sum of the two scores out of the three which are closest together will then be used for your overall score.

The total of all your earned points is your raw score for each section. Your raw score is then put into a mathematical algorithm to compute your scaled score. You’ll receive this score (the scaled score) on your score report for each of the five areas. If you earn passing scores on all five sections, then you’ll have passed the entire TASC test. The overall score is the average of the five separate subject areas. Passing scores for the subject areas are:

• Language Arts–Reading: 500
• Language Arts–Writing: 500 and at least a 2 out of 8 on the essay
• Mathematics: 500
• Social Studies: 500
• Science: 500

Besides your passing scores, you’ll also receive a College and Career Readiness (CCR) score in each of the five areas. This score is used to gauge how likely a person is to succeed in college courses. If you meet or exceed the CCR passing score, then it indicates that you’re likely to earn a C or better in college courses in that content area.

Honing Your Study Skills

Before you begin studying for the different subject areas, look at the list of topics found in the introduction of each section of this book. Identify the topics you need to focus on and those that you already feel comfortable with. This helps you organize a study plan to use your time wisely. For some topics you may only need a quick review, while for others you may need to reread and study them in depth to get a full understanding of the main concepts. Also, make sure that your study goals are realistic, and try to add a little flexibility into your schedule so that if you start to fall behind in your studies, you don’t have to abandon your study plan altogether.

When it comes to studying for a multiple-subject test like the TASC, you want to become as comfortable as possible with the important vocabulary terms used in each section. Knowing the correct jargon helps you when it comes to reading questions and spotting potential answers. You also want to become familiar with the math formulas sheet that you’re given at the front of the Mathematics subtest. Make sure you know which formula to use for each type of question and also which formulae are not given to you during the test. These are the ones you need to memorize.

This book has two complete practice tests that have been designed to simulate the real TASC exam. The time limit and the number of questions you’re expected to answer are listed in the directions on the front page of each of the five sections of the test. Take each part of the test under exam conditions to get a good idea of how you’ll do on the real exam. This will help you learn how to pace yourself during the real thing, and you’ll experience what it feels like to take a full-length test. Taking practice exams is also the best way to become familiar with how the TASC presents the material for each subject and the different question formats that you’re likely to see. It’s up to you how you use the practice tests. You can use one as a pre-test and one as a post-test or you can use both as practice tests after you’ve studied.

The Secret to Time Management

Because each section of the TASC exam has a time limit, you want to be conscious of how much time has passed as you’re taking the test. One way to manage your time effectively is by simply wearing a watch. Testing centers may not always have a clock available, and you want to be able to see how much time you have left for each section. If you’re taking the computer version of the test, depending on the computer interface, there may be a countdown clock feature. You can also minimize the on-screen clock if you don’t want to see it ticking down in front of you the whole time.

Another way to manage your time is to skip questions you’re really not sure about. Doing so allows you to focus on those questions that you can actually answer rather than wasting time on the ones that you can’t. If you get stuck on a question, skip it and move on to the next. You can always come back to it at the end if you have any time left. In fact, make sure that you do leave enough time to come back to those questions you skipped. Because you don’t get points off for wrong answers on the TASC, be sure to answer all questions.

Also make sure that you arrive at the testing center with plenty of time to spare. The last thing you want to do is arrive late (in a panic) and waste precious time searching for the correct room (or even the correct building!). Even if you finish the test before the time is up, don’t leave early. Instead, use every second available to go back and check your answers and fill in any questions that you left blank.

Strong test-takers arrive at the testing center early and always stay to the very end of the test.

Test-Taking Strategies

When it comes to taking a multiple-choice test, one of the most effective strategies you have at your disposal is to eliminate unlikely choices. Any choices that you can get rid of because you deem them implausible or unrealistic to the problem at hand will increase your odds of selecting the correct answer. For example, if you have four choices (A, B, C, and D) and you know the answer can’t be A or D, then you now have a 50 percent chance of selecting the correct answer instead of the 25 percent chance you had before you eliminated two of the options.

If the question stem provides you with additional information such as charts, pictures, or tables, make sure you look at these carefully before selecting your answer. This additional information has been provided to you for a reason, so don’t ignore it!

Another important strategy is to answer every question. Unlike some other standardized assessments, you don’t get points off for wrong answers on the TASC. If you guess on a multiple-choice question that you don’t know the answer to, there’s a chance you may guess correctly. But if you leave it blank, there’s a zero percent chance that you’ll get a point from that question.

Depending on the question you’re trying to answer, certain techniques can help you understand the problem. These strategies include drawing a picture, making a list, or constructing an outline. In the Math section, for example, if you’re trying to solve a problem on perimeters, it may be helpful to draw the shape the problem is describing. On the Science subtest, if a question involves an element or atom, it may be helpful to draw a diagram of the nucleus and rings. An example in the Social Studies section may be that you need to construct a timeline to help you visualize the sequence of events in a passage. And making an outline is useful for the essay question because it helps you organize your thought process and ensures that you don’t go off on a tangent or miss part of the prompt.

You must stay on topic when writing your essay. Essays that don’t answer the question will earn zero points, no matter how well written they are.

For further tips on test-taking strategies, check out Chapter 27. This chapter is packed with strategies that strong test-takers adopt to maximize their chances of success on the TASC exam. It also points out the common mistakes to avoid on test day and how to sharpen your skills to achieve the score you deserve on the TASC.

The Big Day(s): Test Prep Wheaties

The first thing you can do to increase your chances of being successful on test day is to get a good night’s sleep. You should be well rested so you can think clearly and do your best work, so try to go to bed early the night before your test. Your brain needs fuel as well as sleep, so make sure to eat a good breakfast to provide you with the energy you’ll need to focus on the test. Try not to eat right before your test to avoid grogginess, and try to avoid high-sugar food, such as cookies, and high-carb meals. Instead, eat what foods you know work best for you, or try nuts, fruits, or yogurt, which will help sustain you throughout the test.

Don’t look at material right before your test. Cramming won’t help — in fact, it will just stress you out. Develop a study plan that allows you to spread out the work you need to cover well in advance so you can relax the day before the test.

For each section of the test, be watchful of your time. As discussed before, we suggest that you wear a watch in case your testing center doesn’t have a clock. Using your time wisely to complete all the possible questions is one of the most important strategies you can use to be successful.

When you’re completing a paper-based test, be careful how you place the marks on your answer sheet. Because your answer sheet will be going through a reader, make sure there are no stray marks and that you erase clearly. Also be sure that you’re filling in your answer for the right corresponding question. If you skip a question, be sure you also skip the space on your answer sheet so that your answers still line up.

Lastly, if you’re one of those students who gets nervous when taking a standardized test, check out Chapter 28. This chapter is crammed with useful tips that should help you stay positive and keep that anxiety at bay.