9th Grade Skills Test Study Guide

To Kill a Mockingbird Unit

9th Grade Skills TestStudy GuideTo Kill a Mockingbird Unit
zoom_out_map

Test Content and Format

This test is not a test over To Kill a Mockingbird. Instead, it is a test that reflects the sorts of questions that appear on ELA Milestone assessments. The questions test your knowledge and understanding of reading and writing skills and the conventions of grammar and usage. You should be prepared to do such things as identify the main idea and theme of short reading passages, identify various modes of writing, and choose the correct grammar, usage, or punctuation for various sentences.


This test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. Some have one correct answer, but for some items you may be asked to choose all that apply. Please read the directions carefully for each item.


For specific content to review for this test, see the information below.

Alliteration

Are you able to recognize alliteration in texts? The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginnings of words, alliteration goes beyond simple tongue twisters and is used in sophisticated ways by skilled writers. Check out the link below to learn more about alliteration.

Homophones: Their, There, They're

Do you know how to use these properly? See the image below for an overview. If you want to practice, click on the link to a practice website.

Types of Writing

Are you able to recognize different types of writing? Check out the chart below for the basic characteristics of these four modes.

Capitalization and Comma Usage

Are you proficient at capitalization? Do you know all about comma usage? Check out the websites below for an overview of the rules of each and quizzes to test yourself.

Fact or Opinion: Know the Difference!

Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

Do you know how to use comparative and superlative adjectives? Comparative adjectives are used to compare two things; superlative adjectives are used to compare three or more things.


So you would say, "Mrs. Genetti is the nicer of the two teachers I have this semester" when comparing two. But you would say, "Mrs. Genetti is the nicest teacher I have ever had!" when comparing more than two!


Check out the website below for more information.

Do You Know the Differences in Similes, Metaphors, and Analogies?

Literal and Figurative Language

Do You Know How to Recognize and Correct Sentence Fragments?

Identifying Main Ideas

Finding the Main Idea and Supporting Details

Check out this video for information about pronoun case!

Subject and Object Pronouns by Shmoop