GLA Preparation Strategies 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When planning a written response for the GLA, what should you do before writing your first sentence?
- Begin writing immediately to save time
- Outline your main claim and supporting points (Correct answer)
- Write a conclusion first, then work backward
- Copy phrases directly from the passage
Correct answer: Outline your main claim and supporting points
Outlining before writing helps organize ideas logically and prevents losing focus on your argument.
Question 2: Which technique helps manage test anxiety during the GLA?
- Ignoring anxious feelings and rushing through questions
- Using controlled breathing and positive self-talk before the test (Correct answer)
- Avoiding all preparation to reduce pressure
- Comparing your progress to classmates during the exam
Correct answer: Using controlled breathing and positive self-talk before the test
Controlled breathing and positive self-talk reduce anxiety and help you think clearly during the exam.
Question 3: On the GLA, if you are unsure about an answer, what is the recommended strategy?
- Leave the answer blank and move on permanently
- Eliminate clearly wrong choices and select the best remaining option (Correct answer)
- Always choose the middle answer (B or C)
- Select the longest answer choice available
Correct answer: Eliminate clearly wrong choices and select the best remaining option
Process of elimination increases your odds of selecting the correct answer when uncertain.
Question 4: How does previewing passage headings, subheadings, and questions before reading help on the GLA?
- It wastes valuable time that should be spent reading
- It activates prior knowledge and sets a purpose for reading (Correct answer)
- It guarantees you will remember all details
- It replaces the need to read the full passage
Correct answer: It activates prior knowledge and sets a purpose for reading
Previewing primes your brain to look for relevant information as you read, increasing comprehension.
Question 5: Which strategy best helps you improve vocabulary for the GLA?
- Memorizing random dictionary words
- Reading a variety of nonfiction texts and noting unfamiliar words in context (Correct answer)
- Studying only words from one textbook
- Focusing solely on grammar rules
Correct answer: Reading a variety of nonfiction texts and noting unfamiliar words in context
Reading diverse nonfiction builds vocabulary naturally and teaches how words function in academic contexts.
Question 6: What does 'close reading' mean in the context of GLA preparation?
- Reading very quickly to cover more material
- Carefully analyzing word choice, structure, and meaning within a text (Correct answer)
- Reading only the first paragraph of each passage
- Reading with your face close to the page
Correct answer: Carefully analyzing word choice, structure, and meaning within a text
Close reading involves careful attention to how language choices and structure contribute to meaning.
Question 7: After completing a practice GLA test, what is the most productive next step?
- Immediately take another full practice test
- Review every wrong answer to understand why it was incorrect (Correct answer)
- Discard the test and move on without reflection
- Only review questions you got right
Correct answer: Review every wrong answer to understand why it was incorrect
Analyzing errors reveals patterns in your thinking and helps you avoid repeating the same mistakes.
GLA Preparation Strategies 3
When planning a written response for the GLA, what should you do before writing your first sentence?