NCFE Review Tools
Breaking Down the NCFE
- The test contains reading passages and multiple-choice questions. There are no written responses.
- Specifications from the NCDPI for the 2016-2017 NCFE for English I can be found here. Specific standards are on Page 5 of this document.
So, how do I study?
It's tough to study for this type of exam, as it is standards based rather than content based. But, you can use the following tools to help familiarize yourself with the test format, passage genres, and question types.
Standards (Start on Page 39)
While you will never be expected to define a literary term on the exam, many of the test questions use these terms. Knowing what they are and how to recognize them within texts will help you.
Test Taking Strategies
- Remember that you have two hours for the test. Pace yourself accordingly.
- Read the questions first. This will help you identify what to look for in the passage.
- Mark in your book. Annotate (there's a reason we teach you this!) and eliminate incorrect answer choices.
- Relax. It's a standardized test, not a cyclops. You've got this.
Released Tests
You can take these as practice tests (remember, you get two hours on test day) and then review your answers with the answer key (on the last page of each). Look at the standards associated with the questions you missed. Start your review there.
CommonLit Passages
While these passage/question sets are not identical to those you will see on the NCFE, they are very close, and they address the same standards.
Salt Worth Its Weight in Gold (Nonfiction)
Freud's Theory of the Id, Ego, and Superego
Roughing It: Lost in the Snow (Fiction)
Released English I EOC Passages
The English I EOC hasn't been given in NC for several years now. However, the passages and questions are good practice
Seeking Medical Secrets in the Rain Forest
Teacher-Made Practice
I don't write the tests. But, you can still use these passages to practice.
(Poetry) Success is Counted Sweetest/In Flanders Field
(Poetry) Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night
(Poetry) She Walks in Beauty Like the Night
Helpful Websites
Find another one? Share it with me at jbarnett4@wcpss.net
This site contains both literary and informational passages (the two types that will be on your NCFE!) Choose different levels of practice to make sure you're ready for anything.
This site allows you to search by standard and grade level, and pull up reading passages. Since the bulk of the NCFE focuses on literature and informational text, search for literary (fiction, poetry) passages and nonfiction passages). You do have to create an account, but it's free.
This site contains nonfiction articles about all different topics. Find some that interest you, and then review the questions associated with each. You do have to create an account, but it's free.
This site mainly features SAT reading comprehension passages. Though this is a different test, the question types are largely the same, and it will help you to practice reading different types of passages.
This is a teacher-created blog with short review passages, questions, and explanations.