GACE English (713) study plan

Identify and define the main idea, supporting details, and author's purpose in 10 short informational passages (150-250 words each).

Annotate each passage for structural signposts (transitions, topic sentences, conclusions) and summarize the structure in one sentence per passage.

Distinguish between explicit statements and inferences by writing one inference per passage and citing the textual evidence that supports it.

Create a personal glossary of 15 reading-comprehension terms (e.g., thesis, tone, bias, connotation) with original examples.

Analyze the use of rhetorical devices (e.g., parallelism, anecdote, rhetorical question) in 5 argumentative passages and explain their effect on the reader.

Evaluate the strength of evidence in 5 passages by labeling each piece of evidence as fact, opinion, example, statistic, or expert testimony and noting any logical fallacy.

Compare two passages on the same topic and write a paragraph explaining how their purposes and evidence differ.

Practice timed reading: complete 8 multiple-choice questions in 12 minutes with at least 75% accuracy.

Interpret vocabulary in context by selecting the correct meaning of 20 words from challenging passages and justifying each choice with context clues.

Analyze how an author's choice of point of view or tone shapes meaning in 4 literary nonfiction excerpts.

Synthesize information from two short texts (e.g., a chart and a paragraph) to answer 5 synthesis questions.

Review missed items from weeks 1-2 and write a correction note explaining the reasoning error for each.

Take a 30-question mixed reading practice test under timed conditions (35 minutes) and record accuracy by question type.

Identify and define the major literary genres and forms (e.g., epic, sonnet, dramatic monologue, magical realism) with one original example or description each.

Analyze plot structure, characterization, and setting in 3 short stories or excerpts, citing specific textual details.

Explain how figurative language (metaphor, simile, personification, symbolism) contributes to theme in 2 poems.

Compare themes and literary devices across two works from different genres or periods and write a thesis-driven comparison paragraph.

Analyze the function of irony, foreshadowing, and allusion in 4 excerpts, explaining how each affects meaning.

Identify the historical and cultural context of 3 literary works and explain how context influences interpretation.

Evaluate a critical interpretation of a short text by agreeing or disagreeing with evidence from the text.

Revise 10 sentences for clarity, concision, and correctness, labeling each error by type (e.g., dangling modifier, faulty parallelism, pronoun agreement).

Write a 250-word argumentative paragraph that uses at least three credible sources and follows a clear claim-evidence-commentary structure.

Edit a provided 200-word draft for grammar, punctuation, and style, and explain each change in a brief rationale.

Apply conventions of standard written English by completing 20 multiple-choice questions on usage and mechanics with 80% accuracy.

Plan and deliver a 3-minute oral presentation on a literary topic, incorporating at least two visual aids or media elements.

Evaluate two recorded speeches for audience analysis, organization, and delivery, and write a critique of each.

Draft a 400-word analytical essay that integrates at least two sources and uses appropriate citation style.

Practice active listening by summarizing a 5-minute audio excerpt and identifying the speaker's main claim and supporting evidence.

Complete a full-length timed practice test (all domains) and score at least 80% overall.

Review all missed questions from the practice test and categorize errors by domain and skill.

Revisit the personal glossary and error logs to create a one-page summary sheet of key concepts and test-taking strategies.

Simulate test-day conditions with a 2-hour study session that includes reading, writing, and listening tasks without breaks.