Reminders from the FTCE General Knowledge Test

At first site most teachers shiver at the acronym FTCE. FTCE stands for the Florida Teacher Certification Exam. I had my first of three chances to tango with this certification test. I study what seems like every math equation ever learn in my now 14+ years of schooling. I also reviewed many English grammar rules. I thought it would be fun to review some of the many writing lessons we simply take for granted in our every day. This stuff really helps. I past the general knowledge section on my first try!




Common miss used Words

• Who vs Whom
  Use the he/him method to decide which word is correct.
  he = who him = whom

Commonly misspelled words:

• Accept vs. Except
  accept = to agree; to receive
  except = but, with the exception that
  
  



• Affect vs. Effect
  *Use effect when you mean bring about or brought about, cause or caused
  *Use effect when you mean result.
  *Also use effect whenever any of these words precede it: a, an, any, the, take,
  into, no. (These words may be separated from effect by an adjective)

Writing a Direct Thesis

• Brainstorming (all examples will use computer background information)
  Computers- Modern invention
  Types- personal computers, micro-chips in calculators and Watches
  Wonder- acts like an electronic brain
  Uses- Science, medicine, offices, homes, schools
  Problems- too much reliance; the machines aren't perfect


• Questioning
  What is my subject?
  What types of computers are there?
  Why have computers been a positive invention?
  How have computers been a positive invention?
  How can I show that computers are good?
  What problems do I see with computers?
  What personal experiences would help me develop examples to respond to this topic?
  
  What- computers/modern wonder/making life better
  How- Through technological improvements: lasers, calculators, CAT scans, MRIs
  Where- in science and space exploration, medicine, schools, offices.


• Clustering

• Subject and Assertion of the Thesis
  
  Subject of the Thesis- relates directly to the topic prompt, but expresses the specific are you have chosen to discuss.
  
  Assertion of the Thesis- is your viewpoint, or opinion, about the subject. the assertion provides the motive or purpose for your essay, and it may be an arguable point or one that explains or illustrates a point of view.