"A Look at the OGT" is a column featured in each issue of AdLIT's In Perspective. This month's focus (November/December 2004) is on theme. Columnist Carol Brown Dodson examines, in depth, this literary element that can oftentimes be troublesome for students to identify on the Ohio Graduation Test. She uses, as examples, sample questions from the actual OGT test that seem particularly difficult for students. Addtionally, the author shares ways of teaching specific strategies for these test questions and details ways to increase student understanding and test performance. A list of ORC websites linked to several outstanding resources for teaching theme (Literary Text and Reading Standards) is included in the article. (author/ebm)

This professional resource is excellent for any teacher who is trying to help career technical students prepare for the reading portion of the OGT while learning valuable information. The article deals with theme vs. plot, a concept with which students struggle. It has several very useful and insightful suggestions for students to use when they are asked to answer a question concerning theme on the OGT. It helps teachers see the questions from the students' perspective and gives them insight as to how to prepare students to earn the maximum number of points. There are tips for answering the questions correctly and thoroughly with appropriate support. There are also examples of scored responses and several good links that provide ideas for reinforcing skills. (sec)