ENGLISH REGENTS

Review

WHAT DOES THE EXAM LOOK LIKE?

25 Multiple-Choice Questions

2 Short Written Responses

1 Extended Essay

EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS: The first two parts require you to

listen to or read extended multiple-choice questions based on those passages

The third part requires you read two literary passages of different genres and answer multiple-choice questions and write 2 short written responses

The fourth part is an essay of critical analysis and evaluation of two works of literature you have read

GENERAL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS Pick Apart the Prompt: Read each

prompt AT LEAST TWICE and UNDERLINE key words and phrases

TAP: Identify topic, audience, and purpose to make sure you understanding the task Topic: What am I writing about?Audience: To whom am I writing?Purpose: What do I want to accomplish

given my topic and audience? Inform? Persuade?

Guidelines: Use the guidelines as a checklist to make sure you are completing the task

GENERAL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS: Focus: Develop a controlling using words

from the prompt + your own ideasControlling idea = words from the prompt +

your own ideas Organize: Be sure to organize the ideas

before starting to write:Graphic Organizer + Rough Draft = Final

Copy Use the Clues Provided in the Test: the

prompt and the passage will include ideas and even the correct spelling of words, which you should include in your essay

GENERAL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS Develop, Develop, Develop: Remember

CEI to develop your paragraphs:Claim: Make a claim or statement to

introduce the idea of the paragraphEvidence: Use specific examples from the

passage or text to support your claim Interpretation: Connect the claim and

evidence of this paragraph to your controlling idea

Composing: Take time to reheard sentences in your head before writing them down

GENERAL TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS Handwriting: If we cannot read it, we

cannot score it! Sloppy handwriting can distract your reader!

Proofreading: Be sure to leave five minutes to reread each short response and extended response. If you need to make any corrections, use a single line to cross out a word or sentence and write in your correction above it

PART 1: LISTENING FOR INFORMATION AND UNDERSTANDING

You will be expected to listen to a speech or lecture on a topic

You may take notes as you listen, then answer multiple-choice questions on what you have heard

You will hear the speech twice; before the second reading you will have five minutes to review the multiple-choice questions that follow

HOW TO LISTEN WELL Keep the following questions in mind:

What is this piece about? What is the main idea or purpose?

What does the author say? Believe? Recall? Value? Assert?

What does the author mean? Imply? Suggest? Agree with? Disagree with?

How are languages and imagery used?To what conclusions or inferences is the

reader led?What experiences is meant to be shared

and understood?

HOW TO LISTEN WELL CONTINUED…. If you are listening to a lecture or a

passage from a text, ask yourself:What is the subject? What do I

already know about this subject?What main idea or theme is being

developed? What phrase or terms signal the main thoughts?

What is the purpose? To inform? Persuade? Celebrate? Guide? Show a process? Introduce a new or unfamiliar subject?

LISTENING AND NOTE-TAKING Write more than you think you can use:

capture as many details as you can Use a strategy to take notes:

Skip lines when listening the first time, leaving room to fill in details during the second reading

OrUse a T-chart to take notes during the first

reading on the left, and the second reading on the right

Use a question mark if you are unsure about a specific detail during the first reading

LISTENING AND NOTE-TAKING Don’t write down every word: use your own

abbreviations: + (and) b4 (before) info. (information) w/ (with) e.g. (for example) $ (money) % (percent) w/o (without) bc (because) -> (therefore) * (important) ½ (half,

part of) Listen for signal words to focus attention on

important points: Therefore the reason that my point is Most importantly the biggest problem As a result for example on the other hand Finally

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS Be sure to use the time between

readings to look at the questionYou can also look at the questions DURING

the second reading Consult your notes whenever you need

to Important details and information you have

written down are likely to appear in your notes

Try to recall the selection your teacher read and the way he or she read itYour memory is likely to store information

that may not appear in your notes

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS CONTINUED…. Read each question carefully

This may seem obvious, but be sure you understand the question before considering the answer

Watch for particular words or phrases that offer clues to the correct answer

Take a moment to think about the question before look a the answersTry to think what the answer SHOULD beThis strategy can help to confirm your gut

feeling, which is usually right

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS CONTINUED…. Read, compare, and consider ALL the

choices before picking one Choose the BEST and MOST COMPLETE

answer Narrow your search

If you are not sure which answer is correct, cross out choices you know are INCORRECT

Then focus your attention on the remaining choices

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS CONTINUED…. Don’t spend too much time on a really

difficult question Make your best choice and move on to the next

question If you have time left over, you can return to the

question you were unsure about Also, you will sometimes find that answering

one question helps you to answer another Answer every question

Even if you are completely stumped by a question, do not leave it blank

Make you best guess, you have a 25% chance of getting it right!

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES During the first reading take notes

the entire time, you should not lift your pen off the paperDo not write everything and

anything I read word for word, think of the How to Listen Well questions to guide your notes

Do not write in complete sentences, abbreviate, this is the time to use your “text messaging” lingo, as long as you know what your notes say that is all that matters

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES CONTINUED…. When I finish the first reading and

directions, turn the page and read through the multiple-choice questions individuallyMake sure you read the question and ALL

FOUR answer choices before selecting your choice

If you are unsure of an answer leave it blank, I am going to read the excerpt again a second time, DON’T GUESS!

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES CONTINUED…. For the second reading, flip back to your

notes page and jot down on your notes page any key words from the multiple-choice questions you didn’t answer and listen for those in the excerpt

OR

For the second reading, leave the booklet open to your multiple-choice questions and listen carefully for the key words in the questions you didn’t answer

LET’S PRACTICE!!! Take out your Comprehensive

Examination in English Booklet Make sure the front cover says Test

Sampler Spring 2010 Listen carefully as I read the directions DO NOT open the examination booklet

until I instruct you to do so

Remember: Use all of the strategies we just went over to help guide you in completing the listening task successfully!!!

PART 2: READING FOR INFORMATION AND UNDERSTANDING

You will read two passages, one literary and one informational, and answer multiple-choice questions about each; the passages are not linked by subject or theme

HOW TO READ WELL If you are reading a literary passage,

ask yourself:What is this piece about? What is the

narrative point of view?What does the author say? Describe?

Suggest? Reveal?What do we understand about the narrator?

Other characters?How are language and imagery used?What experience is meant to be shared and

understood?

HOW TO READ WELL CONTINUED…. If you are reading an informational text,

ask yourself:What is the subject? What do I already know

about the subject?What main idea or theme is being

developed? What phrases or terms signal that?

What is the purpose? To inform? Persuade? Celebrate? Guide?

Show a process? Introduce a new or unfamiliar subject?

READING THE PASSAGES Skim the multiple-choice questions for

key ideas before reading Read actively:

Underline ideas, details, and facts that are important to answering the task

Use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words

Reread portions of the text that confuse youTake notes in the margins to summarize key

ideas with a word or phrase of your own

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES Read the first passage: Reading

Comprehension Passage A first and complete the multiple-choice questions that follow

After you complete the multiple-choice questions from Passage A, Read the second passage: Reading Comprehension Passage B and complete the multiple-choice questions that followSeparating the passages and completing

them separately should help you to answer the multiple-choice questions without confusion

TIPS AND TECHNIQUES CONTINUED…. When answer the multiple-choice

questions, use the strategies we went over for Part 1: Listening (Slides 13-16)

LOOK BACK in the passage for your answers!!!Unlike the listening passage in Part 1, the

reading comprehension passages in Part 2 are right in front of you, USE THEM TO YOUR ADVANTAGE!!!

Underline the answers to the multiple-choice questions in the text

The answers are right in front of you, DON’T BE LAZY!!!

LET’S PRACTICE!!! Turn to Part 2 in your Examination Test

Booklet (Page 5)

Remember: Use all of the strategies we just went over to help guide you in completing the Reading Comprehension task successfully!!!

PART 3: READING AND WRITING This section may include a passage and a

poem or two passages Refer to Part 1 Listening Multiple-Choice

Questions (Slides 13-16) and Part 2 Reading the Passages and Tips and Techniques to help guide you with Part 3 (Slides 24-26)

Difference from Part 2: Part 3 requires two well-written paragraphs: one that discusses the ways in which two passages of different literary genres reveal a common subject, and one that shows how a specific literary element or techniques is used by one of the authors of the selected passages

READING THE PASSAGE AND POEM Review the short-response to know why

you’re reading and what details and information you are looking for

Skim the multiple-choice questions for key ideas

Read the passage and poem AT LEAST TWICE: 1st time for main idea and 2nd time for literary elements, techniques and theme

As you read, identify literary elements and techniques by underlining them or jotting notes in the margin

PART 3 SHORT RESPONSE The first question will ask you to

develop a controlling idea about the common theme, referring to ideas from both passagesEx: Write a well-developed paragraph in

which you use ideas from BOTH passages to establish a controlling idea about the them of lessons from childhood. Develop your controlling idea using specific examples and details from each passage

PART 3 SHORT RESPONSE In the second question, you will be

asked to choose a specific literary technique and show how it is used by one of the authors Ex: Choose a specific literary element (e.g.,

theme, characterization, structure, point of view) or a literary technique (e.g., symbolism, irony, figurative language) used by ONE of the authors. Using specific details from the passage, in a well-developed paragraph show the author uses that element or technique to develop the passage

PLANNING YOUR 1ST PARAGRAPH Review the directions Form a controlling idea about the topic

based on the passages Decide which specific ideas and details

from the passages will help you develop your paragraph

Use the multiple-choice questions to identify important ideas

Map out the ideas that you will develop in each paragraph before you start writing (graphic organizer)

WRITING YOUR 1ST PARAGRAPH Write a MINIMUM of 6 sentences Use the passage wisely to help provide you with

spelling and important details Choose details that best accomplish your specific

writing purpose Use quotation marks when using word-for-word

details Remember to use CEI (Claim, Evidence,

Interpretation) to develop your paragraphs Be sure you give evidence to support your

controlling idea Reread your short response from beginning to end

to make sure sentences are clear and punctuation is correct

PLANNING YOUR 2ND PARAGRAPH Review the directions Choose one specific literary element or

technique used by one of the authors*HINT: Poem!!!

Decide which specific details from the passage will help you develop your paragraph

Use the multiple-choice questions to identify important ideas

Map out the ideas that you will develop in each paragraph before you start writing (Graphic Organizer)

WRITING YOUR 2ND PARAGRAPH Write a MINIMUM of 6 sentences Use the passage wisely to help provide you with

spelling and important details Choose details that best accomplish your specific

writing purpose Use quotation marks when using word-for-word

details Remember to use CEI (Claim, Evidence,

Interpretation) to develop your paragraphs Be sure you give evidence to support your

controlling idea Reread your short response from beginning to end

to make sure sentences are clear and punctuation is correct

WRITING YOUR 2ND PARAGRAPH CONTINUED…. Use sentence starters to explain literary

elements and techniques:“The author’s use of ______ helps the reader

to understand….”“Through th e use of ______ the author

reveals…” Be sure to show how the author uses

the specific element or technique to develop the passage

LET’S PRACTICE!!! Turn to Part 3 in your Examination Test

Booklet (Page 9)

Remember: Use all of the strategies we just went over to help guide you in completing the Reading Comprehension task successfully!!!

PART 4: THE CRITICAL LENS ESSAY Part 4 of the Regents exam expects you

to choose the works on which you will write and does not limit the genres

The essay must show why and how the works chosen illustrate your interpretation of a “critical lens,” and it must do so through clear organization and effective language

PART 4: CRITICAL LENS EXAMPLE Your Task: Write a critical essay in which

you discuss TWO works of literature you have read from the particular perspective of the statement that is provided for you in the Critical Lens. In your essay, provide a valid interpretation of the statement, agree OR disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it, and support your opinion using specific references to appropriate literary elements from the two works. You may use scrap paper to plan your response. Write your essay in the test booklet.

PART 4: CRITICAL LENS EXAMPLE Critical Lens: “A story must be

exceptional enough to justify its telling; it must have something more unusual to relate than the ordinary experience of every average man and woman.” -Thomas Hardy

PART 4: CRITICAL LENS EXAMPLE Guidelines: Be sure to:

Provide a valid interpretation of the critical lens that clearly establishes the criteria for analysis

Indicate whether you agree or disagree with the statement as you have interpreted it

Choose TWO works you have read that you believe best support your opinion

Use the criteria suggested by the critical lens to analyze the works you have chosen

PART 4 GUIDELINES CONTINUED…. Avoid plot summary. Instead, use

specific references to appropriate literary elements (for example: theme, characterization, setting, point of view) to develop your analysis

Organize your ideas in an unified and coherent manner

Specify the titles and authors of the literature you choose

Follow the conventions of standard written English

INTERPRETING THE CRITICAL LENS Put the critical lens statement into your

own words. What is the lens trying to say?

Think of the critical lens as a TRUE (agree) or FALSE (disagree) question. Have a specific reason for your decision.

It is usually easier to agree with the critical lens, but students have written very strong essays by disagreeing with the statement and supporting their opinion

IDENTIFYING TWO WORKS OF LITERATURE Go into the test knowing at least four works of

literature really well As a general rule, students choose works of

literature read in the 11th grade because they are the most familiar with them, but you may use works of literature from earlier grades

Choose two works of literature that can be used to prove or disprove the critical lens statement

Think about the characters in the works of literature you are selecting. The characters, their actions, and the conflicts they

face are usually helping in proving or disproving a critical lens statement

PLANNING YOUR ESSAY Review the requirements of the task and

remember to use the guidelines as a checklist Form a controlling idea in response to the

task: Controlling idea = your interpretation of the

critical lens + agreeing or disagreeing Map out the ideas that you will develop in

each paragraph before you start writing (graphic organizer)

Try to identify AT LEAST THREE literary elements from each work of literature that relate to your controlling idea (e.g., character, conflict, setting, theme, symbol)

WRITING YOUR ESSAY Write a MINIMUM of FOUR paragraphs Use the rest of the task widely to help provide

you with spellings and important details Choose those details that best accomplish your

specific writings purpose, and specific examples: AVOID RETELLING THE STORIES!!!!

Use sentence starters to explain literary elements and techniques: “The author’s use of ______ helps the reader to

understand….” “Through th e use of ______ the author reveals…”

Be sure to show how the author uses the specific element or technique to develop the passage

WRITING YOUR ESSAY CONTINUED…. Maintain your focus on the topic Check to see that you specifically

included BOTH titles and authors Be sure to reread your essay from

beginning to end and make sure sentences are clear and punctuation is correct

LET’S PRACTICE!!! Turn to Part 4 in your Examination Test

Booklet (Page 14)

Remember: Use all of the strategies we just went over to help guide you in completing the Reading Comprehension task successfully!!!