1. New York State Comprehensive English Regents Exam
Strategies for Success

2. Additional Resources www.regentsreviewlive.net

3. The *NEW* English Regents
One day, three hour exam
25 multiple-choice questions
2 short-response questions
1 Critical Lens essay

4. On the day of the exam… Arrive early for your exam! Bring #2 pencils
Check with your school to see whether you need a pencil or pen for the writing sections

5. How will my exam be scored?
Listening for Comprehension
8 multiple-choice questions
Reading for Comprehension
12 multiple-choice questions, 6 for each passage

6. How will my exam be scored?
Reading & Writing for Critical Response
5 multiple-choice questions, 2 short-response questions
Writing for Critical Analysis
Critical Lens Essay

7. How will my exam be scored?
Conversion Chart

8. How will my writing be scored?
Short-Response Questions
4 total points, 2 for each question
0 Points → incoherent, unfocused, or personal in nature

9. How will my writing be scored?
Short-Response Questions
1 Point → partially developed, implied evidence, grammatical errors
2 Points → well-developed and focused, may have errors that do not hinder comprehension

10. Read the Directions!
Question #26 requires you to refer directly to both provided passages
Question #27 requires you to choose one of the two passages to construct your response and make reference to a literary element or technique

11. Read the Directions!
Remember – your response doesn’t have to have sophisticated language or be error free to earn full credit

12. Critical Lens Essay Score
0-6 Points, 4 or better is considered passing
Meaning
Development
Organization
Language Use
Conventions

13. Read the Directions! Be sure to: Interpret the quotation
Agree or disagree with the quotation as you’ve interpreted it
Choose two literary works to defend your interpretation of the critical lens
Make reference to literary elements that support your analysis of the quotation and literary works that you’ve selected

14. Meaning
Meaning is the extent to which your response exhibits sound understanding, interpretation, and analysis of the task and texts.

15. Meaning
Did you….
prove you understand the question and literary works you’ve selected?
provide a reasonable explanation of the Critical Lens quotation?
analyze the literary works effectively as they apply to your interpretation of the quotation?

16. Development
Development is the extent to which ideas are elaborated using specific and relevant evidence from the texts.

17. Be careful to avoid PLOT SUMMARY!!!
Development
Did you….
Use specific and appropriate evidence from the literary works you selected to defend your point?
Use specific and appropriate literary elements from the literary works you selected to further develop your argument?
Be careful to avoid PLOT SUMMARY!!!

18. Organization
Organization is the extent to which the response exhibits direction, shape, and coherence.

19. Organization
Did you….
include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion?
ensure that your ideas flow logically from one sentence to the next?
remain focused in your analysis?
use transitional words and phrases in a way that unifies your essay?

20. Transition Words & Phrases
Transitions to show time
before, after, first, second, eventually, finally, since, suddenly, to begin with
Transitions of agreement
likewise, furthermore, additionally, similarly, moreover, in addition, by the same token
Transitions to contrast
but, on the other hand, on the contrary, although, however, nevertheless, conversely

21. Transition Words & Phrases
Transitions to emphasize a point
again, indeed, for this reason, in fact, notably, especially, significantly
Transitions to add information
additionally, also, for example, for instance, such as

22. Transition Words & Phrases
Transitions to clarify
in other words, that is to say, to clarify, put another way
Transitions to conclude/summarize
As a result, finally, in conclusion, consequentially, therefore, accordingly, in essence

23. Language Use
Language Use is the extent to which the response reveals an awareness of audience and purpose through effective use of words, sentence structure, and sentence variety.

24. Language Use
Did you….
demonstrate that you understand the audience and purpose of your essay?
use sophisticated language when appropriate?
construct sophisticated sentences when appropriate?
vary the length of your sentences as appropriate?

25. Conventions
Evaluation of conventions is the extent to which the response exhibits conventional spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, capitalization, grammar, and usage.
Did you…. PROOFREAD?????

26. Task 1: Listening for Understanding
The Directions:
You will hear a listening passage once.
You are permitted to take notes in your exam booklet.
You will have a few minutes to review your notes and the multiple-choice questions.

27. Task 1: Listening for Understanding
The Directions:
You will hear the listening passage a second time.
You may take notes during the second reading or answer the questions.

28. The Listening Passage Is non-fiction
Is approximately a page and a half long
May take between five and ten minutes to read The January 2011 and NYS Sample Listening Passages were:
Approximately 800 words long
Told from a 1st person point of view

29. Active Listening An Active Listener will:
Remember why s/he is listening
Make a conscious effort by remaining focused
Listen for key words, ideas, and phrases
Think about information in the passage while listening to it

30. Active Listening An Active Listener will:
Note important signals or verbal cues that indicate important information
Does the speaker slow down?
Does the speaker raise his or her voice?
Does the speaker change his or her tone?
Does the speaker gesture with his/her hands?

31. Strategies for Note Taking
Write only what seems important – key words and phrases, main ideas, important facts and details
Be concise – be as brief as possible without losing meaning – write words and short phrases, not entire sentences

32. Strategies for Note Taking
Organize your ideas – try to follow a simple outline format or put main ideas on the left and supporting details on the right; leave space for more notes during the 2nd reading
Use shortcuts – b4, bc, w/, w/o, &, info, →, ?
Consider the “five Ws” – who, what, where, when, why…and also how

33. Test-taking Strategies
Multiple-Choice Questions
Read only the question first; try to think of a reasonable answer on your own.
Check to see if there is a choice close to the answer you imagined.
Use the process of elimination by crossing out answers you know are wrong.

34. Dissecting the MC Questions
Inference
Listening Comprehension
Tone
Point of View

35. Inference Questions
An inference question is a question that requires you draw a conclusion, or inference, based on the information presented and logical reasoning.

36. Inference Questions
By stating that Abigail Adams “reached beyond the kitchen and the nursery,” the speaker suggests that Abigail:
(1) suffered from boredom
(2) broke with tradition
(3) sought new friends
(4) Traveled the country

37. Which answers are wrong?
(1) – there is no evidence that Abigail Adams is bored
(3) – while this may be true, there is no evidence to prove it
(4) – this is the tricky choice!
The correct answer is (2).

38. Listening Comprehension
Listening comprehension questions are questions that require you to recall or recollect a fact or detail from the passage that was directly stated.

39. Listening Comprehension
As stated by the speaker, letter writing presented Abigail Adams with:
(1) an unexpected friendship
(2) a trivial pastime
(3) an emotional release
(4) a displeasing chore

40. Tone and Point of View
Tone is the attitude of a speaker, writer, or subject.
Point of View is the perspective of the speaker, writer, or subject.
Both tone and point of view questions often have adjectives as possible answers.

41. Strategies for Tone and POV
Read the question, cover the choices, and answer the question with your own adjective – is there a choice that is a synonym of the word you selected?

42. Strategies for Tone and POV
Ask yourself if the attitude or perspective is positive or negative – eliminate choices that don’t seem to match your determination – sometimes you can do this even if you don’t know the meaning of some of the choices!

43. What is the TONE?
The speaker’s tone in the account can be described as
(1) harsh (3) sarcastic
(2) respectful (4) objective
Prefixes with Positive Connotation:
pro, syn, sym, ben
Prefixes with Negative Connotation:
de, dis, non, in, im, un, con, mal

44. Task 2: Reading for Understanding
12 multiple-choice questions
6 questions on an informational, non-fiction passage
6 questions on a literary passage (fiction)

45. Task 2: Reading for Understanding
The January 2011 and NYS Sample Reading Passages were:
Informational
Between words
Told from a 3rd person perspective
Literary
Approximately 600 words

46. Part 2: The Informational Passage
Reading Comprehension
Inference
Main Idea
Vocabulary in Context
Structure

47. Vocabulary in Context
The Passage: “It’s an accessible sport. It’s not just for racing; it’s also for recreational riding. It’s a barrier breaker that allows a disabled rider to participate in cycling with friends and families who may be riding conventional bicycles.”

48. Vocabulary in Context The Question:
The passage includes the quotation about the handcycle being a “barrier breaker” (line 8) in order to stress its
(1) durability
(2) affordability
(3) portability
(4) accessibility

49. Structure Questions
Anecdote – the author’s use of personal stories to convey the main idea
Cause & Effect – the author presents a problem or idea, outlines causes of the problem or idea, and then presents the effects that the causes have on the problem or idea
Chronological Order – information is presented in the order it happens

50. Structure Questions
Comparison/Contrast – the author introduces two or more events, people, places, or ideas and then identifies their similarities and differences
Problem & Solution – the author presents a dilemma and a possible solution or solutions
Process/Listing – an author might use this style if the information presented involves a series of steps

51. Part 2: The Literary Passage
Inference
Vocabulary in Context
Structure
Literary Terms

52. Part 2: The Literary Passage
Special Cases:
Author’s Purpose
Punctuation – dashes (emphasis), question marks (reflection), exclamation points (strong emotions)

53. Literary Term Questions
Identify
For example, “Line 27 contains an example of…”
Apply
For example, “The repetition used in line 16 emphasizes the…” or “The water jug (line 42) becomes a symbol of…”

54. Important Literary Terms
Characterization
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Flashback
Foreshadowing
Allusion
Historical
Literary
Biblical
Mythological
Dialogue
Irony
Situational
Verbal
Dramatic

55. Important Literary Terms
Point of View
Conflict
Theme
Tone
Imagery
Mood
Point of View
Conflict
Theme
Tone
Imagery
Mood
Sound Devices
Alliteration
Assonance
Consonance
Onomatopoeia
Rhyme
Repetition
Figurative Language
Symbolism
Personification
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole
Repetition
Figurative Language
Symbolism
Personification
Simile
Metaphor
Hyperbole

56. Part 3: Reading for Critical Response
Two literary passages
Poem
Short story
Excerpt from a novel

57. Part 3: Reading for Critical Response
Five Multiple-choice Questions
Inference
Vocabulary in Context
Structure/Form
Mood/Tone
Literary Terms

58. Writing for Critical Response
Two Short-Response Questions
#26 – Controlling Idea/Both passages
#27 – Literary Element or Technique/One Passage
Short response does NOT mean short!

59. How do I construct a well-developed paragraph?
A well-developed paragraph for Question #26 will include the following:
Introduction of the topic sentence and controlling idea (1-2 sentences)
Development of the controlling idea (1-2 sentences)
Examples or details from the 1st passage that support your controlling idea and a description of how they prove your point (2-3 sentences)

60. How do I construct a well-developed paragraph?
A well-developed paragraph for Question #26 will include the following:
Examples or details from the 2nd passage that support your controlling idea and a description of how they prove your point (2-3 sentences)
A conclusive statement that reiterates your controlling idea (1 sentence)

61. Exemplar – Question #26
“Successful and efficient communities cannot be built on laziness. In this era, in which hard work is rewarded and lathargy punished, communities must have a solid core of hard workers. In Passage II, the author expresses his gratitude torward these people. In fact, he states, “I love people who harness themselves…who pull like water buffalo, who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward.”

62. Exemplar – Question #26
“The author compares these hard workers to oxen and water buffalo, who are some of the hardest working animals. In Passage I, the author clearly admires his grandfather, who worked extremely hard to take care of his farm. Now it is the author’s turn to work, shoveling the sidewalks on his street corner. Since there is a high school and elementary school nearby, it is imperative that the author do his job.”

63. Exemplar – Question #26
“Children often walk by his house on their way to school and back and it is his “obligation” to keep those streets clear. The author’s hard work is crucial in his communities’ success. In both passage, hard work is rewarded with gratitude and respect.”

64. How do I construct another well-developed paragraph?
A well-developed paragraph for Question #27 will include the following:
An introductory thesis statement (1-2 sentences)
Introduction and explanation of the literary element or technique (1 sentence)
Examples from the passage you’ve selected of the literary element or technique you’ve chosen; try to find at least two or three! (2 sentences)

65. How do I construct another well-developed paragraph?
A well-developed paragraph for Question #27 will include the following:
Analysis of HOW the author’s use of that literary element or technique help the author to develop the passage, and specifically, the controlling idea (2-3 sentences)
A conclusive statement that reiterates your analysis of how the literary technique conveys meaning (1 sentence)

66. WARNING!!!
The directions for Question #27 do not say you must define the literary element or technique you select. HOWEVER, the January 2011 scoring materials provided to teachers say that a score of 2 “provides an appropriate explanation of the literary element or technique chosen”.

67. WARNING!!!
Remember, this is a new exam and the test-makers are still ironing out problems with the exam. Perhaps this will be corrected for the June exam, but to be safe, please provide an explanation or definition of the literary element or technique that you choose! It certainly will not hurt your score!

68. Exemplar – Question #27
“In Passage I the author uses the literary element of point of view to help develop his passage. The story is narrated by the author. This allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the narrator because the reader is given a direct window into the mind of the author. This window gives the reader an opportunity to understand his thought process.”

69. Exemplar – Question #27
“When the narrator starts discussing how his obligation to shovel his sidewalk was passed onto him by his grandfather the reader has an easier time understanding and connecting to it than they would if the narrator was someone other than the author.”

70. Part 4: Writing for Critical Analysis
Before your exam:
Choose 4 or 5 novels or plays that you have read at some point in high school about which you feel you can write well
Take time to review the titles, authors, main characters, setting, conflicts, symbols, and themes

71. Part 4: Writing for Critical Analysis
Before your exam:
It’s generally not a good idea to choose a book that you read on your own, as you will likely find yourself writing about plot as opposed to conducting literary analysis

72. Possible Choices August Wilson John Steinbeck William Golding
The Piano Lesson
Fences
John Steinbeck
Of Mice and Men
The Grapes of Wrath
William Golding
Lord of the Flies
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby
Charles Dickens
A Tale of Two Cities
Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird
Elie Wiesel
Night

73. Possible Choices William Shakespeare John Knowles Sue Monk Kidd
Romeo and Juliet
Julius Caesar
Hamlet
MacBeth
Othello: The Moor of Venice
John Knowles
A Separate Peace
Sue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees
Chinua Achebe
Things Fall Apart
Toni Morrison
Beloved
Alice Walker
The Color Purple
Arthur Miller
The Crucible

74. The Critical Lens Essay
Interpret the Critical Lens Quotation
Agree or disagree with the quote as you’ve interpreted it
Select two literary works that you will use to defend your analysis
Include specific evidence and literary elements or techniques from the selected works to validate your interpretation

75. Analyzing the Quote
“…although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.”
—Helen Keller
Optimism, 1903
Essentially, this means that while the world is indisputably plagued with challenge, obstacle, and strife, there are people who, through perseverance, determination, and courage, are able to conquer the difficulties they face and thrive as a result.

76. Framing an Introduction
Introduce the Topic
Connect the Topic to Literature
The introduction of the topic has nothing to do with the books you will discuss
Introduce the specific literary works you will use to support your interpretation of the topic
THESIS STATEMENT
This is the first time you should mention the books you will discuss
Your thesis statement is the most important sentence in your essay. It should connect the topic, literary works, and the authors’ use of literary elements. Make sure your thesis makes clear what you will discuss, why you’re discussing, and how the works you’ve selected demonstrate your point.

77. Sample Introduction
It is undeniable that the world is full of widespread
anguish and grief, but it is heartening to trust that it is
also full of individuals who strive to overcome that struggle in a way that yields happiness, accomplishment, or simply, peace. In literature, authors often craft characters that struggle with such sorrow, but in the end, they emerge victorious. Helen Keller once said, “…although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.”

78. Sample Introduction
Essentially, this means that while the world is indisputably plagued with challenge, obstacle, and strife, there are people who, through perseverance, determination, and courage, are able to conquer the difficulties they face and thrive as a result. For example, in the works Night by Elie Wiesel and The Color Purple by Alice Walker, both protagonists overcome great struggle in worlds filled with obstacle. Through characterization and setting, both authors convey the triumph of the protagonists, which simultaneously proves the aforementioned interpretation valid.

79. Sample Introduction

80. Building a Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence
This sentence should re-introduce the topic for this particular paragraph and narrow your focus of discussion

81. Building a Body Paragraph
Textual Evidence
Minimize Plot Summary (no more than one sentence!)
Analyze the example you’ve provided, connecting it back to the original question (at least three sentences)
Be clear about how your example supports your point (literary techniques)
Repeat this process for each example
Be sure to integrate text evidence and if possible, direct quotes into your example
Each body should be a minimum of twelve sentences, no more than two of which should be plot summary

82. Building a Body Paragraph
Concluding Sentence
End each body paragraph with an original statement that ties back to the question.
NEVER, EVER, EVER end a body paragraph with plot summary!

83. Sample Body Paragraph

84. Crafting a Conclusion
Restate your original thesis, preferably in new, original language.
Reemphasize the important points you made in your essay in a creative fashion.
This paragraph should be 3-5 sentences.

85. Writing Tips
Titles of novels get underlined; plays, short stories, and poems should be in quotation marks
Use present tense verbs to discuss literature
Wrong: Celie eventually found happiness.
Right: Celie eventually finds happiness.

86. Writing Tips
Explicitly reference literary terms such as characterization or symbolism
Avoid personal pronouns
Wrong: The quote means you can overcome dark times.
Right: The quote means that one can overcome dark times.

87. Time Management
You have three hours to complete your exam. The reading of the listening passage will take about 15 minutes.

88. Time Management Recommendations:
1st: Listening Passage MC Questions (15-20 minutes)
2nd: Part 4: Critical Lens Essay (1 hour)
3rd: Part 3: Paired Passages
MC Questions: minutes
#26: 20 minutes
#27: 20 minutes
4th: Part 2: MC Questions : (20-30 minutes)

89. Final Thoughts
GOOD LUCK!