1. GEE 21 English Language Arts: An Overview

2. Why is it important?  Shows what you have learned and how you compare to the rest of Louisiana  To graduate high school, you must achieve APPROACHING BASIC on both Math and English Language Arts sections and APPROACHING BASIC on EITHER Science OR Social Studies.  Help make NOCSMHS known as a competitive high school  Goes on permanent record  Increase the money we receive from state

3. Achievement Levels Achievement LevelDescriptionPoints Needed Advanced student has demonstrated superior performance over challenging material 90%-100% Mastery student has demonstrated competency over challenging material and is ready for post-high school schooling or work 76%-89% Basic student has demonstrated only a fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling 60%-75% Approaching Basic student has only partially demonstrated fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for the next level of schooling 50%-59% Unsatisfactory student has not demonstrated enough knowledge or skills necessary to move onto the next level of schooling. 49% and below

4. What will you be asked to do?  Multiple Choice (similar to Getting It Straight questions  Short Answer (similar to Ms. Chen’s Short Answer questions and Delve In paragraphs)  Two Essays Big Essay: either persuasive or expository (not timed) Big Essay: either persuasive or expository (not timed) Compare/Contrast Mini-essay Compare/Contrast Mini-essay

5. Test Sections   1. Reading and Responding: Multiple choice and short answer questions. Read passages (poetry, fiction or nonfiction). Answer questions about main idea, theme, literary elements, author’s style, word meaning, form. Write a short, timed essay based on two of the selections you read.   2. Writing: Respond to a writing prompt. Written essay may be narrative, descriptive, expository or persuasive.   3. Proofreading: Multiple choice questions. Read a passage and correct mistakes in grammar, usage and mechanics   4. Using Information Resources: Multiple choice and short answer questions. Read a collection of articles and other research materials and answer questions about usage.

6. Testing Date  Monday, March 19, 2007--Friday, March 23, 2007  We only have a month and half left!

7. How do I prepare?  Pay attention in class and learn  Read as many books as possible  You have been preparing all year (50% of test is reading and responding)  Attend GEE tutoring on Saturdays  Take practice tests on pass