The CAHSEE Essay Ms. Stronks Lawndale High School

Important CAHSEE Info CAHSEE = California High School Exit Exam Possible scores: ________ Passing scores: ______ Pass the test: _________________ Must pass the CAHSEE to get a high school __________ Scores arrive ____________ after the exam (mailed home and to school) Never take it again!!! diploma two months

More Information: The English part of the test: Covers English standards through grade ____  __ Multiple Choice questions  __ Essay (2 different essay types)

First Type of Essay: Response to a writing prompt: ~ Answer a question based on your own __________ and _________. ~ Example: A person who seems in charge of every situation is sometimes called a “natural leader.” Describe someone you have read about who seems to be a “natural leader.” Write an essay in which you describe the person and his or her accomplishments so vividly that your readers will feel they know this person. _______ _________ _______ ______ ___________ knowledgeopinions _____

Second Type of Essay: Response to a passage: ~_________ a short story, poem or informational piece and __________________. ~ Example: Read "Teen Drivers," and think about the author’s ideas. Write an essay in which you explain some ways that your views on teenage driving have been confirmed or changed as a result of reading the article. Be sure to include specific information from the article to support your explanation. ________________ ________ ________________ _________________ _______________ Read answer a question

Your Essay Score: – 4-point ______ (score sheet) – Each essay scored by ____ different readers – Papers receive “no score” (0) if ________ or ________ rubric two off topicillegible

Timed Writing Tips ________ is the first thing they notice! Stay in the lines Choose your ____ handwriting (printing or cursive okay) Punctuate clearly: periods, paragraph indentations, quotes, commas Write clearly: If you make an error, _______________ A title is not necessary Use pencil only ________ is the first thing they notice! Stay in the lines Choose your ____ handwriting (printing or cursive okay) Punctuate clearly: periods, paragraph indentations, quotes, commas Write clearly: If you make an error, _______________ A title is not necessary Use pencil only Neatness best neatly cross it out

More Tips… Length: ____ paragraphs Ask yourself, “Exactly what do they want me to write about?” Make sure each paragraph ______________ Note ________ in the prompt (e.g., “narrative,” “describe,” “persuasive”) _____ before you write: Outline or brainstorm in the booklet only ______ and _____ STRONG: first and last impressions count! Length: ____ paragraphs Ask yourself, “Exactly what do they want me to write about?” Make sure each paragraph ______________ Note ________ in the prompt (e.g., “narrative,” “describe,” “persuasive”) _____ before you write: Outline or brainstorm in the booklet only ______ and _____ STRONG: first and last impressions count! 4-5 answers the topic key words Plan Begin end

A “Perfect” Score (4 out of 4) An essay that earns a 4: shows a thoughtful and meaningful thesis provides specific details or examples to support the main ideas demonstrates a clear understanding of the text or writing topic uses a variety of sentences and very descriptive language contains very few errors _____________________ _________ ________ __________ ______

A Score of 3 (out of 4): An essay that earns a 3: shows the reader has a thesis provides general details or examples to support the main ideas demonstrates a general understanding of the text or writing topic uses a variety of sentences and some descriptive language contains some errors

A Score of 2 (out of 4): An essay that earns a 2: has a thesis, but it isn’t strong or clear provides limited details or examples to support the main ideas demonstrates some understanding of the text or writing topic, but isn’t very organized uses little variety in sentences and predictable language contains several errors

A Score of 1 (out of 4): An essay that earns a 1: has a weak thesis provides no details or examples to support the main ideas demonstrates very limited understanding of the text or writing topic and isn’t very organized uses basic sentences and limited language contains serious errors

A Sample Essay Topic: Throughout your years in school, you have studied many different people. Think about one of these people you have studied. What makes this person special enough to study? Write an essay in which you discuss a person you have studied in school. Explain what it is about this person that is special. Use details and examples to support your ideas.

Who would you write about? _______________________________ Give 3 main reasons: 1._________________________________ 2._________________________________ 3._________________________________ Summarize your main point: _______________________________

What score does this essay deserve? During the course of the years of school you attend, you come in contact with a lot of information about people who have changed the world & who have risked their life for causes they believed in. Martin Luther King was one of these people. He is a very special man because he fought for black people to have rights, but he also fought for peace. Martin Luther King was an extremely remarkable man. He fought for black people to have rights at a time when many people were very racist against the African Americans. He gave many speeches that influenced many to stand up & fight for their rights. He believed that African Americans should be treated as equally as a white American & that there shouldn’t be laws that were based on the color of your skin. To be able to standup against the common opinion of African Americans, I think you would have to be very courageous and strongly believe in what you were fighting for. Martin Luther King also fought for peace. He didn’t like all the war & the hatred, so he promoted love. He wanted peace everywhere & for people to start loving and stop hating. Some people stopped hating & started loving, but many didn’t care to listen because he was black. I think now, many more people have respect for what he was fighting for. The U.S. has a holiday especially reserved for him & for what he fought for during his life - love and peace. I would think you’d have to be very influencial on the world to have a holiday reserved for you. Martin Luther King was an extraordinary man who fought for many things. I don’t think African Americans would have the rights today if it wasn’t for him. He changed the world’s view on Racism & equality. Even though his dream of peace hasn’t been fulfilled, it may someday.