The New York State English Regents Format and Changes October 15, 2010

What’s new about this Regents? The first administration of the new three-hour, one-day Regents Comprehensive Examination in English will take place in January 2011. What’s new about this Regents? -Not much! It is just a condensed version of the original two day exam. The only difference is in the “Controlling Idea” essay. It is now two short response questions instead.

Wait, I don’t know what a controlling idea essay is! The English Regents is broken down into sections. They are as follows: Listening Reading Comprehension Controlling Idea Critical Lens

Listening Section The listening section is the first part of the Regents exam. The proctor will read a passage aloud and you will take notes. Then, you will have 5 minutes to look over the questions before the passage is read a second time. You will have to answer multiple choice questions based on the passage you heard.

Reading Comprehension You will read approximately two passages and answer the multiple choice questions that follow.

Controlling Idea You will read two passages that have a similar theme or controlling idea. Then, you will answer multiple choice questions on the passages. Finally, you will have two short answer responses to answer.

Controlling Idea Short Answer Examples Write a well-developed paragraph in which you use ideas from both passages to establish a controlling idea about ______________. Develop your controlling idea using specific examples and details from each passage. Choose a specific literary element (e.g., theme, characterization, structure, point of view, etc.) or literary technique (e.g., symbolism, irony, figurative language, etc.) used by one of the authors. Using specific details from that passage, in a well-developed paragraph, show how the author uses that element or technique to develop the passage.

Critical Lens Essay The critical lens essay will test your recollection of the works you have read in high school. Additionally, it will test your ability to critical think about a particular topic and apply it to a specific work.

Critical Lens Essay 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, beginning on page 3 of the essay booklet.

You are then given a quote You are then given a quote. The “guidelines” are the Regent’s idea of giving you a BIG HINT as to what you should write about! 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 • 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 a unified and coherent manner • Specify the titles and authors of the literature you choose • Follow the conventions of standard written English

How to write a critical lens essay Agree or Disagree with the quote. *Note: it is easier to agree! “I agree with the critical lens (insert quote here).” “I interpret the critical lens to mean_______________________________________________________.”