CAHSEE Test Prep: Things to consider for the Essay Portion

You will be expected to write one essay on one of the following types of writing:

Biographical Narrative you write about someone else. you write about someone else. Describe the person and their character traits. Describe the person and their character traits.

Response to Literature you read a text (story, poem, etc.) and analyze/examine the text. you read a text (story, poem, etc.) and analyze/examine the text.

Expository Essay you explain, give info, or clarify an idea. (ex. Research Paper) you explain, give info, or clarify an idea. (ex. Research Paper)

Persuasive Essay you take a position/stand on an issue Include the counter-arguments (opposing sides) you take a position/stand on an issue Include the counter-arguments (opposing sides) Organize your essay with the strongest point first. Organize your essay with the strongest point first. Include facts, personal stories, and statistics to help with your argument. Include facts, personal stories, and statistics to help with your argument.

Business Letter your purpose may be to inform, to suggest, to complain, to argue, to persuade, or to commend. your purpose may be to inform, to suggest, to complain, to argue, to persuade, or to commend. Keep your letter short and to the point. Keep your letter short and to the point. Keep in mind the SIX Elements (Dear Mr. Smith: and Sincerely, ) Keep in mind the SIX Elements (Dear Mr. Smith: and Sincerely, )

What are the types of essays that you may be asked to write about?

Organization Write 4-5 paragraphs and make sure that you include the following: Write 4-5 paragraphs and make sure that you include the following: –Intro. (Hook, Background Info, Thesis) –2-3 Body Paragraphs (Topic Sentence, Example, Explain, Concluding Sent.) –Conclusion (Restate Thesis, Summarize the Body Paragraphs)

Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation!!! –Spell everything out/No slang (cuz, &, ur, bc, etc.) –No contractions (can’t, won’t, doesn’t, shouldn’t, it’s etc.) –No Run-on-sentences (continuous sentences with no breaks [., ]) –No Sentence Fragments (missing subject or verb) –Capitalize, periods!

Format Margins!!! Margins!!! Indent when needed (at the beginning of a paragraph) Indent when needed (at the beginning of a paragraph) Write NEAT and CLEAR!!! If it is not legible, you will receive a “ZERO” Write NEAT and CLEAR!!! If it is not legible, you will receive a “ZERO” Go back and proofread your essay! Go back and proofread your essay!

Lastly,… Make sure that you answer the prompt!!! Start with a DO-WHAT Chart!

What is one thing you need to consider when writing your essay? (grammar, format, or organization)

How do you tackle the prompt? Begin by breaking down the prompt with a Do-What Chart: Begin by breaking down the prompt with a Do-What Chart: DOWHAT

Essay Prompt Imagine that you come back to school and the principal announces that this year all students must wear uniforms. Write a persuasive essay stating whether or not the students at your school should be required to wear uniforms to school. Give at least three reasons to support your position as well as detailed explanations. Remember, you must argue in such a convincing manner that others will agree with you.

Sample Introduction. Imagine coming into a campus where all you see is a sea of blue. There are no longer any vibrant colors that allow students to express themselves. The principal has announced that all students must wear school uniforms from this day forth in order to bring discipline and decrease violence on campus. Therefore, the students freedom of expression is in jeopardy. Students are no longer able to express themselves with their choice of clothes. Therefore, students should not be forced to wear school uniforms.

Prompt #1 By the time students get to their teenage years, they have one person who they truly admire and respect. Write a biographical narrative in which you describe a person who is important to you. Explain why this person is important to you and why you feel about this person the way you do. Include specific examples and anecdotes. Prompt #1 By the time students get to their teenage years, they have one person who they truly admire and respect. Write a biographical narrative in which you describe a person who is important to you. Explain why this person is important to you and why you feel about this person the way you do. Include specific examples and anecdotes. DOWHAT Write*biographical narrativeWrite*biographical narrative Describe*a person who is important to meDescribe*a person who is important to me

Prompt #2: By the time students enter high school, they have learned about many moments in history that have influenced our world today. Think about a moment in history you studied and consider its importance. Write a composition in which you discuss a moment in history. Share its importance in today’s world. Be sure to support the moment with details and examples.

Prompt #3: Imagine that your house was on fire and you only had enough time save two or three items from your house before the firefighters dragged you out of the burning house. Write a composition in which you discuss your choice of items you would save if your house were on fire. Be sure to explain your reasons for choosing those items to save using details and examples.

Prompt #4: In the novella Of Mice and Men, the reader learns about one of the main characters, George Milton. George’s personality and emotions are revealed through the actions and dialogue presented in the story. Write an essay in which you describe the personality and emotions of George, the main character. How do his personal characteristics add to the events in the story? How does the author reveal this information about George? Use details and examples from the story to support your ideas.

Prompt #5: Most students spend most of their time on school grounds and therefore are forced to use the facilities on campus, especially the restrooms. Write a persuasive letter to the Board of Education explaining why students deserve a clean restroom, but the school’s restrooms are a mess. Convince the Board to take action on this problem through the use of specific examples.

Relax and try your best!!!