High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE)

What is the HSPE? Designed to prove that you acquired the necessary skills in English Required to graduate high school Must continue to retake it until you pass

Dates Writing—Tuesday and Wednesday, March 13 th & 14 th Reading—Thursday, March 15 th

Writing Two types of writing: – Writing to explain – Writing to persuade You have 3 hours to complete a draft and a final revision of each essay

Writing to Explain Based on your use of detail, control of writing (remember all that DOL junk we’ve done all year? Put it to use here!) and development of ideas – Aim to use lots of detail – Aim to write at least two full pages – Write in paragraphs, in a formal, academic tone – Have some kind of introduction and conclusion— at least a few sentences each

Writing to Explain Think about a favorite place. Write a multiple- paragraph essay for your teacher in which you identify a place and explain why it is your favorite.

Writing to Explain Think about a favorite place. Write a multiple- paragraph essay for your teacher in which you identify a place and explain why it is your favorite. At least 4-5 paragraphs Consider audience— would you use slang? Formal academic language? What is the most important part of your writing?

Let’s brainstorm: List three places you could discuss

For which could you provide more details? List as many details as you can think of: Your grandmother’s house: The Bahamas: Include sensory detail: what would you smell, hear, feel, taste, see at each of these places? Be as specific as possible!

Read the Writing to Explain rubric This is how you will be scored Circle three important words/phrases for each of the descriptors Score of 3 is passing

Tomorrow: You will complete an in-class writing sample Writing to Explain Expectations: – You finish your draft within the period – You may not use any resources (just like the real test) – You will need to come prepared with paper and something to write with – This will be a major grade for this semester—give it your all You will continue to revise your essay until you earn a passing score