Common Core English Regents Preparation

The Common Core English Regents Reading Comprehension 24 Multiple Choice Questions Argumentative Essay (Five- paragraph essay) Text Analysis Writing (Two to three paragraphs)

Part One Reading comprehension with 24 questions requiring close reading and an understanding of the whole text. There are three passages in this section: One nonfiction selection One fiction selection One poem

Reading Comprehension Read the questions first (promotes active reading) Use a highlighter or pen to underline the essential part of the question After two-three paragraphs, take notes in the margins Look for context clues to figure out vocabulary words you don’t understand. If you are to answer a question using line references, re-read that line in addition to the one ABOVE and BELOW

Annotation is not highlighting.

Annotation slows down the reader in order to deepen understanding.

Part Two Part two is an argumentative essay. The argumentative essay on the ELA Regents will have four passages for you to read. It will not allow for drawing upon outside knowledge. You must draw from the texts only, writing a source- based argument. You must use three out of four texts for support Make sure you use quotation marks and properly cite the different texts. Don’t forget to integrate counterarguments throughout

Argumentative Essay 1. The Claim—answer the question “What do I think?” 2. The reasons—answer the question “Why do I think this?” 3. The Evidence—answer the question “How do I know this?” 4. The Counterclaim---respond to what others think “Why are other arguments weaker than mine?”

Argumentative Essay Conclusion Restate your main premise Provide a brief summary of your argument Show how a group will benefit from following your assertion Explain what might happen if your idea is not accepted End with a rhetorical question Ask for a call to action

Part Three  Part three asks for text analysis, not an extended response as in Part two.  Write a two to three paragraph response that identifies a central idea, authors writing strategy or literary technique., “The central idea is…”  Identify a literary term that connects to the text  Remember: No formal introduction or conclusion  Use the phrase, “By examining {literary term} the central idea is enhanced because…”