Looking at literature through a critical lens helps readers connect the text to the larger world. An essay examining the theme "There is no ill in the world without a remedy" forms the main part of a sample comprehensive English examination, part of a larger set of standardized tests from the NY Regents exam series. For the essay, writers must answer the question by reflecting on novels they previously read. In addition to the critical essay assignment, test-takers must answer two short response prompts and 25 passage-based multiple-choice questions.

Concepts

test preparation, essay writing, reading comprehension

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Additional Tags

english language arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Create a recording of the teacher dictation text and instructions so learners can take the practice test at home
• Before giving the exam, conduct a short lesson on how to provide textual evidence in writing

Classroom Considerations

• The test is designed to be completed in three hours

Pros

• Mixes informational and literary passages, including some from more modern authors and publications
• Provides a scoring key with detailed writing samples

Cons

• Lacks an answer sheet for recording responses, although the directions mention one

Common Core

RL.9-10.1 RL.9-10.2 RL.11-12.1 RL.11-12.2 RI.9-10.4 RI.11-12.4 W.9-10.9.a W.11-12.9.a