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Overview of English Language Arts Exam

May 7, 2025

Regents High School Examination: English Language Arts (Common Core)

Exam Details

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, June 14, 2016, 1:15 to 4:15 p.m.
  • Structure: Three parts
    • Part 1: Reading comprehension and multiple-choice questions.
    • Part 2: Source-based argument essay.
    • Part 3: Text-analysis response.
  • Instructions:
    • No communication devices allowed.
    • Read texts and answer questions as instructed.
    • Fill in student information on the separate answer sheet.
    • Sign declaration of honesty at the end of the exam.

Part 1: Reading Comprehension

  • Passages and Questions:
    • Three passages to read with corresponding multiple-choice questions.
    • Use margins for notes, and record answers on the answer sheet.

Passage A: "Araby" by James Joyce

  • Summary:
    • A young boy becomes infatuated with his friend’s sister.
    • He promises to bring her something from the Araby bazaar.
    • His anticipation and disappointment as the bazaar fails to meet his expectations.
  • Themes:
    • Romantic feelings
    • Disillusionment
    • Childhood innocence and the harsh reality

Passage B: "Assembly Line"

  • Summary:
    • Reflects on the monotony of factory work and life.
    • Compares the night shift to an assembly line of stars and trees.
  • Themes:
    • Monotony and routine
    • Human connection with nature

Passage C: "Aria: A Memoir of a Bilingual Childhood" by Richard Rodriguez

  • Summary:
    • Rodriguez reflects on his bilingual upbringing.
    • His parents’ struggle with English and his own cultural assimilation.
  • Themes:
    • Cultural identity
    • Bilingualism and assimilation

Part 2: Argument Essay

  • Topic: Should celebrities become the voice of humanitarian causes?
  • Task:
    • Use evidence from at least three texts.
    • Establish and distinguish your claim from opposing views.
    • Maintain formal writing style and follow English conventions.

Texts Overview:

  1. The Celebrity Solution:

    • Discusses celebrity influence in political and social issues.
    • Raises concerns about celebrities' superficial engagement.
  2. Ethics of Celebrities and Their Influence:

    • Examines the growing influence of celebrities beyond entertainment.
    • Analyzes the pros and cons of celebrity involvement in global issues.
  3. Do Celebrity Humanitarians Matter?:

    • Highlights the rise of celebrity humanitarianism.
    • Discusses both positive impacts and criticisms.
  4. The Rise of the Celebrity Humanitarian:

    • Explores the mutual benefits and potential pitfalls of celebrity activism.

Part 3: Text-Analysis Response

  • Task: Analyze a central idea in the provided text using a literary element or technique.
  • Guidelines:
    • Identify and analyze a central idea.
    • Support analysis with strong evidence.
    • Maintain formal style and coherence in writing.

Example Text: "South of Broad" by Pat Conroy

  • Central Idea: The influence of Charleston on personal identity.
  • Literary Techniques: Rich imagery and personal reflection to convey attachment and cultural significance.