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.