English Regents Exam Overview

Introduction

• Focus: English Regents Exam Review
• Components: 3 parts of the Regents exam

Part 1: Reading Comprehension

• Structure:

  • 3 passages:

    1. Literary passage (excerpt from a short story or memoir) with multiple choice questions

    2. Poem with multiple choice questions

    3. Informational text (often science-related) with questions

• Advice:

  • Highlight and annotate important information

  • Use text references to answer questions - don't rely on memory

  • Employ the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions

  • If unsure, use a "letter of the day" strategy for guessing

Part 2: Argument Essay

• Structure:

  • Very important for writing points

  • Read a topic with 4 texts, learn both sides of the argument

  • Highlight pro information in green, con in orange

  • Write a five-paragraph essay: Introduction, 2 body paragraphs (arguments), counterclaim & rebuttal, conclusion

  • Use information from at least 3 texts; include in-text citations

  • Example topic: School uniforms debate

    • Thesis: School uniforms should be required because they are economical and lead to higher grades

    • Structure:

    • Body 1: Economical benefits

    • Body 2: Academic benefits

    • Counterclaim & Rebuttal: Address and refute the argument against uniforms

    • Conclusion: Reinforce thesis

Part 3: Text Analysis

• Task:

  • Read a passage, identify the central idea, discuss a literary element used to develop this idea

• Advice:

  • Annotate while reading

  • Determine the central idea and associated literary elements

  • Suggest a three-paragraph essay structure: Introduction, body, conclusion

  • Include textual evidence with line numbers

Conclusion

• Encouragement to like and subscribe for more helpful content on the Regents exam.