Approaching the Regents Essay Exam

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Approaching the Regents Essay Exam

• Planning, Brainstorming, Outlining, and other fun
  stuff!

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Preparing for the test

• Register early and confirm the day before the
  test
• Bring everything youll need (pens, picture ID,
  dictionary)
• Dress comfortably (it might be cold or hot in the
  room layered clothing allow you to adjust to
  the temperature for comfort)
• Practice several times in and out of class
  especially if you are nervous with timed writing

3
When you get there

• Relax
• Take a few deep breaths
• Be confident in your writing skills

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Taking the Essay Test
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First Read quickly through the four questions

• Think which one or ones sound appealing or
  familiar right away?
• Mark or write those questions down.
• Use the blank space on the front of the test
  booklet to do some brainstorming and organizing.

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Next Select the topic

• Select the topic that you have the most to write
  about.
• Even if none of the topics is very exciting,
  select the one that will let you demonstrate your
  skill as a writer.
• This probably isnt the assignment to try and
  challenge your abilities or your beliefs.

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Then Start making a list--

• of everything that you can think of about the
  topic.
• If you cant come up with many ideas about one
  topic, go on to another topic.

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A Useful Tool

• Though your Comp teacher has probably told you to
  stay away from the five-paragraph essay, it can
  be a useful tool to keep you from becoming
  stressed out over organizing your ideas.
• You are not required to use the five-paragraph
  essay, but then again, it isnt forbidden either.
• If it helps, use it.

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Ask yourself, what kind of essay am I writing?

• What kind of categories are needed?
• What kind of supporting points do I need for the
  topic I have selected?
• causes and/or effects
• examples
• problems and/or solutions
• reasons

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Main Points

• Make sure they are about the topic
• Make sure they are parallel
• Make sure they can be developed with some
  specific examples

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Now Add to the list

• Some evidence you have read or heard or seen on
  TV about each main point be specific
• Personal experience can also be useful in
  developing main points
• Stay away from statements that begin with
  Everyone believes most people think and so on.

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Next Make a topic outline of your essay

• Arrange the main ideas in a logical sequence (i.
  e. first to last, least important to most
  important).
• Use specific examples, causes, reasons (etc.)
  from your list to develop each main point.

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Then Write your thesis statement

• It must answer the test question you have
  selected
• It must clearly identify what your essay will be
  about
• It should name the main ideas that will become
  topic sentences for the body paragraphs

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Also Write the topic sentences for the body
paragraphs

• Each topic sentence must directly relate to your
  thesis.
• Each topic sentence should be clearly stated to
  support the main idea.

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Next Read over your outline --

• What do you think? Are you ready to put the paper
  together?
• Now, think about how you will want to conclude
  the paper.

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Begin your essay

• Dont worry about a title they arent required
• Write on the lined pages of the booklet
• You dont have to skip lines you can only write
  in the booklet, and you dont want to run out of
  room
• Write as legibly as you can remember tired eyes
  may be reading your paper

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Think about the tone (attitude)--

• Of your introduction? It makes a big impression.
  Be sure that it is appropriate to the subject and
  your thesis.
• Make sure to maintain the tone throughout the
  essay.

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Conclusion --

• Make sure that your conclusion restates your
  thesis and introduction, but takes it one step
  further.
• It also needs to provide some clear closure for
  the paper dont just stop writing.

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Physical Outline

• This is just a guide!
• Introduction 40-50 words
• Body 100-150 words/paragraph
• Conclusion 30-50 words
• Overall, it should be around 500-600 (or so)
  words maybe a little longer
• Remember you only have 3 pages to use your
  paper should be at least close to 2 pages
  (depending on how large your writing is)

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Proofread carefully!

• Leave time to edit after you finish writing!
• Read from the last sentence to the first.
• Mix the paragraphs up as you proof for example,
  read the third paragraph first, the first
  paragraph second, and the second paragraph third,
  etc.

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Biggest grammar errors

• Fragments (partial sentences)
• Run-ons and comma splices
• Subject-verb agreement errors
• Spelling

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Reminders

• You have one hour.
• Use it..wisely.

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Division of time

• This is just a suggestion
• Planning 10 minutes
• Drafting 40 minutes (or 8-10 minutes per
  paragraph)
• Editing/proofing 10 minutes

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Now, lets look at some sample questions!
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Sample Questions --(these are taken from the
approved list)

• Do college students benefit from participation in
  extracurricular activities? Explain.
• Research indicates that you and your friends are
  likely to have fewer children than your parents
  and grandparents. What do you think are reasons
  for this? Explain.
• Discuss the advantages and/or disadvantages of
  nuclear power as a source of energy.
• What should a college athlete consider in
  deciding whether to turn professional or to
  remain in college?