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approaching the regents essay exam

Preparing for the test. Register early and confirm the day before the testBring everything you'll need (pens, picture ID, dictionary)Dress comfortably (it might be cold or hot in the room

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approaching the regents essay exam

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    1. Planning, Brainstorming, Outlining, and other fun stuff!

    3. When you get there Relax Take a few deep breaths Be confident in your writing skills

    4. Taking the Essay Test

    5. First: Read quickly through the four questions Think – which one or ones sound appealing or familiar right away?

    6. 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 isn’t the assignment to try and challenge your abilities or your beliefs.

    7. Then: Start making a list-- of everything that you can think of about the topic.

    8. 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 isn’t forbidden either. If it helps, use it.

    9. 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

    10. Main Points Make sure they are about the topic Make sure they are parallel Make sure they can be developed with some specific examples

    11. 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.

    12. 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.

    13. 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

    14. 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.

    15. 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.

    16. Begin your essay Don’t worry about a title – they aren’t required Write on the lined pages of the booklet You don’t have to skip lines – you can only write in the booklet, and you don’t want to run out of room Write as legibly as you can – remember tired eyes may be reading your paper

    17. 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.

    18. 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 – don’t just stop writing.

    19. 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)

    20. 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.

    21. Biggest grammar errors: Fragments (partial sentences) Run-ons and comma splices Subject-verb agreement errors Spelling

    22. Reminders You have one hour.

    23. Division of time: This is just a suggestion: Planning – 10 minutes Drafting – 40 minutes (or 8-10 minutes per paragraph) Editing/proofing – 10 minutes

    24. Now, let’s look at some sample questions!

    25. 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?

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