Regents Essay Formats

The New York State English Regents which is taken in 11th grade is composed of three tasks: Reading Comprehension (Task 1), Argument Essay (Task 2), and Text-Analysis Response (Task 3).  The following will help you with the writing portion of the test.

Regents Argument Essay (Task 2)

Argument Essay Outline  outline to be used when writing an argument essay

Argument Essay Peer Review Sheet to give to a peer reviewer or use for self-grading

Argument Essay Rubric The NY State rubric

The New York State English Regents which is taken in 11th grade is composed of three tasks: Reading Comprehension (Task 1), Argument Essay (Task 2), and Text-Analysis Response (Task 3).  The following will help you with the argument essay.

Sample Argument Essay Directions on the NYS Regents:

Directions: Closely read each of the four texts provided on pages ___ through ___ and write a source-based argument on the topic below. You may use the margins to take notes as you read and scrap paper to plan your response. Write your argument beginning on page 1 of your essay booklet.

Topic: xxxxxxxxxx 

Your Task: Carefully read each of the four texts provided. Then, using evidence from at least three of the texts, write a well-developed argument regarding whether or not xxxxxxxxx. Clearly establish your claim, distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims, and use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from at least three of the texts to develop your argument. Do not simply summarize each text.

Guidelines:

Be sure to:

• Establish your claim

• Distinguish your claim from alternate or opposing claims

• Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from at least three of the texts to develop your argument

• Identify each source that you reference by text number and line number(s) or graphic (for example: Text 1, line 4 or Text 2, graphic)

• Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner

• Maintain a formal style of writing

• Follow the conventions of standard written English

Regents Text Analysis Essay (Task 3)

Text-Analysis Response Directions on the NYS Regents:

Text Analysis Outline

Text Analysis Peer Review

Text Analysis Rubric

Your Task: Closely read the text provided on pages___ and___ and write a well-developed, text-based response of two to three paragraphs. In your response, identify a central idea in the text and analyze how the author’s use of one writing strategy (literary element or literary technique or rhetorical device) develops this central idea. Use strong and thorough evidence from the text to support your analysis. Do not simply summarize the text. You may use the margins to take notes as you read and scrap paper to plan your response. Write your response in the spaces provided on pages __ through __ of your essay booklet.

Guidelines:

Be sure to:

• Identify a central idea in the text

• Analyze how the author’s use of one writing strategy (literary element or literary technique or rhetorical device) develops this central idea. Examples include: characterization, conflict, denotation/connotation, metaphor, simile, irony, language use, point-of-view, setting, structure, symbolism, theme, tone, etc.

• Use strong and thorough evidence from the text to support your analysis

• Organize your ideas in a cohesive and coherent manner

• Maintain a formal style of writing

• Follow the conventions of standard written English

Helpful Websites for studying:

Literary Elements — definitions and explanations

Literary Elements Quizlet