The CAHSEE EssayThe CAHSEE EssayMs. Stronks

Lawndale High School

Important CAHSEE Info

CAHSEE = California High School Exit Exam

Possible scores: ________

Passing scores: ______

Pass the test: _________________

Must pass the CAHSEE to get a high school __________

Scores arrive ____________ after the exam (mailed home and to school)

275-450 350+

Never take it again!!!

diploma

two months

More Information: The English part of the test:

Covers English standards through grade ____

__ Multiple Choice questions __ Essay (2 different essay

types)

10

73

1

First Type of Essay:

Response to a writing prompt: ~ Answer a question based on your own

__________ and _________.

~ Example:

A person who seems in charge of every situation is sometimes called a “natural leader.” Describe someone you have read about who seems to be a “natural leader.” Write an essay in which you describe the person and his or her accomplishments so vividly that your readers will feel they know this person.

________________

_____________

___________

knowledge opinions

_____

Second Type of Essay:

Response to a passage: ~_________ a short story, poem or informational

piece and __________________.

~ Example:

Read "Teen Drivers," and think about the author’s ideas. Write an essay in which you explain some ways that your views on teenage driving have been confirmed or changed as a result of reading the article. Be sure to include specific information from the article to support your explanation.

________________________

________________

_________________

_______________

Readanswer a question

Your Essay Score:

– 4-point ______ (score sheet)

– Each essay scored by ____ different readers

– Papers receive “no score” (0) if ________ or ________

rubric

two

off topic illegible

Timed Writing TipsTimed Writing Tips ________ is the first thing they notice! Stay in the lines Choose your ____ handwriting (printing

or cursive okay) Punctuate clearly: periods, paragraph

indentations, quotes, commas Write clearly: If you make an error,

_______________ A title is not necessary Use pencil only

________ is the first thing they notice! Stay in the lines Choose your ____ handwriting (printing

or cursive okay) Punctuate clearly: periods, paragraph

indentations, quotes, commas Write clearly: If you make an error,

_______________ A title is not necessary Use pencil only

Neatness

best

neatly cross it out

More Tips…More Tips… Length: ____ paragraphs Ask yourself, “Exactly what do they

want me to write about?”

Make sure each paragraph ______________

Note ________ in the prompt (e.g., “narrative,” “describe,” “persuasive”)

_____ before you write: Outline or brainstorm in the booklet only

______ and _____ STRONG: first and last impressions count!

Length: ____ paragraphs Ask yourself, “Exactly what do they

want me to write about?”

Make sure each paragraph ______________

Note ________ in the prompt (e.g., “narrative,” “describe,” “persuasive”)

_____ before you write: Outline or brainstorm in the booklet only

______ and _____ STRONG: first and last impressions count!

4-5

answers the topic

key words

Plan

Begin end

A “Perfect” Score (4 out of 4)

An essay that earns a 4: • shows a thoughtful and meaningful thesis• provides specific details or examples to

support the main ideas• demonstrates a clear understanding of

the text or writing topic• uses a variety of sentences and very

descriptive language• contains very few errors

__________ ___________

_________

________

________

__________

______

A Score of 3 (out of 4):

An essay that earns a 3: • shows the reader has a thesis• provides general details or examples to

support the main ideas• demonstrates a general understanding of

the text or writing topic• uses a variety of sentences and some

descriptive language• contains some errors

A Score of 2 (out of 4):

An essay that earns a 2: • has a thesis, but it isn’t strong or clear• provides limited details or examples to support

the main ideas• demonstrates some understanding of the text

or writing topic, but isn’t very organized• uses little variety in sentences and predictable

language • contains several errors

A Score of 1 (out of 4):

An essay that earns a 1: • has a weak thesis• provides no details or examples to support the

main ideas• demonstrates very limited understanding of the

text or writing topic and isn’t very organized• uses basic sentences and limited language • contains serious errors

A Sample Essay Topic: Throughout your years in school, you

have studied many different people. Think about one of these people you have studied. What makes this person special enough to study? Write an essay in which you discuss a person you have studied in school. Explain what it is about this person that is special. Use details and examples to support your ideas.

• Who would you write about? _______________________________

• Give 3 main reasons: 1. _________________________________

2. _________________________________

3. _________________________________

• Summarize your main point:

_______________________________

_______________________________

What score does this essay deserve? During the course of the years of school you attend, you come in

contact with a lot of information about people who have changed the world & who have risked their life for causes they believed in. Martin Luther King was one of these people. He is a very special man because he fought for black people to have rights, but he also fought for peace.

Martin Luther King was an extremely remarkable man. He fought for black people to have rights at a time when many people were very racist against the African Americans. He gave many speeches that influenced many to stand up & fight for their rights. He believed that African Americans should be treated as equally as a white American & that there shouldn’t be laws that were based on the color of your skin. To be able to standup against the common opinion of African Americans, I think you would have to be very courageous and strongly believe in what you were fighting for.

Martin Luther King also fought for peace. He didn’t like all the war & the hatred, so he promoted love. He wanted peace everywhere & for people to start loving and stop hating. Some people stopped hating & started loving, but many didn’t care to listen because he was black. I think now, many more people have respect for what he was fighting for. The U.S. has a holiday especially reserved for him & for what he fought for during his life - love and peace. I would think you’d have to be very influencial on the world to have a holiday reserved for you.

Martin Luther King was an extraordinary man who fought for many things. I don’t think African Americans would have the rights today if it wasn’t for him. He changed the world’s view on Racism & equality. Even though his dream of peace hasn’t been fulfilled, it may someday.