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Passing the CAHSEE: English-Language ArtsAbout This Book and TestWare®This book, along with our companion TestWare®software, will provide you with an accurate and complete representation of the English-Language Arts section of the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE). Inside you will find reviews that are designed to provide you with the information and strategies needed to do well on the test. Four complete practice tests are provided: two printed in this book and two additional tests on the accompanying CD-ROM. All of the tests are based on the official CAHSEE. The practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on the CAHSEE English-Language Arts. Following each test, you will find an answer key with detailed explanations designed to help you completely understand the test material.About the TestWho Takes the Test and What is it Used For?Beginning with the class of 2006, every high school student who plans to graduate from a California public high school must first pass the California High School Exit Examination. The test consists of two parts: Mathematics and English-Language Arts.Students are first required to take the CAHSEE in grade 10. Those who pass both parts, Mathematics and English-Language Arts, have completed the test requirement for graduation and do not have to retake the test. Students who do not pass either or both parts need to retake the part or parts they have not passed in 11th grade and 12th grade, until they pass.When and Where Is the Test Given?Every public school district in California will provide students with multiple opportunities to take the CAHSEE. Each district may administer the CAHSEE several times a year, choosing from a list of test dates that are designated by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.The CAHSEE test is administered over two days. The English-Language Arts section is given on the first day followed by the Mathematics portion the next day.Is There a Registration Fee?No. Because all California public high school students are required to take and pass this test in order to receive a high school diploma, no fee is required.Test Accommodations and Special SituationsParents of special education students, students with disabilities (including attention deficit disorder), and students who are learning English should contact their local high school officials regarding possible waivers, extra time, or special arrangements (accommodations or modifications) during the CAHSEE. These special arrangements can include the use of a calculator, special seating, a quiet environment, or a large print test booklet, among others. English learners may be able to use a glossary.Scoring of the test may be done differently, depending on whether the special arrangement is an accommodation or a modification. Ask your school officials for further information or check on the CAHSEE website.Additional Information and SupportAdditional resources to help you prepare to take the CAHSEE include: the official State of California CAHSEE website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/resources.aspHow to Use This Book and TestWare® What Do I Study First?Learn about the format and content of the CAHSEE English-Language Arts exam by reading the introductory section of this book. Pay particular attention to our test-taking strategies. Then read and study the review sections of this book found in Chapters 1 through 10 of this book. Take the two practice tests printed in this book and the two practice tests found on the accompanying TestWare®CD-ROM to become familiar with the format and procedures involved with taking the actual CAHSEE.When Should I Start Studying?It is never too early to start studying for the CAHSEE. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material. The sooner you learn the format of the exam, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with the exam content. Format of the CAHSEE English-Language Arts Overview of the English Language Arts Portion of the CAHSEEThe English-Language Arts portion of the CAHSEE is designed to test students’ ability to read and write, knowledge of basic literary concepts, and familiarity with basic writing strategies. Each exam has 72 multiple-choice questions and one essay. In addition, there are seven multiple-choice questions that are not scored; they are just being tried out for future tests.Types of QuestionsThere is a total of 45 multiple-choice questions that test reading ability. These fall into the following categories:• Word Analysis—7 Questions• Reading Comprehension—18 Questions• Literary Response and Analysis—20 QuestionsThere is a total of 27 multiple-choice questions that test writing ability. These questions are divided as follows:• Writing Strategies—12 Questions• Written English Language Conventions—15 QuestionsStudents must also write one essay, assigned at random from five possible essay types.Test-Taking Strategies What to Do Before the Test• Pay attention in class.• Carefully work through the review sections of this book. Mark any topics that you find difficult so that you can focus on them while studying and get extra help if necessary.• Take the practice tests and become familiar with the format of the CAHSEE. When you are practicing, simulate the conditions under which you will be taking the actual test. Stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test only a couple of times, you will feel more confident, and this will boost your chances of doing well.• Students who have difficulty concentrating or taking tests in general may have severe test anxiety. Tell your parents, a teacher, a counselor, the school nurse, or a school psychologist well in advance of the test. They may be able to suggest some useful strategies to help you feel more relaxed so that you can do your best on the test.What to Do During the Test• Read all of the possible answers. Just because you think you have found the correct response, do not automatically assume that it is the best answer. Read through each answer choice to be sure that you are not making a mistake by jumping to conclusions.• Use the process of elimination. Go through each answer to a question and eliminate as many of the answer choices as possible. By eliminating two answer choices, you will give yourself a better chance of getting the item correct since there will only be two choices left to choose from.• Work quickly and steadily and avoid focusing on any one question for too long. Taking the practice tests in this book will help you learn to budget your time on the actual test.• Work on the easiest questions first. If you find yourself working too long on one question, make a mark next to it on your test booklet and continue. After you have answered all of the questions that you know, go back to the ones that you skipped.• Be sure that the answer oval you are marking corresponds to the number of the question in the test booklet. Since the multiple-choice sections are graded by machine, marking one wrong answer can throw off your answer key and your score. Be extremely careful.• Work from the answer choices. You can use a multiple-choice format to your advantage by working backwards from the answer choices to answer the question. You may be able to make an educated guess based on eliminating choices that you know do not fit the question.
