Language Arts Lab Review-- ANSWERS
The Language Arts Lab Midterm/ Final will consist of:
1 multiple choice and open ended section on the various parts of the HSPA, as well as the information we have learned in class
1 writing section similar to one found on the HSPA
1 reading section similar to one found on the HSPA
Things to Remember for the Midterm/ Final:
The Language Arts Literacy portion of the HSPA has 5 parts:
Speaking
Listening
Writing
Reading
Viewing
Writing
The HSPA has two writing prompts/ activities. They are:
Expository Writing
30 minutes
2 lined pages of paper
One task presents an expository prompt that introduces a topic or theme for an essay. You will use the prompt to develop key ideas for the essay, but you will also need to ground the ideas using an illustrative example from literature, history, science, film, or your own experience as support. You will not be expected to retell or summarize a story or event from the source you select, but rather, you should use your discussion of specific aspects of your reference to serve as support for the ideas you develop in your essay.
Persuasive Writing
60 minutes
4 lined pages of paper
A second writing activity will introduce a controversial issue that you will address in a persuasive letter or essay. This is where you are convincing the readers of something in response to a controversial topic.
Reading Passages
The HSPA has two reading passages. They are:
Narrative Reading
50 minutes for this section
1 narrative reading passage (story) with:
10 multiple choice questions
2 open-ended questions
Persuasive Reading Passage
45 minutes for this section
1 persuasive reading passage with:
10 multiple choice questions
2 open-ended questions
HSPA Tips:
Relax.
Leave your cell phone at home on testing day.
Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test.
Don’t cram.
Think positively.
Read the directions carefully before beginning each part of the test.
Read each question carefully.
Make sure that your answers are reasonable.
If you aren’t sure of the answer to a question, try to eliminate some of the choices.
10. Skip a question and go on to the next one if you have no idea of the answer.
11. Pace yourself during the test.
12. Fill in your answer folder carefully.
13. Check your answers as you take the test.
14. Some questions require more planning than others.
**REMEMBER, your extra credit essay is due on Tuesday, February 4th directly before the start of your exam. This is worth ONE EXTRA TEST GRADE towards your marking period average.**
Write a WELL-WRITTEN 5 paragraph expository essay on why you believe the Language Arts Lab class has helped you prepare for the HSPA.
Your essay should include an introduction paragraph, a thesis statement, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. You may use examples from class and class discussions as evidence in your essay.