Preparing For CAHSEE Writing

Preparing For CAHSEE Writing

1. Biographical narrative

   • a. Relate a sequence of events and communicate the signifi­cance of the events to the audience.
   • b. Locate scenes and incidents in specific places.
   • c. Describe with concrete sensory details the sights, sounds, and smells of a scene and the specific actions, movements, ges­ tures, and feelings of the characters; use interior monologue to depict the characters’ feelings.
   • d. Pace the presentation of actions to accommodate changes in time and mood.
   • e. Make effective use of descriptions of appearance, images, shifting perspectives, and sensory details.

2. Response to literature

   • a. Demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the significant ideas of literary works.
   • b. Support important ideas and viewpoints through accurate and detailed references to the text or to other works.
   • c. Demonstrate awareness of the author’s use of stylistic devices and an appreciation of the effects created.
   • d. Identify and assess the impact of perceived ambiguities, nu­ances, and complexities within the text.

3. Expository essay

   • a. Marshal evidence in support of a thesis and related claims, including information on all relevant perspectives.
   • b. Convey information and ideas from primary and secondary sources accurately and coherently.
   • c. Make distinctions between the relative value and significance of specific data, facts, and ideas.
   • d. Include visual aids by employing appropriate technology to organize and record information on charts, maps, and graphs.
   • e. Anticipate and address readers' potential misunderstandings, biases, and expectations.
   • f. Use technical terms and notations accurately.

4. Persuasive essay

   • a. Structure ideas and arguments in a sustained and logical fashion.
   • b. Use specific rhetorical devices to support assertions (e.g., appeal to logic through reasoning; appeal to emotion or ethical belief; relate a personal anecdote, case study, or analogy).
   • c. Clarify and defend positions with precise and relevant evidence, including facts, expert opinions, quotations, and expressions of commonly accepted beliefs and logical reasoning.
   • d. Address readers’ concerns, counterclaims, biases, and expectations.

5. Business letter

   • a. Provide clear and purposeful information and address the intended audience appropriately.
   • b. Use appropriate vocabulary, tone, and style to take into account the nature of the relationship with, and the knowledge and interests of, the recipients.
   • c. Highlight central ideas or images.
   • d. Follow a conventional style with page formats, fonts, and spacing that contribute to the documents’ readability and impact.