Underground Journal

CAHSEE Preparation Tips – Mastering Basic English

Even if you know the basic structure of a well written passage, the writing portion of the CAHSEE can still present a number of challenges. There re a few key points you can review in advance and practice on exam day to help you get the best possible score on your writing section.

Correct use of punctuation is crucial to doing well on the writing section. A quick internet search should give you several lists containing the most common and frequent punctuation errors to avoid. Another easy way to reduce the risk of faulty punctuation is to make sure you keep your sentences simple. The less complex your writing structure is, the less chance you will have of using punctuation incorrectly.

Aim for quality instead of quantity when it comes to your writing style. While it may seem like a great idea to include as much information in your passage as possible, in an attempt to make up for a less than ideal writing style, you are better off keeping your passage concise and to the point. A well written article will garner a much higher score than a page of rambling sentences and overdrawn paragraphs, regardless of how much information they may contain.

Always triple check you work. Studies show that students who perform the best on the written section of the CAHSEE typically make a point of re-reading their passage at least twice after they finish writing. The first review should focus strictly on checking your writing for correct punctuation. Pay attention to your periods, commas, and semi-colons instead of the actual writing itself. Once you have verified you correct use of punctuation, re-read the passage for comprehension. Make sure the passage is clear and concise and that you have utilized proper grammar and spelling throughout. If something you wrote doesn’t make sense on your second review, do your best to clarify it as well as you can to ensure it will make sense to the person who will be scoring your work.

Check out the Ace Your Exit Exam blog for more CAHSEE preparation tips.

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