Ms. Martin’s English 10 Provincial Examination
Tips and Tricks
Title Your Essays
Students who do score higher statistically. Seriously… do it! An interesting title, please.
Set a Purpose
Good readers set a purpose when they read. Moreover, readers who set a reading purpose end up
understanding more of the text.
So, read over the multiple choice questions before you read the informational text, poem, or short
story, so that you know what you are reading for.
Do not forget about the written response questions; look them over as well, so you know what to
watch out for as you read the passages. This way, as you read, you can note down important sections.
Take Notes as You Go
Now that you have set a purpose for your reading, be sure to mark up the text as you read it, marking
off relevant and useful passages. For example, underline significant passages, star paragraphs that you
believe contain answers to the questions you have previously read. Make note of the quotations you
may want to use in your written response. You will likely not have a lot of time later to go back to look for
that perfect quotation, so mark it off while you read through the material the first time.
For the synthesis response, make a graphic organizer (a T-Chart or Venn diagram) according to the
topic. Fill it in as you go so that when it comes to writing, all the information is there, pre-planned and
organized. Sure, it will slow down your reading a bit, BUT you will read more closely, retain more of the
information, and understand that information better. I promise you, it will actually save you valuable time
because you will not have to go back as much looking for quotations/passages while writing your
response.
Title, Author, and Main Point
State these key elements in your opening sentence (or second sentence if you are also using a
hook).
Another term for “main point” is thesis. The thesis is what your essay will be arguing for or against.
Do not be scared of the term thesis. As far as the provincial examination goes, think of the thesis just as
a clearly stated answer to the question being asked.
Example:
QUESTION: In the poem, “Wordsmith,” discuss how the maintenance of the house acts as a
metaphor for the relationship between the father and the daughter.
THESIS (in which you can attach the title and author):
In Susan Young’s poem, “Wordsmith,” the way the father repairs the house
serves as a metaphor for fixing his broken relationship with his child.
Paragraph Form
When writing, even your synthesis written response, I strongly urge you to use paragraph form. (You
must do so on the essay portion, anyway.) Remember: one main thought, one paragraph. When using
quotations in narratives: a new speaker, a new paragraph. Employing correct paragraphing organizes
your thoughts, both for you and, more importantly in terms of the exam, for your reader/marker. Even if
the paragraphs are short, it is better than writing one long, rambling paragraph.
Use your transition words/phrases to flow from one thought to another, from one paragraph to
another. Also, please remember to indent your paragraphs.
Diction: Vocabulary is Power
Throw some impressive words into your writing. Show off your word-power; elevate your writing.
Examples:
nostalgia
epiphany
indignant
ambivalent
enjambment
Reference Line Numbers / Paragraph Numbers or Use Direct Quotations
When writing your response, make specific line/paragraph references when providing your evidence.
Even if you are not quoting directly, provide the line/paragraph number. Students who do, score higher
on the examination. I kid you not!
Remember to integrate your quotations. (That means, start with your own words and flow
smoothly/seamlessly into the quotation.)
Point. Evidence. Explain.
Make a point. Provide some evidence for that point. Explain the significance/importance of that
evidence. Do not forget this last step. It often makes the difference between a 5 and a 6 on the exam.
Proofread
For the love of all things English, take the time to proofread your essay. If you read it and have
trouble understanding certain parts of it, imagine what the examiner will think when they read it.
Your Life’s Stories: Narrative Essays
You will need to write an essay on the final exam. Students who write narrative essays tend to do
better. I would encourage you to spend time prior to the exam thinking of four or five “life stories” that
you can write about. In particular, think about those situations where you have learned something or
grown as a person. The story does not have to be (entirely) true, but it is often easier to write about
something you know. Certainly, invent or embellish some details to meet the requirements of the writing
topics and make the narrative more interesting.
What to Avoid Writing About: Your trip to Disneyland or a surprise birthday party. Your examiners
have read literally hundreds of these stories. Think of your audience. You want to interest/engage them
in some way, not put them to sleep.
Some past topics:
People learn from a variety of sources.
The lessons we learn affect our future.
Satisfaction comes from helping others.
Culture is often expressed through the arts.
Our toughest struggles in life come from ourselves.
Self-awareness leads to meaningful change.
Well, there you go.
Follow these tips and tricks and
you will do better.
Would I lie to you?