English Regents: Everything You Need to Know

What is the English Language Arts Regents Exam?

The Regents Exams are statewide standardized tests in core high school subjects. The English Language Arts (ELA) Exam tests students on the key skills of reading comprehension, textual analysis, and argument-based writing in order to assess their readiness for college and a professional career. The exam is required of all students enrolled in high schools in the state of New York.

When Is the ELA Regents Exam in 2024?

The ELA exam will be offered during three periods in 2024:

1. January 23

2. June 14

3. August 19

How Long Is the English Regents?

The ELA exam is three hours long. The test is broken down into three sections of varying lengths.

English Language Art Regents Exam Structure

The ELA exam is broken down into three sections:

1. Reading Comprehension (suggested time: 60 mins)

Students will be presented with three different texts: one literature text, one poem, and one informational text. After reading the texts, students will be asked to answer 24 multiple-choice questions.

2. Writing from Source: Argument (suggested time: 90 mins)

Students will be presented with four informational texts. After reading the texts, students will be asked to write an evidence-based argument using the four texts as their sources.

3. Text Analysis: Exposition (suggested time: 30 mins)

Students will be presented with one text: either a literature text or an informational text. After reading the text, students will be asked to write a two- to three-paragraph expository essay that identifies and explains the central idea of the text, and identifies one of the key writing strategies that the author of the text uses to convey that idea.

English Regents Scores

Is the ELA Regents Hard?

Many high school students find the ELA exam difficult. The texts that students are asked to read and analyze on the test can be long and filled with complicated grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. The ideas in the texts that students are asked to analyze are often conceptually challenging, too. The language on the test may also pose particular challenges to English-language learners.

However, we have found that with the help of a trained tutor, and with committed practice, even struggling students are able to achieve a passing score!

How Is the English Regents Graded?

The exam will be graded according to four different areas of criteria: Content and Analysis; Command of Evidence; Coherence, Organization, and Style; and Control of Conventions. An IVY tutor can help you to master each of the skills specific to these area of focus.

Each of the exam’s three parts is given a raw score that is weighted, giving students the chance to obtain a higher maximum score for each section.

How to Pass the English Regents?

A passing score on the ELA exam is 65 or above. Students may take the exam up to three times in order to obtain a passing score; if a student does not pass after three attempts, they will have to submit an official appeal to graduate from their high school.

How to Get a Good Score on the English Regents?

We encourage our students to use the following strategies to get the best score possible on test day:

1. For the reading comprehension sections, read the questions first—then read the passage with the questions in mind. As you read, underline key information.
2. For multiple-choice questions, cross out the answers that you know to be incorrect in order to focus on the choices remaining to you. This is known as “process of elimination.”
3. For the writing section, make an outline of your essay before writing. The outline should include the main topic of your essay, the main ideas of each of your five paragraphs, and the supporting evidence that you will use in each paragraph.

The best way to get a good score on the ELA Regents exam is to study with the help of an expert in test preparation. At IVY, our tutors can help students to develop the skills of quick problem-solving, time management, and general test preparation necessary for success on exams like the ELA Regents.

English Regents Exam Day Rules

1. Students will be prohibited from bringing cell phones and certain other electronic devices into the test room. Leave your cell phone at home if you can; otherwise, the test proctor will collect it and hold it for you. (Remember to shut your phone off when it is collected!)
2. During the test itself, you will be required to use a #2 pencil and fill out a scantron. Bring as many pencils with you as possible!
3. You can have water—but only clear water bottles are allowed! Otherwise no food will be allowed in the testing room.
4. Every student will be required to sign a pledge confirming that they have not receive outside help during the taking of the exam itself.

How to Study for English Regents? 5 Tips from Ivy Tutors

1. Take practice exams! The New York State Regents website has past tests available that you can use for practice. Try to simulate the conditions of the test day when you practice: set a timer, avoid all distractions, and score yourself afterward using the official grading rubric.
2. Form a study group! Everybody in your high school will be required to take the ELA Regents. Studying together is a great way to learn from each other—and also to support each other!
3. Study every day! Besides taking full-length practice tests, we recommend studying for the ELA exam every day for at least thirty minutes—beginning at least two months before the exam.
4. Take care of yourself! Make sure to get a good night’s sleep before the exam and to eat a good breakfast the morning of the exam; wear comfy clothes on test day, too. After closely working with an Ivy tutor to prepare yourself for the ELA exam, all you will need to do on test day is show up (on time!) and use your skills.
5. Work with a tutor! Great preparation for the ELA exam means learning strategies to quickly solve problems and identify correct choices, as well as building the essential skill of time management. Our Regents tutors are experts in creating personalized programs of study and empowering students to cultivate the self-confidence necessary for success.