Comprehensive Examination in English: Session I
Part A

for Interdisciplinary Teaching
Michelle Stappler, Regents High School Examination

This session of the Regents covers current Environmental Challenges in China. It can be used in classes of English, Social Studies and Sciences. Its format is structured to meet the New Standards in English required by the State Education Department

Session I: Part A

Objectives:
Students will be able to identify some of China's environmental issues and solutions to them. Students will also sharpen their listening skills and practice their notetaking strategies such as outlining and creating a "key" or code of symbols which are used consistently.

Aim:

• How does China handle environmental challenges?
• How can we improve our listening and note-taking skills?

Do Now:
What are some environmental challenges that affect a country with over a billion people?

1. Give out Part A: Task 1
2. Students T.A.P. (Identify the task, audience and purpose of the test prompt)
3. Read 'Tight million people throw away a lot garbage: 5,000 tons a day" (Time International, April 29, 199 1, pp. 16)
   Encourage students to implement note-taking skills and listen carefully.
4. Students answer the multiple choice independently.
   Do not go over the answers until the entire task has been completed.
5. Reread the article
6. Students go through T.O.W.E.R. (An acronym to remind students of the writing Process: Think, Outline, Write, Edit, Rewrite)

Homework: Write the rough draft of the essay

Possible Research Project: Have students research articles expounding on how China deals with its waste. They may focus on a specific area such as agriculture or economics. If possible include a graph and explain it. This can be a group project.

OVERVIEW:
For this part of the test, you will listen to a reading of an article about one method the Chinese use to dispose of waste, answer some multiple choice questions, and write a response based on the situation described below. You must take notes during the readings.

SITUATION:
Your Environmental Science teacher has teamed up with your Social Studies teacher. They are examining global environmental issues. Your teachers have asked you to do a report on alternative techniques to get rid of waste. In preparation for writing your report, listen to the following article. Then use relevant information from the article to write your report.

TASK:
Write a report for your Environmental Studies class, in which you apply Tianjin, China's techniques for garbage disposal.

GUIDELINE:
Be sure to

• Tell your audience what they need to know about the new technique to dispose of garbage.
• Use specific, accurate, and relevant information from the article to support your essay.
• Use a tone and level of language appropriate for a report for both your Environmental Studies teacher and your Social Studies teacher.
• Organize your ideas in a logical and coherent manner.
• Indicate any words taken directly from the speech by using quotation marks or referring to the speaker.
• Follow the conventions of standard written English.