Geometry
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Regents Examination in Geometry: About the Exam

Test Layout and Standards
 

The Common Core Geometry Regents is a 3-hour exam and consists of 4 parts:
 

Part I consists of 24 multiple-choice questions worth 2 points each. Part II consists of 7 constructed-response questions worth 2 points each. Part III consists of 3 constructed-response questions worth 4 points each. Part IV consists of 2 constructed-response questions worth 6 points each. One question in Part IV will either involve a multiple-step proof or ask you to develop an extended logical argument. The second question in Part IV will require you to use modeling to solve a real-world problem.
The complete set of Common Core Geometry Learning Standards are listed in Appendix I. They are grouped in domains. Each domain accounts for a specified percentage of the total points on the exam, shown in the accompanying table. Note that some domains account for a far greater percentage of points than others. The domains are further divided into clusters with different levels of emphasis on the exam—major, supporting, and additional.

How the Test Is Scored
All multiple-choice questions are worth 2 points each and no partial credit is awarded. The constructed-response questions are worth 2, 4, or 6 points each, depending on the part in which they appear. These are graded according to the scoring rubric issued by the New York State Department of Education. The rubric allows for partial credit if an answer is partially correct.
When determining partial credit, the rubrics often distinguish between computational errors and conceptual errors. A computational error might be an error in your algebra, graphing, or rounding. Computational errors will generally cost you 1 point, regardless if the question is worth 2 points or 6 points. Examples of conceptual errors are using the incorrect formula (volume of a cone instead of a prism) or applying an incorrect relationship (congruent instead of supplementary alternate interior angles). Half the credit of the problem is generally deducted for conceptual errors.
Because partial credit is awarded on the constructed-response questions, it is extremely important to show all your work. A correct answer with no work shown will usually cost you most of the points available for that problem.
The total number of points you earn for all four parts will be added to determine your raw score. A conversion table specific for each exam is then used to convert your raw score to a final scaled score, which is reported to your school. The actual conversion charts are included at the end of each of the Regents exams in this book so you can convert your raw score to a final scaled score. The percentage of points needed to earn a final score of 65% is usually less than 65%, but the effect of the curve diminishes as your raw score increases.

Calculator, Compass, Straightedge, Pen, and Pencil
Graphing calculators are required for the Geometry Common Core Exam, and schools must provide one to any student who doesnt have his/her own. You may bring your own calculator if you own one. Many students feel more comfortable using their own familiar calculator. Be aware, though, that test administrators may clear the memory and any stored programs you might have saved on your calculator before the exam begins.
Any calculator provided to you will likely have had its memory cleared as well. This process will restore the calculator to its default settings, which may not be the familiar ones you are used to. The most common setting that may affect your work is the degree versus radian mode. Some calculators have radian mode as the default. It is a good idea to find out what calculator will be provided to you and how to switch between degree and radian mode.
Having a good working knowledge of the graphing calculator will let you apply more than one method to solve a problem. Some calculator techniques worth knowing are the following:
The graph and intersect feature to solve linear and quadratic equations
Tables to find patterns or quickly apply trial and error to solve a problem
Finding the square root and cube root of a number
Using the trigonometric and inverse trigonometric functions
You will also be provided with a compass and straightedge if you do not have your own. Bringing your own compass is highly recommended since the compasses provided by your school are of unknown quality. It will also be less stressful on test day to work with a compass that you are familiar with.
The straightedge provided to you should be used only for making straight lines when graphing or doing constructions. The straightedge may have length markings in inches or centimeters. However, these should not be used for determining the length of a segment or checking if two segments are congruent.
You are responsible for bringing your own pen and pencil to the exam. All work must be done in blue or black pen with the exception of graphs and diagrams, which may be done in pencil.

Scrap Paper and Graph Paper
You are not allowed to bring your own scrap paper or graph paper into the exam. The exam booklet contains one page of scrap paper and one page of graph paper. These are perforated and can be removed from the booklet to make working with them easier. Any work you put on these sheets is not graded. If you want a grader to consider any work there, you must copy it into the appropriate space in the booklet.

Reference Sheet
A reference sheet is provided to you during the Regents exam. The same reference sheet is used for the Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II exams. The three sequence and series formulas and the exponential growth and decay formulas are not part of the Common Core Geometry curriculum, so do not be concerned with them. You should be familiar with all the other formulas. Remember: anytime you are asked to calculate an area or volume, check the reference sheet. Many of those formulas are provided.