This sampler discusses California's English-language arts assessment program and presents examples of high school reading assessments, writing assessments, and writing prompts. The first section of the sampler takes an integrated look at the California's new English-language arts assessment. The second section presents the scoring guide for reading, three student responses to a sample high school reading prompt, and commentary on each student response using the criteria in the scoring guide. The third section of the sampler offers scoring guides and sample student papers for the four types of writing assessed in the spring 1993 assessment: autobiographical incident; interpretation; reflective essay; and speculation about causes and effects. The fourth section presents a writing prompt: a short story with directions for students to write about their reading; guidelines for students on working in small groups to discuss the story; and two writing assignments based on the short story. (RS)