Writing English Final Examination, 24 December 2001

Instructions

Preparation:

Find at least four sources related to one topic.

Each source should contain some facts or informed opinions, and should be credible, accurate, and reasonable.

You may not use bilingual (Chinese and Engligh) sources.

Bring me the sources, on paper, no later than 17 December.

If you do not hand in sources by 17 Dec, I will give you sources of my choice. You will not earn any points for sources on the exam (100 out of 400 points).

I will return your sources to you in one week or less. Read and become familiar with your sources. You may make notes on your sources.

Sleep

The Exam:

Bring paper, pens, and your sources. This is an "open-book" test, meaning that you may bring reference materials, such as a dictionary or textbook. You may bring written notes. Bring these instructions.

You will receive a list of theses. Choose one thesis from the list. If you hand in four sources, you will have three choices; six sources, four choices, eight sources, five choices, and so on.

Write an argumentative essay supporting your chosen thesis.

Include at least two or three main arguments.

Include several counter-arguments, and refute (disprove) them.

Your paper should be long enough to clearly state and support all of your arguments, using examples, logic, details, and facts as needed.

Use at least three of your sources in the paper, either as direct quotations or to support your statements. Include a citation (Author's name, Article title, Publication title, Publication date, and page number) for each source that you use.

You have three hours.

Focus on expressing your ideas as clearly as possible. Grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and diction will all be considered, but most important is to communicate a good argument.

After the Exam:

Relax.

Go for pizza and root beer.

Explain in class: (this is a joke) Instead of an argumentative essay, you may do any of the finals in [handout: http://www.laughnet.net/archive/college/final.htm]. If you choose the PoliSci, Engineering, Music, or Medicine final, please let me know three days before the final so I can arrange for the red telephone, tiger, piano, or scotch, respectively.