How to Reach Me: §You can continue to contact me by after our classes end.

Writing Under Pressure (Those essay exams!)

Writing essay exams -- before the exam §Review the outline, course notes, and your class notes to identify key topics and themes §Memorize some details §Anticipate the questions or kinds of questions §Study by making summaries of your notes, condensing sections of notes

For literature exams... §Reread the works! If you are really familiar with the works themselves, you should be able to approach the exam with confidence.

Before the exam §Make up a few questions on your own or with a study group §Practice writing answers as part of exam preparation §Eat properly and GET ENOUGH SLEEP!!

Making sure you’re comfortable at the exam: §Bring more than one of your favorite pens §If the professor permits it, bring water to drink (do not bring glass bottles!) §Dress comfortably §Sit where you’ll be most comfortable (and where there are the fewest distractions)

At the exam... §Write down everything you’re afraid you will forget §Review the ENTIRE exam questionnaire §Note any restrictions §Plan your time -- and STICK to the plan §Choose your questions §Answer the easy questions first

At the exam... §Read the questions carefully; identify the focus, your task, and the KEY WORDS §Make a scratch outline §Leave four or five lines at the bottom of each page §Double-space everything!

At the exam... §Go for content, not appearance  don’t waste time recopying everything §For essay questions, write an essay with a beginning, middle, and end (PLAN your essay!) §Make sure you have a thesis §Include details you can remember

At the exam... §Double check your answer against the question §Proofread to insert missing words, etc. §Make additions in the space at the bottom of the page... just make sure that the professor can follow and can tell what should go where! §Plan to spend the entire time allotted for the exam planning, writing, and editing your essays.

Professors’ Expectations §Essays: l provide clear, focused, full discussion l based on wide research l present a logical argument l presented in standard format §Exams: l clear, and as “full” as exam time permits l based on thoughtful review of course materials l looser structure is acceptable l legible

Exam time! §Don’t panic! You have the resources to do this -- just prepare yourself as much as you can in advance, and try to relax when it’s time to write! Before you know it, it will all be over, and you’ll be GONE!