Taking Examinations on Literature Alling ENC 1102 Ch. 25 Roberts & Zweig

Objectives Memorization vs. Preparation Systematic preparation Study Develop & reinforce Anticipate & create q’s Two (2) basic types of q’s Responses evaluated Final tips for success

Memorization vs. Preparation Don’t assume you will remember everything we covered this semester. Instead, prepare . . .

Preparation means that you Study the material assigned, in conjunction with the comments made in class by your instructor & by fellow students in discussion (Roberts and Zweig 1401);

Material Assigned & Comments = syllabus lecture notes quizzes papers agendas & key terms/concepts on board instructor comments during class instructor comments on quizzes & papers points made by classmates during discussion

“Preparation means that you 2. develop and reinforce your own thoughts” (Roberts and Zweig 1401);

Develop & Reinforce Your Thoughts = “. . . week before exam, review each assignment, preferably rereading everything completely” Study particular passages that were discussed in class Review notes taken during those classes Reinforcing week prior = better than cramming night before

“Preparation means that you 3. anticipate exam questions by creating and answering your own practice questions” (Roberts and Zweig 1401);

Anticipate Questions = Review/re-read works actively what seems most important? what elements are repeated? what was emphasized in class? what did I notice the 2nd time around? Study with a classmate gaps in note-taking quizzing w/ Cornell method notes stress relief

Anticipate questions = Consider level expected by instructor: Beyond plot . . . literary devices used by author to evoke particular effects & to guide reader to view work certain way (characterization, structure, point of view, central ideas, etc.) Beyond reader response . . . various approaches to interpreting literature (critical approaches) Beyond summary . . . analyzing, comparing, arguing, researching, annotating, reviewing, & documenting literature & literary criticism (reasonable interpretation grounded in textual evidence & academic journals)

Create questions = Two (2) basic types of exam questions about literature: Factual/objective Comprehensive/subjective

Factual/Objective Questions Multiple choice: did you do the reading? are you paying attention to how the test questions are phrased? Identification: how carefully did you read? can you describe important details? can you explain the significance of characters, situations, places, & quotes? Technical: did you acquire the technical knowledge & jargon to analyze a work for its literary devices?

Judging & Grading Factual/Objective Questions How effectively you perceive & explain significant issues in question How intelligently & clearly you organize your answer How persuasively you link your answer to materials from the work as supporting evidence (Roberts & Zweig 1411)

Comprehensive/Subjective Questions Direct: did you achieve the course objectives? do you understand the philosophy of the course? Comment: can you extrapolate a famous quotation or broad comment written by the instructor for the occasion? Suppose: can you adapt to a hypothetical question and invent an original answer?

Judging & Grading Comprehensive/Subjective Questions demonstrate your power of thinking formulate your own responses introduce evidence that reflects your own insights & command of information (Roberts & Zweig 1411)

“Preparation means that you 4. understand the precise function of the test” (Roberts and Zweig 1401).

Function of the test = To assess your command over the course material (retention) To assess how well you respond to a question or deal with an issue (writing & problem-solving) To assess how well you draw conclusions about the material (reasoning & application) (Roberts & Zweig 1401)

Final tips for success ATQ (Answer the Question) Organize your ideas Edit your sentences Document your sources