Exam Orientation for English for Studying Chair tutor: Cao Wen

Outline What is the exam focus? How should I deal with the exam? This orientation will deal with the following issues:  Exam focus What is the exam focus?  Exam-taking techniques How should I deal with the exam?

Part One What is the exam focus? This part will deal with the following issues: What is the exam focus?  Exam focus

Exam Focus Summary writing. Essay writing Writing summaries (Unit 3, Activity Four) Essay writing expositions (Unit 6) argumentations (Unit 7)

Exam focus Whatever writing tasks, you need to understand and be able to apply to your own writing: Features (7 types of writing) Organization (Coherence, cohesiveness, topic sentences ) Language Layout

This is the end of Part One.

Part Two How should I deal with the exam? This part will deal with the following issues:  Exam-taking techniques How should I deal with the exam?

Section I: Summary writing Do’s and Don’ts Do stick to the length requirement (70 ~100 words). Do use your own words. Don’t copy sentences from the passage. Do focus on the main ideas and ignore the details. Don’t add your personal views. Do keep the tense and the point of view the same with the passage. Do follow the sequence of the information presented.

An example for summary writing 2) Known for the most attractive peoples in Europe, the Swedes are traditional in social relationships, yet modern in technological advances. They follow strict rules and traditions in social situations. Moreover, they stick to punctuality in the respect for their people and people from other countries. On the other hand, they show their progressiveness by equipping their homes and outdoor places with efficient modern devices. They have also made use of the modern technology to modify the social system. Summary – An example 1) The Swedes are among the most attractive peoples in Europe. Their charm comes from an obvious contradiction in the national character. All social occasions in Sweden are regulated by rules and traditions, which are expressed in a specific rite. The Swedish acceptance of modern technological equipment is equally attractive. Since the Swedes are an efficient people, punctuality is more than a virtue to them. It is the way they respect their friends.

Marking criteria for summary writing Check that all the information is included on the main aspects. (20 points) Check that all the information is organized logically – main points listed in the order they are presented, the use of transitional markers such as “moreover”, “also”, “on the other hand”, etc. (8 points) Check that the language used is appropriate and accurate. The summary is written in the students’ own words. (12 points)

Section II: Essay writing Do’s and Don’ts Do read the instructions carefully to fully understand the requirement on the topic, the type, the length, the audience, the format, etc. Do wisely manage the time: 5 minutes to study the instruction, 10 minutes to brainstorm and form an outline, 30~40 minutes to write, 15 minutes to check grammar and spelling or to polish. Do keep nice layout and neat handwriting.

An example for essay writing Essay writing – An example Write an expository essay of 300~400 words on the following topic: Pollution Around Us. You should write 3~5 paragraphs including the following 3 sections: 1. An Introductory Paragraph: An introduction to the topic; 2. Body Paragraph(s): A discussion of kinds of pollution we have in everyday lives (propose at least three kinds); 3. An Concluding Paragraph: Conclusion. Note: The style of your essay should be formal, and the logical development should be clear.

An example for essay writing Essay writing – An example (continue) 1. How do you classify? Nature: air pollution, water pollution, sea pollution Place: home pollution, office pollution, public place pollution Visibility: obvious pollution, hidden pollution … 2. What is your logical development pattern? 3. Should you explain in detail the cause and effect of pollution?

Marking criteria for essay writing Check the unity of the passage – the idea presented in each paragraph is related to the topic statement. (20 points) Check the organization of the passage – three paragraphs, topic statement, conclusion, ideas supported by relevant examples, use of transitional markers. (15 points) Check the language use of the passage – use of grammar and punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, word choice. (15 points) Check the length of the passage –300~400 words (5 points) Check the layout of the passage – handwriting, space, paragraphing (5 points)

Paper work Do’s and Don’ts Do write your name, your student ID number and your learning center on both the Test Paper and the Answer Sheet. Do examine before you start that the test paper does not miss pages. Do hand in both papers when you finish the exam. Do write your answers on the Answer Sheet. Do write your answers beside the corresponding question numbers. Don’t miss out questions.

Summary What is the exam focus? How should I deal with the exam? This orientation has dealt with the following issues:  Exam focus What is the exam focus?  Exam-taking techniques How should I deal with the exam?

Good Luck With Your Exam!