English Exit Exam

1. English Exit Exam Nov. 1 2006

2. Agenda • Exit Exam workshop • Why we write it • What to expect • What to bring • How to prepare • How to succeed 

3. Why we write the Exit Exam • MEQ requirement • All colleges, all languages • Language of instruction • Importance of communication • Comprehensive test • Final check 

4. What to expect • Four hours • Read • Write • 750 words – less than 600 words = fail • Revise • Three texts • Short stories • Essays • Two booklets • Book One is for rough work • Book Two is for the FINAL copy • Markers will only read Book Two! 

5. Remember – they will only read Book Two – stop drafting and start the final if you’re running out of time. Time management is essential! • 10 minutes to quickly scan • 45 minutes to read ACTIVELY • 15 minutes to brainstorm & outline • 60 minutes to draft • 90 minutes to write the FINAL copy • 20 minutes to revise – Big 3!

6. What to bring • Your watch! • Pens • You must write in ink • You should bring spares • You can correct, so bring white-out • A dictionary • One you’ve used before! • Language dictionary is OK • Electronic dictionary is NOT! 

7. How to prepare • Review corrected essays for recurring problems – the Big 3 • Go to the learning centre web pages • Sample readings • Sample essays • Sample mark sheets • Good and not so good, so you can see where marks are lost, too. 

8. How to succeed • Remember the three criteria: • Comprehension • Organization • Expression • You must pass all three! • The criteria are included – use the instruction sheet in your revision 

9. Comprehension • recognition of a main idea from the selected reading, • identification of techniques and/or devicesemployed by the author, • evidence of critical or analytical interpretation of the selection, and • references which demonstrate understanding of the reading. 

10. The Short Story • Fiction • Tells a story • Evokes emotions, reflections and memories • Instructive • We learn about human nature • Underlying meaning = theme 

11. The Short Story • Main character = protagonist • Plot = conflict • Protagonist vs. Antagonist • Protagonist vs. Society • Protagonist vs. Nature • Protagonist vs. Fate • Protagonist vs. Self • Climax = turning point 

12. The Short Story • Narrator • Literary techniques and devices: • Setting • Characterization • Irony • Tone • Symbolism • Imagery • Simile and metaphor 

13. The Essay • The four Ps • Persona • Who is addressing whom? • Point • What is the main point of this text? • Thesis • Purpose • What is the author trying to accomplish? • Plan • How is the author achieving that purpose? • Evidence • Approach 

14. The Essay • Uses various techniques: • Descriptive • Narrative • Persuasion • Example • Exposition • Compare/contrast • Definition • Analysis • Cause and effect 

15. Organization • statement of a thesis about the text, • structured development of the essay, • use of detail to support the thesis, and • unified paragraph structure. 

16. Your Introduction • Approximately 100 words • You must include: • The title of the work • The full name of the author • The genre (story or essay) • The author’s main point • Your thesis • Your plan • The literary elements and devices. 

17. An example In A Scientist: “I Am the Enemy”, Ron Karpati expresses his belief in the merits of medical testing on animals. His view is based on the idea that "life is cruel", the existence of no viable alternatives, and the belief that good comes of the testing. He also states that animal rights activists do not have reasonable arguments and that there is a limit to the amount of testing that should be done. He puts forward several good arguments in favor of testing, which he supports with scientific and medical examples, personal experience, and comparison of his position with that of the activists.

18. Your Development • Approximately 200 words each paragraph • Topic sentence • Supporting details • Direct and indirect references (quotations and paraphrases) from the text • Identify devices/techniques • Analysis: reflect on purpose • Sum up main points and provide transitional sentence 

19. An Example A third argument is that good comes of animal testing.Personal experience contributes to the effectiveness of the article. Karpati refers to instances when he has seen children "alive and happy" due to recent advances in medical technology. His argument is also made by statement of fact. He lists techniques and drugs that treat conditions such as "heart disease, hypertension and stroke" that are based on animal research. These techniques would not be as reliable if it weren't for animal testing. Using medical facts makes the argument objective, rather than subjective. According to the author, families are still together, avoiding tragedy, thanks to medicine achieved through the use of animal testing.

20. Your Conclusion • Approximately 100 words • Fiction and Non-Fiction • Summary of the thesis/theme • Summary of the subtopics • Summary of the main devices • State a final thought on the thesis/theme • Non-Fiction • State your reaction or opinion • Agree or disagree • Interpret • Relate to your own prior experience or knowledge or values 

21. An example The author's arguments are effectively carried to the reader through the use of examples, personal experience and comparison of two positions. His ideas that activists do not have reasonable arguments, that there is a limit to the amount of testing that should be done, that good comes of the testing, that there are no viable alternatives, and that the world is a cruel place relay his opinion that animal testing is a good practice, and should continue.

22. Expression • appropriate use of words, • varied and correct sentence structures, • correct grammar, and  • conventional spelling, punctuation, and mechanics. 

23. Final questions • Take a minute to review all the information – what do you still want to know? • What needs clarification? • Good luck!