Your essay exam will be over readings about English and the idea of correctness. As you read these chapters, think about how they relate to each other and how the ideas in each compare with your knowledge and experiences with English.
When you find parts of the readings that are important or parts that you don't understand, make a mark in the margin so you can go back to those parts after you finish reading each chapter.
You will make a class presentation with a group of classmates about the readings on English and the idea of correctness. In your presentation, on a transparency or handout, you will share with the class: 1. the key concepts that you think are in the chapter, 2. important vocabulary, 3. three possible essay questions about your part of the reading, and 4. answers to any questions that the class has about your part of the readings.
April 7 Introduction to the Essay Exam Unit and Exam nightmares
Assignment: Complete the self-analysis of the OU Profile essay experience
using the questions on p. 19 in your packet. Read "How to Survive" on p.148
in your packet. Buy the additional readings for this exam at Ava Copy on
Boyd and Jenkins.
April 10 Studying Effectively for an Essay Exam and Critical
reading (presentation assignments)
Assignment: Begin reading the material for this exam. Read: "Common
Key Words Used in Essay Exams" on p. 152-153 in your packet. Complete
the matching exercise on p. 155-156 in your packet.
April 12 Analyzing Exam Questions
Assignment: Freewrite a page about problems you've had using English
correctly. How do you know what is correct? Have you ever received
conflicting advice about what is correct in English?
April 14 Judy's Sample Group Presentation, Exam questions into
Thesis statements
Assignment: Read: "Elements of an Effective Essay Answer," p.
149 in your packet, and "Writing an Essay Response" on p. 157 in your packet.
Work on your presentations.
April 17 The Seven Steps, and Course evaluations
Assignment: Prepare your group presentations
April 19 Group Presentations
Assignment: Read the sample essay exam answer on p. 165 and evaluate
it using the guide on p. 167.
April 21 Rules for any Good Essay--analyze a sample essay
**Today is the last day to submit any rewritten essays for this course.**
Assignment: Write an answer to the question you chose in class. Use the Seven Steps on p. 157 to get started on your answer. Be sure your answer has all the elements of an effective essay answer. You can experiment with timing yourself for 50 minutes to simulate the experience of writing an essay with a time limit.
April 24 Evaluate your essay answers/ Time Budgeting
Assignment: Read "Essay Tests" p. 150-151 in your packet. Prepare
for the exam that will be given on April 26 in class. Buy a bluebook
at the bookstore for the exam.
April 26 EXAM DAY Today you will take the essay exam over the
assigned readings
Assignment: Write answers to the Self-analysis questions
on p. 19 in your packet based on your experiences writing the Essay Exam.
Complete your Personal Error Inventory
April 28 Last day of class. Final exam materials
**Today is the last day to submit your Personal Error Inventory.**
Assignment: Prepare for your Final exam. Complete the course evaluation in your packet on p. 188-189. Answer the questions thoughtfully on another piece of paper. Your comments will help me improve this course the next time I teach it.
May 2 8:00-10:00 a.m. Final exam for section 004 in our regular classroom-- Bring your notes and your course evaluation.
May 1 1:30-3:30 p.m. Final exam for section 003 in our regular
classroom-- Bring your notes and your course evaluation.
* This syllabus is subject to change