The Essay Exam
You will have approximately one hour to complete a multiple-paragraph essay on a given topic. You will not know the topic ahead of time, but you will have at least two topics from which you can choose.
The key to passing the essay exam begins with understanding the structure of the essay and the principles of good writing that are taught in class. In addition, you need to become accustomed to writing in a timed environment. This simply takes practice. Your instructor will also be able to provide you with some samples of passing and failing essays written by previous students. After you review the structural guidelines and timing considerations, write a practice essay. Click here for a list of practice topics.
Structural Guidelines
Introduction
You do not have to use a clever or engaging introductory device, but you must have a strong thesis that does not announce and has a clear plan of development. The introduction will likely be only 2-3 sentences, but these sentences should be clear, strong, and well-thought out.
Body Paragraphs
You are expected to write three body paragraphs. Each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence as its first sentence. Develop the topic sentence with appropriate explanation, examples, and other supporting details. Use transitions appropriately. Each body paragraph will likely run about 5-7 sentences. If you go much longer, you will not have time to write all three body paragraphs.
Conclusion
Your conclusion need not be terribly profound, but it should bring the essay to a definite and satisfying close in 2-3 sentences.
Formatting Specifics
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Do not put your name on the essay. Instead, put your GOO number in the upper-right corner of every page. This does not apply to in-class practices.
- Write on every other line.
- Write legibly.
- Write in blue or black ink.
- Write on one side of the page only.
- Staple multiple pages together.
Note that dictionaries of any kind and computers are not permitted.
Timing Considerations
Planning (5-10 Minutes)
1. Decide which question to answer. Be sure to carefully read the questions and directly answer the question asked.
2. Formulate a thesis that includes the topic and your point about it. Do not announce.
3. Think out your main points, making sure you do, indeed, have 3 strong and distinct points to support your thesis. Ideally, you will include these in your thesis or in a separate sentence as a plan of development.
Drafting (20-25 Minutes)
1. Go slowly enough so that you can think your way through the writing process and write legibly. Remember, you will not have time to write more than one draft.
2. Write a clear topic sentence for each body paragraph.
3. Use transitions appropriately.
4. Provide examples.
5. Be specific.
Revisioning (Revising)(5-10 Minutes)
Review your work and make sure you:
You will be able to make minor changes and additions. Neatly cross out anything you wish to delete, and use an up arrow to indicate where you want to insert any new information.
Editing/Proofreading (5-10 Minutes)
1. Check your spelling. Only use words you know how to spell. Don't guess.
2. Avoid sentence fragments.
3. Punctuate correctly.
4. Avoid commas splices and run-ons.
5. Make sure subjects and verbs agree.
6. Check for commonly confused words.
7. Use modifiers correctly.
8. Use pronouns correctly (case, agreement, and reference).
9. Keep your verb tense appropriate and consistent.
Grading Rubric for Essay Exam
Recall that to pass the essay, you must earn at least a score of 3 from two separate readers. A description of each score in the rubric is listed below.
Score of 6
This paper has a clearly established main idea (thesis) that the writer fully develops with specific details and examples. Organization is notably logical and coherent. Vocabulary and sentence structure are varied and effective. Errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics are few and insignificant.
Score of 5
This paper has a clearly established main idea (thesis) that is adequately developed and recognizable through specific details and/or examples. Organization follows a logical and coherent pattern. Vocabulary and sentence structure are mostly varied and effective. Occasional errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics do not interfere with the writer's ability to communicate.
Score of 4
This paper has an adequately stated main idea (thesis) that is developed with some specific details and examples. Supporting ideas are presented in a mostly logical and coherent manner. Vocabulary and sentence structure are somewhat varied and effective. Occasional errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics may interfere with the writer's ability to communicate.
Score of 3
The paper states a main idea (thesis) that is developed with generalizations or lists. The paper may contain occasional lapses in logic and coherence and is mechanical. Vocabulary and sentence structure are repetitious and often ineffective. A variety of errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics sometimes interferes with the writer's ability to communicate.
Score of 2
This paper presents an incomplete or ambiguous main idea (thesis). Support is developed with generalizations and lists. Organization is mechanical. The paper contains occasional lapses in logic and coherence. Word choice is simplistic, and sentence structure is disjointed. Errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics frequently interfere with the writer's ability to communicate.
Score of 1
This paper has no evident main idea (thesis). Development is inadequate and/or irrelevant. Organization is illogical and/or incoherent. Vocabulary and sentence structure are garbled and confusing. Significant and numerous errors in sentence structure, usage, and mechanics interfere with the writer's ability to communicate.
