Students may be curious as to the format of questions for a short-answer/essay test. Below is one example meant to suggest the general kind of question you could encounter. Actual questions may be somewhat more or less specific; on occasion, I will quote a passage from an essay and ask that you speak directly to it. I may also drop some key concepts or terms into a question and expect you to use them.
In terms of evaluation, I look for persuasive responses rather than "correct" answers. You should be prepared to make an argument, show your familiarity with details from the readings and your ability to think about the main concepts. Short-answer/essay questions do not call for you to simply return information from the lectures; I would give a multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank test if I were interested in that. You will need to articulate your own reasoned opinion (or, if you prefer, make an argument). While I am somewhat tolerant when it comes to mechanical/grammatical issues on tests, you should have something strong to say (content) and express it effectively (organization).
| Sample Essay Question In Cameron's "Problems of Prescriptivism," she makes the broad claim that all users, unavoidably practice "verbal hygene." Write an essay in which you consider what she means by this and whether you find it persuasive. Then go on to discuss what kinds of hygene seem acceptable or unacceptable from the perspective of an English Language student. In addressing the question, you should develop at least two kinds of examples to test your reasoning: 1) an issue of "proper" English usage or Standard English; and 2) an issue involving political criteria. You may choose your own examples or draw
upon the readings but you should reference at least two of the following writers: Bryson,
Voloshinov, Schulz, Lakoff, Spender, or White. |