ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTRE, DAWSON COLLEGE X 1.1
THE EXIT EXAM: BASIC TASK
The English Exit Exam requires you to write a 750-word essay in which you “explore a main idea” from an essay or a short story. To do this properly, you must
(a) identify a main idea from your reading (b) explain this idea and how it is expressed (c) respond to it in any way that you choose
Your essay must have a thesis based on your response to the writer’s idea. As usual, your thesis statement expresses the overall point of your essay, so consider it carefully.
Some Thesis Possibilities: Responses to the Writer’s Point
Support it: X’s point is valid because… X is correct in suggesting that…
Challenge it: X’s point is questionable because… I disagree with X because…
Evaluate it: X’s point is important because… X shows meaningful insight into…
Criticize it: X’s point seems illogical because… X seems only partly correct because…
Analyze it: X’s point represents a ______view… X’s idea shows his faith in ______…
Compare it to another viewpoint: X’s point contradicts ______’s ideas because…
Relate it to current issues: X’s point relates to a major issue facing ______…
Relate it to your own experiences: X’s point helps me to make sense of my own experience…
To support your thesis effectively in your essay, follow this general pattern:
In your opening paragraph:
identify the reading (mentioning title, genre, and author) state a main idea from the reading (the point that you have decided to focus on) state your thesis, indicating your response give a brief preview of the points that will be developed in the body of the essay
In the body of your essay:
explain the writer’s main idea in detail mention ways in which the writer expressed this idea (including techniques and devices used) proceed by developing your response regarding the writer’s idea support what you have said in your thesis statement and explain your views refer back to the reading often (mention specific statements or details, or quote from the reading)
In your closing paragraph:
conclude by briefly summarizing the major points raised in the body of your essay give your final thoughts on the writer’s idea and on the issues you have raised in response to it RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE
Step 1: Selection, reading, and analysis of the text
Skim all three readings and choose the one that you can respond to most effectively
Read it carefully, with attention to the issues that it raises, the main ideas that are conveyed, the attitudes of the writer, etc. If necessary, pause to look up important words.
As you recognize a main idea that you could discuss, take notes and underline key points. Highlight phrases that you might quote, and note examples of the writer’s techniques and devices.
If time permits, reread the text with special attention to the main idea that you are focusing on.
Step 2: Planning your essay
Brainstorm about your essay: How will you explain and analyze the writer’s idea? In what ways is it meaningful or important? How will you respond to it?
Decide on a thesis for your essay, and write it down.
Outline your essay, paragraph by paragraph, making sure that your points are in logical order. (You might actually write a topic sentence for each body paragraph as you prepare your outline.)
Step 3: Writing, editing, and proofreading
You will probably not have time to write a rough draft of the entire essay. It would be advisable to draft the opening paragraph, edit, and recopy it. When working on the body of the essay, watch the time closely. You might choose to draft, edit, and recopy, paragraph by paragraph if time permits.
If you have to proceed directly to the good copy, work slowly and carefully. Compose each sentence before you write it, with attention to grammar and clarity. Pause to check word usage and spelling—or mark any questionable words in pencil and check them later if there is time.
Reread your essay slowly and carefully before submitting it. Listen to what you have written as if someone were reading it to you aloud; see if everything sounds clear and correct.
Reminders:
Budget your time carefully. You must be certain to complete your essay and to proofread it. Be sure that your essay is roughly 750 words in length but don’t waste time counting every word. No citations, page references, footnoting, or bibliography are required. You may write in a personal tone using “I…” or use a more formal, academic tone—as you choose.
For further information or help:
The Learning Centre has a series of additional handout sheets covering specific aspects of the Exit Exam.
Workshop sessions are held at the Learning Centre prior to exam dates. If necessary, you may see a tutor for additional help with reading or writing skills at any time.
Additional material on the Exit Exam is available on these Web sites:
Dawson College: http://dawsoncollege.qc.ca/lc/exit-exam.html Vanier College: http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/tlc/tlc/studytips/engexit/EngExitExam.htm
AD / WM 2003