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Writing Workshop - Common Final Tips |
HOT TIPS FOR TAKING AN
ENGLISH EXAM
1.
Get to the examination room on time. You will
have 75 minutes to take the exam. If you get
here a little early, it’s all right;
however, if you are late, you will not be allowed to enter the testing site.
2.
You may use the computer to write your exam. Computers are available
on a first come-first served
basis. If all of the computers are
taken by other students, you will have to handwrite your essay.
3.
Have what you need to take the exam: a dictionary, a blue or black
ballpoint pen, a bottle of “white-out,
and a good attitude (“I’ll do my
best”).
4.
Read the question carefully. Take some time to think about
the question and your answer before you begin to write.
5.
Think ahead and plan ahead. Jot down some notes for yourself in the
exam paper provided, or write yourself a brief outline.
6.
Answer the question. Start your essay by stating the question
in your own words; its all right to use some of the wording from the
question itself, as long as you don’t just copy it.
7.
Follow the directions on the exam. Be sure to answer both parts of
the question, developing each fairly equally.
Use four paragraphs as follows:
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First paragraph- introduction-3 or 4 sentences |
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Second paragraph- part one- 8-10 sentences |
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Third paragraph- part two- 8-10 sentences |
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final paragraph- conclusion- 2 or 3 sentences |
8.
Try to write logically so that one idea follows the other. Stick to
the subject.
9.
Remember to use good examples with a lot of specific details.
10. Write
as much as possible. If you get stuck for ideas, go back and read the
question again carefully. Read your plan again and look at the examples you have
already provided. You may think of another example to support your ideas or you
may think of a new approach to the question.
11. Be sure
to include a conclusion in your essay.
12. When
you finish your exam, allow yourself enough time to go back and make corrections
or changes. Keep in mind the criteria on which your exam will be scored.
13. Keep
track of time. Remember that you have a limited time to write your
essay, print it (if you use the computer), and to do any last minute editing.
Here are some suggested time lines (depending on the length
of the exam period):
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For the final: |
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first 10 minutes- think and plan |
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next 15 minutes-write your answer to part one |
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next 15 minutes-write your answer to part two |
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last 10 minutes-edit and proofread |
14.
Proofread your paper for spelling, punctuation, and missing words one last
time. It's all right to make last minute corrections on your paper, just make
them neatly.
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