Think

and Write

Final Exam Prep

Info in Unit 5 packet

Argument Essays

Introduction:

-missing or unclear thesis–which question are you answering?

- thesis too broad/ confusing

-no hook/ too abrupt

Conclusion:

• Not summarizing essay info
• No “so what”

Missing outlines

​

Summary and analysis:

• Missing topic sentences
• Too much your opinion/ not enough textual analysis
• Summaries don’t follow class examples/ too rushed and blend with analysis/ key points missing
• Too general/ incomplete
• Underdeveloped paragraphs
• Long quotes with little analysis (quotes don’t speak for themselves in academic writing)

Technical issues:

• Missing MLA in-text and works cited!
• Too much spacing in between paragraphs
• Not in Microsoft Word
• Quote within quote
• 6 paragraphs (vs guidelines)

​

Sentence structure

​

-run on sentences: Run On Sentences - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University

-verb tenses

-according to “We Should All Be Feminists,” feminism is …

The Tedtalk by Betsy Cairo describes…

Final Exam Dec 11th in class +

Dec 16-18 on your own!

Final Countdown

Dec 11th: final exam outline and draft in class only (20% of final exam grade)

Dec 15th: class party!

Dec 16-18th: submit final exam on Brightspace

Themes

Define the overlapping themes in both readings in your own words:

• College education

​

Think and Write

Select a quote from text 2. Paraphrase it. What does it mean to you/ do you agree?

Overlapping themes

​

1. Find the key term in both readings (1 or more paragraphs per reading)
2. Find a quote in both readings
3. Analyze the key term and quote in both readings: compare and contrast how the 2 authors approach this theme

​

Essay Intro/ hook

Hook

Intro to topic and context

Define key terms

Intro sources (optional)

Thesis statement

Outline

1. What is the value of college education?
2. Should everyone go to college?

Text 1 + text 2 title and author

Thesis statement

Topic sentence 1

• Support (quote, statistics, example)

Topic sentence 2

• Support (quote, statistics, example)

Conclusion

• Rephrase your thesis + personal experience + advice

​

Synthesis: Text 1 and text 2

Select one of the questions below:

• What is the value of college education?
• Should everyone go to college?

Write:

• An introduction with a thesis that directly answers one of the 2 questions
• At least 1 body paragraph that includes:
• a topic sentence supporting your thesis + introducing your paragraph
• a quote
• Paraphrase + analysis that supports your thesis

​

​

​

Practice before final exam

Your choices:

1. Select one of the overlapping themes. Create a thesis and write at least 2 supporting paragraphs, at least 1 per text. Include at least 1 quote per reading.
2. Write an introduction, including a thesis, and a conclusion for one of the overlapping themes.
3. Select at least 4 important quotes, 2 per text. Paraphrase and analyze them. Next, discuss how those citations are relevant to 1 or more of the overlapping themes. Make a personal connection if possible.
4. Revise one of your previous essays based on my feedback. Write a brief reflection on how this revision process can be beneficial during your final exam and in future semesters.

Final Essay Exam :: A Closer Look at the Rubric

The rubric divides into five categories:

1. Thesis

2. Support

3. Organization

4. Critical Reading & Thinking

5. Language, Syntax, & Grammar

​

Important Note :: A zero is always an F, but an F is not always a zero. For the exam, an F is around a 58%.

Think and Write

This is the last week of classes. How are you feeling? How long is your to-do list? Will you manage to complete everything you need to? Are you ready for the break? For next semester?

Final exam practice

For the final essay, you will be asked to read three questions carefully and then choose only ONE question to answer. You will then write a thesis-centered essay of at least 500 words in response to this one question using direct quotations from both our two texts.

​

Write an introduction with a thesis + at least 2 topic sentences to support your argument. Include at least 1 quote from each of the 2 readings.

​

​

Think and Write

The final exam essay questions are:

1. Is college education worth it?
2. Convince a friend to go to BMCC.

Which one will you select and why?

Final Exam Essay Questions

The final exam essay questions are:

• Is college education worth it?
• Convince a friend to go to BMCC.

For the final essay, read the two questions carefully and then choose only ONE question to answer. You will then write an outline and a draft of a thesis-centered essay of at least 500 words in response this one question using direct quotations from both final exam readings to support your writing.

Submit your final essay outline and draft here. The outline can be a screenshot of your hand-written work. Both assignments can only be completed in class, and make up 20% of your final exam grade. In your final draft:

• Develop a thesis that takes a clear stance or position in response to one of the questions.
• Develop an outline to organize your thoughts.
• Use MLA in-text citation to support your claim with quotes from BOTH of the final exam readings.�(You must use at least one cited idea from each reading).
• Discuss how the citations and ideas are relevant to your thesis through close reading and personal connections/observations.

While you can also use your own observations and experiences to develop your claims,�the final exam readings must be the primary source for development.

​