Final

The final exam will have two parts. In part one, you will have one hour to write an essay in which you explain how an author uses devices to develop a theme of your poem (60 points). In part two, you will develop sections of essays (thesis statements, introductions, paragraphs of analysis) based on evidence/information that I give you, and the work we've done and the literature you've read over the course of the semester. You will be able to use the Diyanni book for part II. (40 points)

Sample Part I.

Read and analyze the poem below. Then write a thesis-focused essay in which you explain how the poet uses particular elements to develop a theme. See the criteria for evaluation below.

The Turtle by Kay Ryan

Who would be a turtle who could help it?

A barely mobile hard roll, a four-oared helmet,

she can ill afford the chances she must take

in rowing toward the grasses that she eats.

Her tack is graceless, like dragging

a packing-case places, and almost any slope

defeats her modest hopes. Even being practical,

she's often stuck up to the axle on her way

to something edible. With everything optimal,

she skirts the ditch which would convert

her shell into a serving dish. She lives

below luck-level, never imagining some lottery

will change her load of pottery to wings.

Her only levity is patience,

the sport of truly chastened things.

Criteria for evaluation

Topic

	the writer chooses a significant, meaningful topic
	the writer discusses 1-3 literary devices as part of the thesis
	the writer shows how the author uses the devices to contribute to our understanding of the poem's theme
	the writer defines key terms, especially the theme
	the writer has a clear, arguable thesis

Development/Analysis

	the writer uses specific evidence from the text (quotations) to argue for the thesis
	the writer is logical in her assumptions about the text and has no factual errors
	the writer uses reason effectively to argue his points
	the writer reinforces his thesis in each section

Organization

	the writer divides the essay into paragraphs with topic sentences and uses effective transitions to move between points
	the writer’s ordering seems purposeful

Sentence Structure/Mechanics/Diction

	the writer uses a variety of effective, grammatically correct sentences
	the writer stays in present tense and avoids needless shifts
	the writer uses precise diction
	the writer uses correct documentation and integrates quotations effectively

Overall Impression--

	the essay meets the requirements of the assignment
	the essay achieves what it sets out to achieve

FOR HOMEWORK, POST AT A MINIMUM, AN OUTLINE, INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH, AND ONE PARAGRAPH OF ANALYSIS. IF YOU WANT TO POST MORE THAN ONE PARAGRAPH OF ANALYSIS, YOU MAY. THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST WEBCT GRADE.

Sample Part II: (These are the types of questions I'll ask, but not the same questions.)

Revise the following statement into an effective thesis statement: The worn path uses symbols to talk about determination.
Assuming you think John should be reconsidered for tenure in Oleanna, select the most important counterargument and refute or accommodate it.
Write an introduction for a paper with the following thesis: Faulkner uses characterization in "A Rose for Emily" to show that selfish parenting causes children to have relationship problems later in life.
Use the topic sentence and evidence below to write an effective paragraph of analysis. (I would include both)
Correct the grammar and documentation problems in the following paragraph.