ENGLISH COMPETENCY EXAMS
AT COLLEGE OF THE REDWOODS

English 150

DIRECTIONS FOR THE COMPETENCY EXAM

You will have ninety minutes to write an essay in response to either of the written prompts your instructor gave you in the week before the competency exam. After reading the requirements for the essay stated below, please take several minutes to plan. Then write the essay.

Think of this exam as an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the components of a successful argumentative/persuasive essay--thoughtful attention to the topic, a strong thesis statement that ventures a judgment, well-developed paragraphs, clear organization throughout, smooth and logical transitions within and between paragraphs, sentences which demonstrate both clarity and variety, and competent mechanics.

Make sure to allow enough time to cover all parts of the question; be sure to allow time to proofread.

REQUIREMENTS

Write an argumentative/persuasive essay that contains the following three parts:

An introductory paragraph. This paragraph may be a thoughtful summary of the article, or it may be a more conventional introduction (such as the ones you have been learning how to do in class), or it may be an integrated blend of both. At the end of this introduction, state your thesis in the form of a judgment. Remember: you are making a judgment about the issue raised in the article, NOT about the article itself.

At least two body paragraphs that contain support for your judgment. This support may come from several places: the article that you have been studying for this past week; your own personal experiences; and/or other outside information you may possess. A passing essay will contain at least two well-developed support paragraphs. Please remember not to simply repeat sentences from the original but rather alter sentences of the original essay in your exam --if you do not, this is plagiarism. Put the material you want to use in your own words, and if you include direct quotations, cite carefully and sparingly.

A brief conclusion that restates your thesis and thoroughly "clinches" your point.

When you are finished, make sure you have included (1) the introductory paragraph, (2) at least two body paragraphs, and (3) a brief conclusion. You should, then, have a minimum of four TOTAL paragraphs, including the introduction and conclusion. The paragraphs that contain support for your judgment should receive the most emphasis; that part should be at least two-thirds of the essay. Do not take time to re-write the essay, but please make it legible.

GOOD LUCK!