FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

Composition

  1. When and how are semicolons used?
  2. When and how are colons used?
  3. What are the rules for using commas?
  4. How do you know when a sentence is in the passive voice?
  5. How do you change a sentence from the passive to the active voice?
  6. What is parallel structure? How can you identify a sentence with errors in parallel structure?
  7. How do you know when a subject and verb agree in a sentence? Give an example of a sentence with proper subject-verb agreement and one that has improper subject-verb agreement.
  8. What is the definition for a topic sentence? What information should be presented?
  9. What is the definition for a closing sentence? What information should be presented?
  10. What must accompany each quotation in a paper? What is the format if there is one author for the article/book? What is the format if there is no author?
  11. What is the spacing on a Works Cited page? In what order are the citations presented on a Works Cited page?

Outlining a Response Paper

A reaction/response paper has an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

The Introduction:
1st Sentence-State the title, author, publication, and main idea of what you read
2nd, 3rd, and maybe 4th Sentence-Give a brief summary of the argument made in what

you read
4th or 5th Sentence-Give your thesis statement. You might agree, disagree, identify,

or evaluate.

Body Paragraphs:

Each body paragraph should contain one idea that supports your thesis statement. In a 1-2 page response, you will probably have 1-2 paragraphs. The number of paragraphs is determined by the number of main points you have. You should use at least 2 properly cited quotesin the body of the paper.

Conclusion:

The conclusion can be a restatement of what you said in your paper. It can also be a prediction of the effects of what you're reacting to from the article. Overall, it should be a final thought for the reader. Note: your conclusion should include no new information.

Citation for an online article:

Last Name, First Name. “Title of Article.” Title of Main Source. Day Month Year (of

publication). Day Month Year (of access).

Example:

Gupta, Sanja. ”Kids Who Sleep More Cope Better.” CNN. 15 October 2012. 16 October

2012.

Your response essay will be graded on the following course goals:

  • I can utilize correct rules of grammar and punctuation in my writing.
  • I can choose words that best express what I am trying to say.
  • I can use appropriate support to develop a main idea.
  • I can structure my writing around a purpose.
  • I can use research to support a viewpoint.