Hope your preparations have been fruitful, gang. Here are some mostly common-sense suggestions for success tomorrow, and a few words on what we'll be looking for:
Keep in mind: Since you've had time to work in advance with the questions, it will be crucial to build details and organization into your writings. In other words, know your way around the materials, and make sure you can write specifically on the topics.
I. Poem Interpretation
You'll likely be shifting between general and specific modes of discussion: balance. Point out quotes and interpret them to get at your ideas. Connect interpretations with the larger problems. Rule of infinite goodness: close read, close read, close read... Aim for 3-5 pages.
II. Identifications
Key is PRECISION. The more sharp and accurate your details, the more points you'll earn (i.e. show me you really know what the item is, rather than provide a loose list of related information). Correct, but less-than-relevant details will reel in fewer points.
III. Essay
Thorough + engaged + organized. Aim for 3-5 pages of *quality* prose and specific details. Leave out general statements and assumptions. Include a thesis (where you tell me the point of your essay), use analytical language, and use your organizational powers.
(blue books, blue books, blue books, blue books...)
Good luck with it all -- see you soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment