Freshman English First Semester Final Exam Study Guide

Freshmen: Here is what you need to know about your first semester final exam. It comprises 20% of your semester grade. The other 80% is made up of an average of the first and second quarters. The first part of the exam is a 65 question objective exam (multiple choice, true-false, etc.) that covers all the topics we have studied this semester. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to, the following: The 10% Solution, our Seven Step Essay process, material from They Say I Say, the lead and conclusion techniques we have covered, the essay modes we have covered, literary concepts we studied while reading novels together, and free verse poetry. Study well for the exam - it comprises about 7% of your semester grade.

The rest of your exam grade will be determined by an in-class essay you write. You are going to get one of three potential essay topics. You are required to do a little bit of research for this, and must bring one sheet of paper with quotes or research that you intend to use on the essay so you can show you are skilled at integrating citations into your writing. Only one side of the paper may have writing on it, and you may use it on the essay only. The requirements of the essay are as follows:

1. An interesting and creative title.
2. Correctly-used lead and conclusion techniques that we studied this semester listed in your header.
3. A clear and compelling thesis.
4. At least one correctly blended citation.
5. Correct use of the conventions of the mode you’re writing in.
6. Double space and write neatly and clearly.

The potential essay modes and topics are as follows. Prepare for all three, as you will get one at random:

1. Compare and contrast your experience as a middle school student with your first semester of high school.
2. In a well-crafted essay, define who you are by answering the question, “How do others see you, and how do see yourself?”
3. Write a narrative essay that explains an event that helped shape you into the person you are today.