Final

ENGL 104 Final Examination
Spring 2004--Knowles

The final will consist of a thesis-driven essay that demonstrates your mastery of course material by analyzing Nadine Gordimer's July's People and connecting it to at least one literary concept. Pick one aspect of the novel you'd like to discuss, and answer the following question for a thesis: How does this aspect relate to the novel as a whole, both literally and figuratively or symbolically? Feel free to pick your own topic, but here are some examples:

character: Why is Bam, Maureen, or July significant? I'd be particularly interested to know why July insists on his servant role; is he mocking Bam and Maureen, or is he serious, and if he's serious, why might he be serious? Or, another question about character might be, do you think Bam and/or Maureen learned anything through their experiences, and if so, why might this be important?
symbol: Why is the gun, bakkie, or teacup, etc. significant?
dialogue: What is important about the way the novel uses dialogue?
point of view: Does it matter when the novel focalizes through certain characters?
setting: How does the novel depict the setting, and why is this significant?
plot: What is the climax, and why do you think it's important?
flashbacks: Why does the novel include flashbacks?
tone: Is there some dramatic irony (where the reader knows more than the characters) in the treatment of Bam and Maureen, and if so, why might this be important?

I'd be particularly interested to know, as part of your essay, what you think about the power struggles in this novel and/or how you interpret the ending.

FORMAT: Like the analytical essay we have written this term, this exam essay should have a thesis and topic sentences. The argument should be organized in paragraphs that deal with a single topic each. These paragraphs should appear in a logical order made explicit with clear transitions and should include analyzed details and quotations from the text(s). Because this is a test essay, I recommend some version of a five-paragraph-essay format with the thesis stated in paragraph 1. The essay will be graded according to content and format, not grammar, but do make sure it is legible.

To complete the exam, you will have two hours. I recommend you write on one side of each page so that you can insert ideas later by using an arrow to indicate additions on the reverse side of the page. Also, you may bring your texts, course notes, and a single-page outline for the essay to the exam. IF ANYONE REQUIRES SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR TIMED TEST-TAKING, PLEASE SEE ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Rubric:

A (5 points) B (4 points) C (3 points) D or below (1-2 points)

Thesis The essay has a clear thesis and topic sentences. The essay has a clear thesis and some topic sentences. The essay has a thesis or lacks a thesis but has good focus on a topic. The essay lacks a thesis and focus.

Structure The paragraphs have one topic each and transitions. The essay has generally good paragraph unity. The essay struggles with paragraph unity. The essay is confusing.

Depth The essay analyzes quotations as evidence and provides enough discussion to prove claims made and demonstrate mastery of course content. The essay provides quotations or brief summary and some helpful discussion. The essay demonstrates some understanding of course content. The essay relies on summary but uses it well and demonstrates some understanding of course content. The essay is mostly summary and/or fails to demonstrate understanding of course content.

	A (5 points)	B (4 points)	C (3 points)	D or below (1-2 points)
Thesis	The essay has a clear thesis and topic sentences.	The essay has a clear thesis and some topic sentences.	The essay has a thesis or lacks a thesis but has good focus on a topic.	The essay lacks a thesis and focus.
Structure	The paragraphs have one topic each and transitions.	The essay has generally good paragraph unity.	The essay struggles with paragraph unity.	The essay is confusing.
Depth	The essay analyzes quotations as evidence and provides enough discussion to prove claims made and demonstrate mastery of course content.	The essay provides quotations or brief summary and some helpful discussion. The essay demonstrates some understanding of course content.	The essay relies on summary but uses it well and demonstrates some understanding of course content.	The essay is mostly summary and/or fails to demonstrate understanding of course content.