ENGL 205 Final Examination
Spring 2004--Knowles

The final will consist of a thesis-driven essay that demonstrates your mastery of course material by analyzing Edna O'Brien's The House of Splendid Isolation and connecting it to 20th-century Irish literature. 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, and how does it connect the novel to one other text we've read or one trend you've observed in Irish literature? Feel free to pick your own topic, but here are some examples: I'd be particularly interested to know, as part of your essay, what judgment you think O'Brien is making about the Irish "Troubles." Does the relationship between Josie and McGreevy matter? Does the ending criticize one side or both in the struggles?

FORMAT: Like the analytical essays 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.