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ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTRE, DAWSON COLLEGE X 1.

THE EXIT EXAM: BASIC TASK


The English Exit Exam requires you to write a 750-word essay in which you explore a main idea
from an essay or a short story. To do this properly, you must

(a) identify a main idea from your reading


(b) explain this idea and how it is expressed
(c) respond to it in any way that you choose

Your essay must have a thesis based on your response to the writers idea. As usual, your thesis
statement expresses the overall point of your essay, so consider it carefully.

Some Thesis Possibilities: Responses to the Writers Point

Support it: Xs point is valid because X is correct in suggesting that

Challenge it: Xs point is questionable because I disagree with X because

Evaluate it: Xs point is important because X shows meaningful insight into

Criticize it: Xs point seems illogical because X seems only partly correct because

Analyze it: Xs point represents a _______ view Xs idea shows his faith in _______

Compare it to another viewpoint: Xs point contradicts _______s ideas because

Relate it to current issues: Xs point relates to a major issue facing ___________

Relate it to your own experiences: Xs point helps me to make sense of my own experience

To support your thesis effectively in your essay, follow this general pattern:

In your opening paragraph:

identify the reading (mentioning title, genre, and author)


state a main idea from the reading (the point that you have decided to focus on)
state your thesis, indicating your response
give a brief preview of the points that will be developed in the body of the essay

In the body of your essay:

explain the writers main idea in detail


mention ways in which the writer expressed this idea (including techniques and devices used)
proceed by developing your response regarding the writers idea
support what you have said in your thesis statement and explain your views
refer back to the reading often (mention specific statements or details, or quote from the reading)

In your closing paragraph:

conclude by briefly summarizing the major points raised in the body of your essay
give your final thoughts on the writers idea and on the issues you have raised in response to it
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE

Step 1: Selection, reading, and analysis of the text

Skim all three readings and choose the one that you can respond to most effectively

Read it carefully, with attention to the issues that it raises, the main ideas that are conveyed, the
attitudes of the writer, etc. If necessary, pause to look up important words.

As you recognize a main idea that you could discuss, take notes and underline key points. Highlight
phrases that you might quote, and note examples of the writers techniques and devices.

If time permits, reread the text with special attention to the main idea that you are focusing on.

Step 2: Planning your essay

Brainstorm about your essay: How will you explain and analyze the writers idea? In what ways is it
meaningful or important? How will you respond to it?

Decide on a thesis for your essay, and write it down.

Outline your essay, paragraph by paragraph, making sure that your points are in logical order.
(You might actually write a topic sentence for each body paragraph as you prepare your outline.)

Step 3: Writing, editing, and proofreading

You will probably not have time to write a rough draft of the entire essay. It would be advisable to
draft the opening paragraph, edit, and recopy it. When working on the body of the essay, watch the
time closely. You might choose to draft, edit, and recopy, paragraph by paragraph if time permits.

If you have to proceed directly to the good copy, work slowly and carefully. Compose each
sentence before you write it, with attention to grammar and clarity. Pause to check word usage and
spellingor mark any questionable words in pencil and check them later if there is time.

Reread your essay slowly and carefully before submitting it. Listen to what you have written as if
someone were reading it to you aloud; see if everything sounds clear and correct.

Reminders:

Budget your time carefully. You must be certain to complete your essay and to proofread it.
Be sure that your essay is roughly 750 words in length but dont waste time counting every word.
No citations, page references, footnoting, or bibliography are required.
You may write in a personal tone using I or use a more formal, academic toneas you choose.

For further information or help:

The Learning Centre has a series of additional handout sheets covering specific aspects of the Exit Exam.

Workshop sessions are held at the Learning Centre prior to exam dates. If necessary, you may see a tutor
for additional help with reading or writing skills at any time.

Additional material on the Exit Exam is available on these Web sites:

Dawson College: http://dawsoncollege.qc.ca/lc/exit-exam.html


Vanier College: http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca/tlc/tlc/studytips/engexit/EngExitExam.htm

AD / WM 2003

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