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Final Exam English 120. Study Tips. Preparation: . Read the articles and familiarize yourself with the subject. Highlight the thesis statements and supporting reasons of each article. Prepare a Works Cited list using the articles I’ve given you.
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Final ExamEnglish 120 Study Tips
Preparation: • Read the articles and familiarize yourself with the subject. • Highlight the thesis statements and supporting reasons of each article. • Prepare a Works Cited list using the articles I’ve given you. • Create a “T” chart and list the “pros” and “cons” of the issue • Review your grammar handbook. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Final Exam—English 120 • The essay exam consists of an in-class essay based on readings • The essay exam is an argumentative essay • You will be graded on your reading skills, interpretation skills, and your ability to use English fluently and accurately. • Passing your final exam means that you are ready for English 101 (University Equivalent) Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Composition Tips: • Keep your writing simple and straightforward. • Don’t use words with which you are unfamiliar. • Begin with an OUTLINE! • Know your thesis before you begin. • Include a minimum of two supporting quotations from the article packet. Make sure you identify the author/source. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Avoid These Common Errors: • Comma Splices • Run-on sentences • Unclear pronoun reference • Incorrect pronoun agreement • Non-parallel sentences • Double Negatives • Dropped quotation • No citations Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
COMMA SPLICES The death penalty provides temporary solutions, it does not create solutions for avoiding future problems. In the movie Crash, officer Ryan harasses a black couple, they are basically powerless to fight back. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Run-On Sentences • My mother can sometimes be so controlling I refuse to let her ruin my life. • The weather report said that it would rain today I don’t believe it though. • People must control themselves when it comes to alcohol consumption there are too many drunks making our roads unsafe. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
UNCLEAR PRONOUN REFERENCE • My sister and my mother went to Europe last summer, but she refused to let her wear a revealing bikini. • Mr. Martinez told Mr. Davitt that he deserved a raise. • My father and my grandpa have been great role-models, especially when he published his first book. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
INCORRECT PRONOUN AGREEMENT • All people have their own religion. • To be a good dad, men must be kind, loving, and strong. • Everyone should move their backpacks to the locker room. • Women must have their own bank account. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Non-parallel sentences • The reason why Jean does not trust the locksmith is that he has tattoos, the way he is dressed, and his head is shaved. The reasons why Jean does not trust the locksmith is that he has tattoos, he dresses like a “cholo,” and he shaves his head. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Parallel Structure: Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. At my last job I typed 55 words per minute, I filed hundreds of documents each week, and I maintained the copy machine at least one a day. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Avoid Double Negatives • He can’t seem to do nothing right. Can’t = Can not (negative) nothing (negative) He can’t seem to do anything right. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Dropped Quotation Obesity is becoming a health epidemic in the United States. “The number of children with diabetes and high cholesterol has increased 20% since 1998.” Correct: Obesity is becoming a health epidemic in the United States. Dr. John Parekh of UCLA Medical Center points out that “The number of children with diabetes and high cholesterol has increased 20% since 1998.” Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Always use a signal phrase! One researcher has found that“The number of children with diabetes and high cholesterol has increased 20% since 1998” (Parekh). Dr. John Parekh claims that, “Without proper dietary supervision, the average lifespan will decrease fifteen years by 2050.” Angela Morales, Glendale Community College
Final Tips: Be diligent about proofreading. Read through your essay several times before you hand it in. Use every minute available. Write with an erasable pen OR neatly draw a line through your mistakes. It’s okay to cross out sentences as you edit. This is part of the writing process. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College