Writing Exam #1 - Information and Tips

On Friday, 10/19, you will take the first in-class writing exam. Writing Exam #1 will focus on Siegel's "Treating the Pain by Ending a Life" and on Hendin's "Suicide, Assisted Suicide, and Medical Illness." I will provide you with the specific writing prompt on Friday, and then you will have 80 minutes to compose an essay that responds to the prompt.


Bring to class all necessary materials:

• A large blue book
• The two annotated texts
• Pens (not pencils)
• A paper English dictionary or thesaurus (optional)

Here are some tips for preparing for the exam:

• Reread and re-annotate the Siegel and Hendin readings.
• In each reading, note where the writer makes strong points, and be prepared to explain why these points are effective.
• Note where the writer's argument is lacking. Explain why the argument is weak.
• Focus on the specific "moves" that each writer uses. Where does the writer effectively use the TSIS moves that we have learned? Are any moves lacking? How might these moves have strengthened the writer's argument?

Here are some tips to use during the exam:

• Be aware of the time. Manage your time wisely.
• Spend 10-12 minutes on writing a quick outline. Without such an outline, your writing might ramble off-topic.
• Respond directly to the writing prompt. 
• Evaluate both readings (not only one reading).
• Use textual evidence (in other words, draw from the readings) to support your claims.
• Write clearly. I will need to be able to read your writing. If I cannot read your writing, then you might receive no points for this exam.