Writing Exam #3 - Information and Tips

On Friday, 11/9, you will take the third in-class writing exam. Writing Exam #3 will focus on our four "Fast Food and Health" readings: Zinczenko's "Don't Blame the Eater," Campos' "Being Fat Is OK," Balko's "What You Eat Is Your Business" and Warner's "Junking Junk Food." 

Once again, I will provide you with the specific writing prompt on the day of the exam, 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
• All four texts, annotated (including the Zinczenko text in TSIS)
• Pens (not pencils)
• A paper English dictionary or thesaurus (optional)

Here are some tips to prepare for the exam:

• Reread and re-annotate the four readings.
• In each reading, note where the writer makes strong points. 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. 
• 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.