1. Final Exam English 120 Study Tips

2. Final Exam—English 120 The essay exam consists of an in-class essay based on readings The essay will be argumentative. 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

3. 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

4. Avoid These Common Errors: Comma Splices Run-on Sentences Unclear Pronoun Reference Incorrect Pronoun Agreement Non-parallel Sentences Double Negatives Dropped Quotation Missing Citations Angela Morales, Glendale Community College

5. 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

6. Correct 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Avoid 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 wears gang colors, and he shaves his head. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College

10. Use 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

11. Parallel: Professional cheerleaders deserve a better salary because they work long hours, improve team morale, and bring in money for the franchise. Non Parallel: Professional cheerleaders deserve a better salary because of all the long hours that they work, how they improve team morale, and because of how they help to bring in money for the franchise. Thesis Statements should always be written in parallel form

12. 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

13. Avoid Dropped Quotations 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

14. 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

15. Final Tips: Carefully read the articles. Know your subject and source information with confidence. Watch the clock. Break up your time into segments: planning, drafting, editing, proofreading. It’s okay to cross out sentences as you edit. This is part of the writing process. Use every minute of your allotted time. Writing a good essay is hard work. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College

16. Basic Outline Template I. Introduction A. Hook B. Introduction of issue/topic C. Thesis Statement (Your position +supporting reasons) Angela Morales, Glendale Community College

17. II. First Body Paragraph (Reason #1) A. Clear Topic Sentence in which you declare your first reason to Prove your thesis B. Supporting Evidence and examples C. Your analysis and discussion of these examples/evidence III. Second Body Paragraph (Reason #2) A. Clear Topic Sentence in which you declare your second reason to Prove your thesis B. Supporting Evidence and examples C. Your analysis and discussion of these examples/evidence BODY PARAGRAPHS

18. Angela Morales, Glendale Community College IV. Fourth Body Paragraph (Reason #3) A. Clear Topic Sentence in which you declare your third reason to prove your thesis B. Supporting Evidence and examples C. Your analysis and discussion of these examples/evidence V. Fifth Body Paragraph (Conclusion) A. Your restatement of reasons (try to use slightly different words) B. An appeal to the audience. Why is this topic important? Why should we care? What can we do?