Michael Ward @ Grant MacEwan
Exams
Format and Study Suggestions
Exam Format - applies to all classes
You will be notified of exceptions.
Exams are in three sections:
Look at how many points each question is worth, and divide your time accordingly.
Fill in the blanks
Self-explanatory, I think. There will be 15 to 20, worth one point each. Spelling is taken into account.
Short answer
You will provide short definitions or explanations of persons, places, concepts, ideas, etc. A sentence or two each is likely sufficient. Point form is also acceptable. There will be 5 to 10, worth three points each. Spelling and grammar are taken into account.
With both blanks and short answer questions, either you know it or you don't. Agonizing for ten minutes over one question is not a wise use of time. Do what you can and move on; come back later and try again if there is time.
Essay
Self-explanatory, again. Worth 20 points, give or take. You will have a choice of at least two topics. Spelling and grammar are taken into account.
Final exams are much the same, just longer.
Why do spelling and grammar count?
In a recent survey of 150 American executives, 47% of them said a single typographical or grammatical error was enough for a résumé to be sent to the bottom of the pile. Read the complete article: click here
Besides, we are all adults now, and this is an institution of higher learning, and you should know how to spell and write an ordinary English sentence. If you can't communcate clearly and accurately, you are in trouble.
Study Suggestions
- There is a certain amount of memorization involved; the brain is like a muscle in this way: the more you use it, the better you get at using it. Memorization is the same. The more you try to memorize, the better you get at remembering things. When should you start? I would suggest kindergarten. Failing that, start now. Memorize the words to your favourite songs to begin with, and move on to greater things. Do a little every day. Set realistic goals. You won't be able to remember a whole song in one day, or even several days. Don't give up; it will happen with practice.
- Essay questions: Think ahead about what you could reasonably be asked to write an essay about. For introductory survey courses, think more in terms of generalities and the broader picture, rather than specific details and individuals.
- Study Outlines are provided to help you a) organize and b) see the bigger picture.
- Click here for Classics 102 Mythology
- Click here for Classics 110 Early World History.
- Bottom line: You don't get something for nothing. If you want a good mark, you are going to have to do some work, maybe a lot of work. Embrace it. Difficulties teach you things.