Mid-term test this Wednesday

Are you ready for the test this Wednesday, March 11? (Scroll down to the end to see what else we will do this week.)

The test will include a multiple choice section, a short-answer section and a short essay section. I'll give the test at the end of class, so those who finish more quickly than others may leave. I expect most students will take about 45 minutes to complete the test, but I will allow more time for those who want it.

The questions will cover material including the grammar and style issues we've discussed in class as well as several of the rhetoric-and-composition terms and concepts from the readings and class discussions.

Below is a list of some (but perhaps not all) of the terms and concepts that will likely appear on the test. (Click on the underlined terms to read their definitions at dictionary.com; keep in mind these definitions are general and don't discuss the terms in any specific context).

Narrative

Thesis (also explicit versus implicit theses)

Rhetoric

Anecdote (n.), anecdotal (adj.)

Premise

Satire

Irony

The personal essay

The argumentative essay

ALSO SCHEDULED THIS WEEK: Before the test, we will talk about the handout on "Literary Analyses" and the short story "Neon Tetra" by Eric Puchner. If time permits, we also will begin talking about "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver.