English 101

Final Examination

Type your answers in RED below each question/prompt.

5 pts. each
1. Explain what the importance of the Rhetorical Triangle as described in your handbook.

The interaction among writer, topic, and audience makes up the rhetorical situation of writing

(rhetorical triangle). Successful writers keep the rhetorical triangle in mind when writing their drafts.

2. Briefly describe three different prewriting techniques.

Brainstorming- once you have a general topic in mind just sit back and let your thoughts run wild.

Freewriting- write until you have nothing else to write about.

Outlining- list the things your going to include in your paper.

3. Describe what a writer does when revising a paper.

When a writer is revising a paper, they are looking for errors which can include grammar errors or

punctuation errors. They also check to make sure the paper makes since and flows well, as well as

looking for things they need to reword or move around in the paper.

4. Describe the difference between revising and editing.

When revising the author is looking to make sure the paper flows together and makes since. When

editing, the author is actually going in and changing things around and correcting mistakes.

5. What is a comma splice? A fused sentence? How can these errors be repaired?

A comma splice is a punctuation error that can occure when independent clauses are joined only by a

comma but are missing a coordinating conjunction or when a comma is used instead of a semicolon

between two independent clauses. A fused sentence or run-on sentence is also a punctuation error that

occurs when there is no punctuation between independent clauses, which causes the two clauses to be

fused together. To repair these errors you can add one of the seven joining words (and, but, for, nor, or,
 English 101
Final Examination

so, yet) preceded by a comma. You can separate the independent clauses into two clauses, change the

comma to a semicolon, or make one clause dependent on the other clause.

6. Define paraphrasing as applied to a research paper.

Paraphrasing restates information from a source, using your own words.

7. In a research paper, what should be cited?

Anything that you used in your paper from another source.

8. Explain four reasons why plagiarism is wrong.

Plagiarism is unethical, it is considered stealing. Plagiarism is a lost learning opportunity because all your

doing is taking someone elses work and putting it on a paper and turning it in. It diminishes your

credibility, as well as it may result in serious penalties.

9. Describe the purpose of signal words and phrases in a research paper.

Signal words and phrases tell the reader what to expect or how to interpret the material in advance,

they help you integrate the material smoothly and seamlessly into your writing.

10. Give three reasons for using a direct quote in a research paper.

You should use direct quote in a research paper as evidence, support, or further explanation of your

writing.

Reflective Essay - 50pts.

Write an essay that considers the following:

 English 101
Final Examination

Take some time to consider your experience in ENG 101 and, using the various writings you have
produced and the comments and marks made by your instructor as a guide, discuss what you have
learned about academic writing, in general, and your own writing, specifically, over the course of the
semester. Describe how the use of technology in the classroom has impacted your learning in this class.
What do you think could have been done to enhance your experience this semester?

I came into this class a little later than everyone else so I was a little lost at first but I picked up on things
quickly. I never would have thought that I would have a blog but I now manage two. I learned a lot of
new things in this class. Such as how to upload something to scribd and embed it into a blog. I enjoyed
coming to class because I knew it would be laid back and not over stressful which was nice at seven in
the morning. When I started this class I thought I wouldn’t have a problem with any of the writing and I
assumed I would get an A on all my papers. Well I found out that was wrong, and I learned a lot of new
techniques and writing styles. Although writing for me is my strong point I realize now that there were
some things that I need to improve on. I enjoyed the use of technology such as the class blog because i
was able to learn about my classmates and it was nice to see everyone elses work to get an example or
general idea on something if I didn’t fully understand it. Of course no one wants to write a research
paper but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I liked that we were given plenty of time to complete
all of our writing projects. I feel that I can write a better paper if I don’t have the teacher breathing down
my back because I don’t have it finished. Overall I really enjoyed this class except that it was so early, I
feel that I am walking away with more knowledge about writing and that I will construct more successful
writings in my future. Thank you for being patient with all of us and giving us plenty of time to complete
our assignements and thank you for letting me join the class late. It saved me a lot of time and money.

After you have finished your exam, publish to Scribd and embed in both blogs.