June 2012

English 3201

Final Study Guide

Study Tips:SECTION A – SIGHT PASSAGES - Value 60 marks

  • Review terms for poetry, prose, and visuals.
  • Don’t leave any multiple choice questions out! Guess if you have to!
  • For the other questions (constructed response), use the words of the question to set up your answer. Then proceed to state your answer, using quotes or specific references from the selection(s) to support what you say.
  • Questions sometimes ask you to discuss the significance or effectiveness of certain aspects of the selection. Don’t forget to do this part of the question. It is usually worth the most marks.
  • Remember, that a question on significance is really asking you why certain words or phrases have been chosen by the writer and what they mean and why they are important in the context of the selection.
  • A question on significance is asking you about the power of certain words and phrases to emphasize, to create images, to contrast, to develop theme or character, etc.
  • Be sure that you have actually answered all parts of the question!

Study Tips:SECTION B- COMPARATIVE STUDY- Value25 marks

  • Know characters, setting, general themes, and conflict and decisions for all major works studied this year.
  • Before you begin:
  • highlight, circle, or underline the main parts of the question/statement. You’ll have to deal with all of these in your essay. People sometimes forget to get back to the actual question once they start writing.
  • Jot down an outline… nothing fancy, but enough so that you know where your essay is going.
  • Writing the essay:
  • Use proper essay format (include an intro that reflects on the question, a body, and a conclusion)
  • Write a well balanced essay that refers to both works equally.
  • Don’t just re-tell the story. Use the plot to support your points.
  • Don’t forget the conclusion. Restate thesis and summarize your points.

SECTION C- PERSONAL RESPONSE WRITING- Value15 marks

This section consists of a prompt. Students will be required to compose an original piece in the form of one of the following: a letter to the editor, an editorial, a narrative (monologue, short story or essay), or an essay (descriptive, narrative, expository).

The choice of original piece to be written will be prescribed on the exam.

The following categories will be assessed:

organization/mechanics (sentence construction), style (voice, diction), content

The writing is supposed to be a personal response, but students are encouraged to write a fictional account if they are unable to think of something real that relates to the topic.

Be sure to make it believable though. If you are writing about real people, be sure to respect their privacy and do not use real names or any other identifying details.

NOTE:How do I study for an English exam?

Be sure to be familiar with all relevant terminology. Most of the literary terms you need to know have been defined in class so refer to your notes.Literary terms are also on the 3201 course web site, along with a link to definitions:

Be prepared to discuss terms such as figurative language, conflict, diction, mood, imagery, point of view, symbolism, theme, tone, etc.

See your teacher if you need clarification on any of the terms

Take some time to review marginal notes taken in textbooks during in-class analysis and discussion.

Also, make use of websites such as and to review summaries/analysis of the novels.