Writing Examination

Examination Questions Answer the questions below according to the instructions given. Please note that responses to BOTH questions must be included in the same submission in order for your examination to be graded; otherwise, it will be returned to you for revision. Write a composition using one of the topics listed below. Your composition needs to be three to five paragraphs long. It must contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. For the purpose of this examination, sport is defined as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment without a predetermined outcome.” If you choose to explain why a certain sport is your favorite, please ensure that the chosen sport fits this definition. • Argue for or against the limitation of speed limits. • Explain why a certain sport is your favorite. • Compare and contrast driving in the winter and driving in the summer. • Describe a SINGLE memorable day in your life.  Write a letter of complaint. Follow the rules for a formal letter, and use the full-block style. The complaint may be about anything you wish (such as malfunctioning equipment, poor building maintenance, or disruptive noises from a nearby business). You can base your letter on a true experience, or you can make up all the details you need. Please note that a form letter or a template cannot be used in constructing your response to question 2. When a form letter or template is used, you are giving little to no thought to wording or formatting, and you are not actually creating your own complaint; you are simply filling in the blanks of someone else’s work.  Checklist Ask yourself these questions after you answer the questions for your exam. Is my composition three to five paragraphs long? (It must include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.) Did I select a topic for my composition from the list given in the instructions? Did I fully expand on the topic I selected for my composition? (Example: If you selected to describe a memorable day, you should only describe ONE day.) Does my letter include a complaint? Did I include all parts of a business letter? (This includes a signature! You can use a different font to indicate your signature.) Is my letter written in full-block style? Did I answer both questions on my own, without help from the internet? Are both answers saved in one document? Is my work saved as a Microsoft Word document or in Rich Text Format? If you answered YES to all of the questions, you are ready to submit your work for grading!  Grading Rubric Your instructor will use the following rubric to grade your work: Grading Rubric Excellent Good Moderate Fair Poor N/A (Question 1) Introduction: Establishes a specific topic and approach, as well as setting an appropriate tone/mood for the composition. Engages the reader and creates interest. 5 4 3 2 1 0 (Question 1) Conclusion: Provides adequate closure and reinforces the meaning/significance established in the introduction. Effectively wraps up the composition. 5 4 3 2 1 0 (Question 1) Coherence and Unity: Ideas flow clearly and logically as composition develops. Each paragraph contains one main idea (with adequate detail to develop that idea clearly and logically) and a connection to the ideas that precede and follow it. Clear transitions are present between sentences as well as between paragraphs. Student remains focused on one topic throughout the composition. 10–9 8–7 6–5 4–3 2–1 0 (Question 1) Spelling, Word Choice, Punctuation, and Capitalization: The composition is free of spelling errors. Appropriate language has been chosen for the topic. The composition is free of errors such as comma splices, misplaced commas, and inappropriate end punctuation. All punctuation is used correctly and does not interfere with comprehension. 10–9 8–7 6–5 4–3 2–1 0 (Question 1) Grammar: The composition utilizes correct and consistent verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, clear pronoun/antecedent agreement, and so on. Grammar errors do not interfere with comprehension 10–9 8–7 6–5 4–3 2–1 0 (Question 1) Sentence Structure: Sentences are varied in both structure and length. Sentences are complete, expressive, clear, and to the point. No run-on sentences or sentence fragments are included. 10–9 8–7 6–5 4–3 2–1 0 (Question 2) Quality of Letter: The topic is one that is best addressed in writing and/or by mail. The student has stated a clear complaint and addressed that complaint to the person/department able to remedy the problem. The tone of the letter has been kept relatively unemotional. 5 4 3 2 1 0 (Question 2) Parts of a Business Letter: The student has included and correctly utilized all necessary parts of a business letter (a return address/letterhead, date line, inside address, salutation, complimentary close, and full signature block). If additional aspects are included, they are used correctly. 20–18 17–15 14–12 11–9 8–6 5–0 (Question 2) Spelling, Word Choice, Punctuation, and Capitalization: The letter is free of spelling errors. Appropriate language has been chosen for the situation, fitting the requirements of a complaint letter. The letter is free of errors such as comma splices, misplaced commas, and inappropriate end punctuation. All punctuation is used correctly and does not interfere with comprehension. Punctuation and capitalization are both used appropriately in conjunction with the requirements of a business letter. 10–9 8–7 6–5 4–3 2–1 0 (Question 2) Grammar: The letter uses correct and consistent verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, clear pronoun/antecedent agreement, and so on. Grammar errors do not interfere with comprehension. 10–9 8–7 6–5 4–3 2–1 0 (Question 2) Sentence Structure: Sentences are varied in both structure and length. Sentences are complete, expressive, clear, and to the point. No run-on sentences or sentence fragments are included. Construction contributes to and complements the message of the letter. 5 4 3 2 1 0