English I Semester Exam Take-Home Instructions

The English I exam will invite you to do your best work of the school year. It will ask you to complete only one task: to write a "This I Believe" essay that defines or describes a belief that you have recently adopted or had strengthened as a result of your reading of a book in English I. Remember, the essay’s purpose, according to the series’ website, is to engage people from all over the world "in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives." Select one that challenged or strengthened your core values.

Between now and December 11, you may prepare for the exam by selecting a book you’ve read in English I (summer reading included) and by re-reading it with the prompt in mind. If you own the book, be sure to mark it, highlighting or underlining passages that you like and jotting down notes. The book that you select cannot simply be a book that entertained or amused you; it should be a book that changed, strengthened or called into question a previously held belief, sparked an emotional response, or introduced you to an entirely new idea, concept, or way of life.

You may not draft the essay at home, nor may you use a computer during the exam. You may not confer with anyone other than another Webb freshman, Dr. Hood, Mr. Rich, or Mr. Smith. To the exam you must bring the book about which you will write and one page of notes (one side of one page of paper, please), your punctuation pocket, your Writers INC, and a pen. Paper will be provided.

The classroom environment will be that of an Exam Studio. You will be allowed to confer only with Mr. Rich; otherwise, you will work quietly and independently helping to create a work environment in which all students can concentrate on drafting, revising, editing and proofreading their essays. We expect you to produce your best, most thoughtful, and most engaging written work of the school year.

Mr. Rich will be there to advise and guide you along the way, but the advice and guidance will be brief and concise; you are expected to do your own work.

Exam Day Directions

This exam requires two hours of purposeful work. No one will be allowed to leave before those two hours have elapsed. Write in ink on one side of the paper, skipping one or two lines to leave room for revising, editing and proofreading. Staple the final copy, all drafts (oldest on the bottom), and your notes to the back of the exam. (Label these parts clearly and number your pages.)