Examination Questions three to five paragraphs long
Answer the following questions 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 following topics. Your composition needs to be three to five paragraphs long. It must contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
- Argue for or against the limitation of speed limits.
- Compare and contrast driving in the winter and driving in the summer.
- Describe a single memorable day in your life.
- Explain why a certain sport is your favorite.* ((((BASKETBALL, BASEBALL OR AMERICAN FOOTBALL))))
*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.
- Write an email cover letter to submit electronically for a job application. The job can be anything you choose (it doesn’t have to be based on a real job listing), but it must be a specific position. For example, if the job is at a restaurant, you might apply to be a manager or a sous chef. Use full-block style for your email’s formatting. You can base your letter on your own qualifications, or you can make up all the details you need.
Please note that you cannot use a form letter or a template in constructing your response to Question 2. When you use a form letter or template, you give little to no thought to wording or formatting, and you are not actually creating your own cover letter; 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 chose to describe a memorable day, you should only describe one)
- Does my cover letter apply to a specific job?
- Did I include all parts of an email cover letter?
- Is my cover 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 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 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 Email: The student has indicated a specific position for which they’re applying and listed their qualifications for that position. The letter has a persuasive tone with an appropriate thesis statement and gives examples of the student’s qualifications. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| (Question 2) Parts of a Business Email: The student has included and correctly used all necessary parts of a cover letter (a subject line, salutation, body, complimentary close, and 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 cover letter is free of spelling errors. Appropriate language has been chosen for the situation, fitting the requirements of a cover letter. The email 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 cover letter. | 10–9 | 8–7 | 6–5 | 4–3 | 2–1 | 0 |
| (Question 2) Grammar: The cover 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 cover letter. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Totals |
