Tackling the Question Paper [Semester I]

Tackling the Question Paper for Semester I:

Firstly, let us deal with the first three Essay questions that carry 20x3=60 marks each.

Spend between twenty and thirty minutes on each ESSAY question, which totally takes 1 hr and 30 mts of your time. 

For answering essay questions, give a neat, catchy introduction. Use textual quotations to authenticate your views. Do not write extensively about the author’s biography. It is not needed! And, please... do not write the story. The examiner does not expect you to write the story, which even a fourth grader can write down with extreme finesse. On the other hand, the examiner expects you to give a critical evaluation of the text that you have studied. A critical analysis involves a creative analysis.  And, always stick to one tense form. If you start with the present tense, continue in the same tense form till the end of your essay. Finally, while summing up your ESSAY, remember to make it memorable!

And please do not overwrite. It is a great irritant to the examiner.

Now, on tackling the Letter: (10 marks) Spend 20 mts on this question.

A formal letter has the following pattern:

From

V.Wesley Samuel

I BA English Literature

Regn.No: 11ENG23

Madras Christian College (Autonomous)

Chennai – 600 059

To

The Dean of Student Affairs

Madras Christian College (Autonomous)

Chennai – 600 059

Through

The Head, Department of English

Madras Christian College (Autonomous)

Respected Sir,

Sub: Request for Leave of Absence to attend my Brother’s Wedding – Reg.

            I am V.Wesley Samuel studying I BA English Literature in our College with Regn. No.11ENG23. I request you to kindly grant me leave for three days from 02 December 2011 to 04 December 2011, as I have to attend the wedding of my brother in my hometown Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. I have submitted all the concerned details to the Head of the Department. Hence, I request that I may be permitted to take leave of absence for the above three days.

Thanking you,

                                                                                                Yours sincerely,

                                                                                                Wesley Samuel

                                                                                                II BA English Litt.,

Do not write ‘Address on the Envelope’ for your letter. It is not required.

Dialogue Writing: (10 marks) spend 20 mts on this question

As far as Dialogue Writing is concerned, use the direct speech as much as possible.

You may use contractions (“don’t”, “shouldn’t”, “can’t”. Make it lively and witty, and make your sentences short! Try to move the story or discussion forward naturally. Do not give long-winding sentences in dialogues. It takes the sheen off the main idea.

Coming next to Critical Appreciation of a poem: (10 marks) spend 20 mts on this qn.

In short, a critical analysis means, explaining by means of interpretations. And, interpretation is an individual’s response to creating meaning out of a given text.

Some of the features that you can bear in mind, while giving a critical appreciation are:

Title: - You can comment on the title, and say how appropriate it is to the subject of discussion. Does it generate interest, and hint at what your poem's about?

You can comment on Style/Symbol/Pun/Paradox/Antithesis/Sign/Metaphor/Simile/Language etc.
Content:
Who is addressed?
What kind of time and place is the poem set in?
What's the message of the poem?
What's the tone of the poem? is it serious/reflective/ironic/satirical?
What type of poem is it - lyrical/pastoral/epic/narrative/descriptive etc?
Form: Any set pattern or layout - like Ballad, sonnet etc.
Metre: Stress, Pattern, rhyme scheme, rhythm, alliteration, assonance, end rhyme etc.

Remember not to make it lengthy. It should be just around 150 words. Not more!

Sentence Correction exercises (10 marks) are meant to test your familiarity with the basics of grammar. (like tenses, reflexive pronouns, Voice, Articles, etc.

Do not waste time in decorating your answer sheet with multicoloured felt pens. They are a complete waste of precious time. Remember, what matters in an examination, is not the decoration, but the substance!

Finally, number all your pages: (they're worth the time spent!). Try not to over-write (especially on question numbers!).

The examiner wants to be sure that you have a good understanding of the texts, which reflects in the way you approach your questions. So, don't waste too much time staring at the blank walls, or watching the guy sitting in front of you, or giving a furtive look at the invigilator from time to time! When you're in the Examination Hall, remember, that you are at war!

And, there you go! All the very best.!