ENGL101 – Jewell
Timed Writing Exam
For this final writing exercise of the quarter, you may have a printed dictionary (not electronic) on your desk, but nothing
else. I will be grading you essay based on how well you respond to the prompt, whether you make and support an
arguable claim, the specificity of your references to the text, and the clarity of your writing.
In “The Joy of Reading and Writing: Superman & Me,” Sherman Alexie employs an extended metaphor comparing
himself to a superhero. How does he make use of this metaphor? In what ways does it help communicate the main points
of his essay? Does Alexi make any rhetorical moves to mitigate or influence the effect of the metaphor? Why? Is it
ultimately effective in achieving his perceived purpose in the essay? Why or why not?
Your answer should be approximately 400 words long – about four to five sides of a handwritten page, double-spaced. Be
sure to address the question directly and to keep your focus on it throughout your essay. (A good idea is to quote
important words from the question in the beginning of your essay.) Always support what you say with specific details.