X1.3
ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTRE, DAWSON COLLEGE
EXIT EXAM: CORRECTORS’ CRITERIA
Correctors determine a letter grade for each of these three criteria:
passing grades:
failing grades:
Comprehension and Insight:
A
B
C
D
E
F
Organization of Response:
A
B
C
D
E
F
Expression:
A
B
C
D
E
F
In order to pass the Exit Test, you must get at least a C in all three criteria.
Essential Components of a Successful Exit Test Essay:
o
Clear, accurate identification of a main idea from the reading (in opening paragraph)
o
A thesis statement (your point about the essay or the story—basis for your discussion)
o
Reference at some point in your essay to several ‘techniques and devices’ of the author
o
Interpretation, analysis, and/or criticism of the reading—not just summary
o
Good paragraphing—including clear, appropriate topic sentences, unified paragraphs
o
Lots of specific references to the essay or story—preferably with useful, brief quotations
o
Well developed conclusions—your final, overall thoughts and opinions on your topic
First Grading Criterion: “Comprehension and Insight”
This refers to evidence that you understood the reading and were able to analyze and/or criticize it effectively. To do
well in this area, read carefully, annotate, and reread (if time permits). Think about the author’s ideas and their
implications, and discuss your insights and reactions in your essay.
In assessing “Comprehension and Insight,” the correctors will be looking for:
1) Your statement of a main idea from the reading:
Is it accurate? Is it clearly stated?
2) Your references to the author’s ‘techniques and devices’:
Have you mentioned several? Are they accurately identified? Have you explained their
effect or their implications?
3) Evidence of your critical or analytical interpretation of the reading:
Have you actually explained—not just summarized—the author’s points? Have you made
some judgments of your own about the author’s ideas or techniques?
4) Your references to the reading:
Do you make frequent, detailed references to the reading? Do you discuss specific details,
points, examples, statements, scenes, etc?
Do these references show that you understood the author?
Second Grading Criterion: “Organization of Response”
This refers to the structure of your essay and to your paragraphing. To do well in this area, outline your essay
carefully, paragraph by paragraph. Ensure that your introduction and your conclusions are effective, and give special
attention to topic sentences. (And ensure that your essay is 750 words in length.)
In assessing “Organization of Response,” the correctors will be looking at:
1) Your thesis statement:
Is it actually a point of your own about the reading? Is it clearly stated? Is it well placed?
Does it form the basis for your entire discussion?
2) Structure of your essay:
Does the opening paragraph serve its purpose? Does each body paragraph have a clear
topic sentence? Do your points follow each other in logical order? Are actual conclusions
given at the end? (Is the essay long enough?)
3) Use of detail to support your thesis:
Do your points and your references to the reading actually support your thesis statement?
4) Coherence of individual paragraphs:
Does each paragraph make one particular point? Do all details in each paragraph relate
closely to its topic sentence? Do the points in the paragraph flow smoothly together?
Third Grading Criterion: “Expression”
This refers to basic English skills. To do well in this area, draft as much of your essay as time permits, and edit it with
care. (If short of time, draft at least your introduction and conclusion.) Check the grammar, punctuation, and clarity of
each sentence. Ensure that punctuation marks and capital letters are correct and distinct. Make sure that quotations
are correctly integrated into your sentences. Use your dictionary to check spelling and word usage if time permits.
When finished, proofread your essay.
In assessing “Expression,” the correctors will look at:
1) Your correct / appropriate use of words:
Are there errors in word usage? Have you expressed your ideas clearly through carefully
chosen words?
2) Your sentence structure:
Any incomplete sentences? Any run-on sentences? Is there an appropriate mix of short
and long sentences so that your essay ‘reads nicely’?
3) Your grammar
4) Your spelling, punctuation, and mechanics (including apostrophes, capitalization, quotation marks,
hyphenation, etc.)
WM 2002