Composition I
ENGL 1301
Departmental Exam
Option 1
IF YOUR INSTRUCTOR GAVE YOU SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE
FOLLOW THEM
After reading the selection marked “Option 1,” write an interpretive-analytical paper of at
least 750 words. Underline your thesis statement. The essay must demonstrate critical
thinking and be written coherently, observing grammatical, mechanical, and stylistic
conventions. Your paper must include at least one paragraph on each of the following:
Summary
Mention the author and the title of the essay, and then provide a brief summary of the
author’s key points. Include an interpretation of the author’s main point, which may be
presented either directly or indirectly in the author’s work.
Analysis
The paper needs to include a discussion of the author’s
 rhetorical purpose (aim) and
 methods of organization (patterns).
Some examples of purpose are
 expressive,
 referential (informative, interpretive),
 persuasive, and
 literary.
Some examples of methods of organization include
 description,
 narration,
 cause and effect,
 classification,
 comparison-contrast, and
 illustration.
Evaluation
Applying established criteria for what constitutes a successful expressive, referential,
persuasive, or literary essay, discuss 2-3 specific ways in which this essay is or is not
successful. Also discuss whether the chosen methods of organization are effective or not
and why.