Lester B. Pearson High School
Grade Twelve University English
PRACTICE EXAM
Exam Instructions: Write in blue or black ink.
Resources allowed: dictionary, thesaurus, “Types of Justice” article submitted in advance.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Use proper sentence structure, grammar, and spelling.
Write all answers in complete sentences.
Make sure you write enough for the number of marks assigned.
Write your name on each sheet of paper.
PART 1: SUMMARY (10 MARKS)
MARKS
5
1. Summarize the “big idea” and the main events of the story “Miss Brill” by Katherine
Mansfield.
5
2. Summarize/paraphrase the key ideas of the article “Types of Justice” by Michelle Maise.
PART 2: LITERARY ESSAY
(50 MARKS)
Using the short story “Miss Brill” and TWO other texts we have studied this semester (Oedipus Rex,
Hamlet, your book club selection, or any of the documentaries studied this semester), write a formal,
literary essay using ONE of the following ideas as the basis of your thesis statement.
1. “If someone isn't what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have
a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” ― Paulo
Coelho, The Alchemist
Consider the cliché expression, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Discuss how society fails to
benefit when people judge others before taking the time to discover the truth.
2. “How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.”—Wayne Dyer
Discuss the idea of retributive justice, karma, and the idea that people get out of life what they
deserve. Be sure to use the “Types of Justice” article, the short story “Miss Brill” and two other
texts studied in ENG4U to develop and support your ideas.
3. “There’s daggers in men’s smiles.”—William Shakespeare (Macbeth)
Discuss the theme of appearance vs. reality. Consider how symbolism can be used effectively by
authors to develop this theme.
4. “Every story has already been told. Once you've read Anna Karenina, Bleak House, The Sound
and the Fury, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Wrinkle in Time, you understand that there is really no
reason to ever write another novel. Except that each writer brings to the table, if she will let
herself, something that no one else in the history of time has ever had." [Commencement Speech;
Mount Holyoke College, May 23, 1999]” ― Anna Quindlen
Discuss the idea that writers are the voice of their time. What can the short story “Miss Brill” and
the texts studied this semester teach readers about how society has changed over time?
5. “We begin to learn wisely when we're willing to see world from other people's perspective.”
― Toba Beta, Master of Stupidity
Consider the function that point-of-view plays in storytelling. Use the short story “Miss Brill” and at
least 2 other texts studied this semester to prove that shifting point of view has the power to
change the world.
Be sure that your essay has:
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Clear and logical organization
Specific ideas and examples from at least three (3) sources
Formal voice
MARKING SCHEME:
Level 1
Well Below
Expectations
Level 2
Level 3
Not Quite
Meeting
Meets Expectations
Expectations
Level 4 / 4+
Exceeds
Expectations
INTRO (direct response to quote / identify your own
original key points/ clear thesis)
Conclusion (clear summary of argument and
extension)
Topic and concluding sentences encompass entire
paragraph/idea
Use of specific evidence
Missing
Explanations are clear
Style (purposeful diction, good use of rhetorical
devices) is evident
Spelling and grammar errors are minimal
25 - 29
30 - 34
35 - 39
40 - 50