MINISTERIAL EXAMINATION OF COLLEGE ENGLISH
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION AND LITERATURE
19 DECEMBER 2012
WRITING GUIDELINES
The task: Write an essay of at least 750 words based on a main idea in ONE of the three
readings. Interpret the reading and discuss the ways in which the author develops the main
idea in the text as a whole. Do not simply summarize the main points of the reading or write
an essay that does not analyze the text itself. Be certain to write the required number of
words.
READING 1:
A short story
“The Bath” by Raymond Carver
Write an essay that develops a thesis statement about a main idea in Carver’s story. In your
interpretation and analysis of the author’s text, be sure to explain his use of techniques and
devices.* Make appropriate references to the reading.
READING 2:
An essay
“The Backstory” by Ann Hui
Write an essay that develops a thesis statement about a main idea in Hui’s text. In your
interpretation and analysis of the author’s work, be sure to explain her use of techniques and
devices.* Make appropriate references to the reading.
READING 3:
A short story
“Magic Jane” by Roz Warren
Write an essay that develops a thesis statement about a main idea in Warren’s story. In your
interpretation and analysis of the author’s text, be sure to explain her use of techniques and
devices.* Make appropriate references to the reading.
*
Techniques and devices may include the following: allusion, analogy, appeal to authority, cause and
effect, characterization, comparison, contrast, definition, description, dialogue, diction, empirical evidence,
enumeration, example, flashback, foreshadowing, imagery, irony, level of language, metaphor, narration,
narrative point of view, refutation of opposing views, repetition, rhetorical questions, setting, symbolism,
and tone. You may discuss other techniques and devices as well.