PHIL 125
GUIDE TO THE MIDTERM
FALL 2015
Format of the midterm
• Bring a scantron Form #882. Please use pencil #2 for the scantron,
and pen for the short essays. Total possible points: 100. NO BOOKS,
NO NOTES ALLOWED.
• There will be 12 True/False questions; each correct answer is worth
1 point.
• There will be 13 Multiple Choice questions; each correct answer is
worth 1 point.
• There will be 6 “short essays.” Answer 5 out of 6. 10-9 points for
an excellent answer, 8 points for a very good answer, 7 points for an
acceptable answer, 6-4 points for a partially satisfactory answer, 1
point for an incomplete answer, and 0 points for a wrong/blank
answer.
• Respond in the write-in area on the test prompt; do not go beyond
the area. If you do, it will cost you a point.
Samples of objective questions
• The Book of Genesis, as you know it from your textbook, has
two stories of the creation of humans: Genesis 1, where man
and woman are created in God’s image, and Genesis 2 where
Eve is created from Adam’s rib. True or false?
• “Hieros gamos” means a sacred oath in the Goddess religion.
True or false?
• What is a hieros gamos?
• a. A sacred oath in the Goddess religion
• b. A sacred marriage in the Transition period
• c. A “holy cow”—a religious concept that shouldn’t be
challenged
• d. The name for someone who has been initiated into a
Goddess religion
Samples of short-essay questions
• Describe Eisler’s theory of the two historic social models.
Which symbols does she assign to the models, and why?
• Describe Lerner’s theory of the three stages of religious
development in the ancient Middle Eastern and
Mediterranean world. What is her thesis?
FAQs #1
Q: Will I be graded for spelling and grammar errors?
A: Only if it indicates that you haven’t understood the prompt/the topic.
Q: Will there be clues on the test?
A: Yes, there are clues. Look for them. But they will only make sense if
you have studied the book and the study guide!
Q: Can I use the material from the objective prompt as inspiration while
answering the essay part?
A: Yes, but if you quote directly, you will only get 1 or 2 points. Answer
in your own words.
Q: May I add my opinion in the essays, even if it isn’t asked for?
A: Yes, if there is room after you have answered the prompt itself.
FAQs #2
Q: Can I answer all 6 short-essay questions, and let you
(Prof.Rosenstand) disregard the one with the lowest score?
A: No, you have to choose which one not to answer. Leave it
blank or cross it out. If there are 6 responses, I will grade the first
5 and disregard #6.
Q: Can we answer all 6 questions and get extra credit for #6?
A: No, you may only answer 5 questions. If you answer all 6, see
the Answer above.
Q: May we leave when we are done?
A: Yes! Quietly!
FAQs #3, about the grading scale
Q: What is an “excellent” short-essay answer? [10-9 points]
A: An answer that (1) responds to all parts of the prompt, (2) is
clear and correct, and (3) reveals that your knowledge is deep
and broad = add relevant info if you can, and if you have space.
Q: What is a ”very good answer”? [8 points]
A: One that contains the correct information, but does not
elaborate (or one where there is a minor point that is incorrect)
Q: What is a “good/acceptable answer”? [7 points]
A: One that contains some correct information, but is either a
little short, or also contains something substantially incorrect.
Q: What is a “partially satisfactory answer”? [6-4 points]
A: One that is very short but correct, or has one correct element
but is mostly false.
Q: What is an “incomplete answer”? [1 point]
A: Anything I can salvage and give 1 point for.
ADVICE
Before the midterm:
• Use the study guide to identify and read important
sections in the chapters assigned. Read the study guide
several times and become familiar with it.
• Pay attention to “Who says what,” to lists of names and
ideas, and to the *asterisks/star symbols* indicating
possible short-essay topics.
• Don’t study past midnight the night before the exam!
• Get a good night’s rest
• Have breakfast before the exam!
• Bring water. Hydrate!
• Bring a scantron and several pencils, plus several pens
MUST DO
During the exam:
• Use a pencil for the scantron part, and a pen for the essay
part.
• Put your name on both the objective part of the prompt,
the essay part, and the scantron
• Read the entire test before coming up and asking
questions (look for clues!)
• Before you leave, go over your answers again.
• Remember: no communication with any other students
during the exam.
• No books, notes, or any kind of electronic device allowed
BREAK A LEG! 