PHIL 102B
GUIDE TO THE 1ST MIDTERM
FALL 2015
Format of the first midterm
• Bring a scantron Form #882. Please use pencil #2 for the scantron, and pen
for the short essays. Total possible points: 50. NO BOOKS, NO NOTES
ALLOWED.
• Plagiarism policy: Using unauthorized open books, notes and/or electronic
devices during the test, or consulting with other students, will result in an F on
the test.
• 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. 5 points for an excellent
answer, 4 points for a very good answer, 3 points for a good answer, 2 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
• Hannah Arendt is credited with introducing the concept of
the “banality of evil.” True or false?
• Alice Walker’s Possessing the Secret of Joy can be
viewed as a support for ethical relativism through her
support of tribal customs in Africa. True or false?
• What was the point of Herodotus’ story of the Greeks and
the Callatians?
A. to show that some nations’ customs are morally superior to
others
B. to show that we all believe we ought to show respect for the dead
C. to show that whatever you’re used to, that is what you consider
morally right
D. There was no point. Herodotus just told stories for entertainment.
Samples of short-essay questions
• Explain the concept of the banality of evil, and name a
person whose work is associated with analyzing it, and
the nature of his or her work.
• Define ethical relativism, give an example of the theory,
and mention at least one problem associated with the
theory.
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? [5 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”? [4 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”? [3 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”? [2 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 lunch 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! 