Dr.
Jadwin
WGST 101C
Preparing for Examinations
Midterm
1
The exam
will consist of a two sets of short-answer questions.
1. Set
1 (50% overall; 10 pts. each) will be identifications of key terms. Identify the term, defining it and giving a
brief example. In this section of the
exam, you=ll demonstrate your mastery of key
terms (words or phrases) that are important in the discussion of gender.
2. Set
2 (50% overall; 10 pts. each) will be a series of short-answer questions drawn
from the APsychoanalytic Theory@ and ACognitive Development Theory@ sections of Chapter 2. In this section of the exam, you=ll demonstrate your grasp of a
series of related concepts.
How should I read
for effective learning and to prepare for exams?
a. overall
structure of argument - an argument presents a problem
i. opening
defines problem
ii. middle
provides evidence
iii. ending
provides conclusion about problem
b. internal
signposts; overall structure in miniature
i. topic
sentences
ii. italics
or boldface - terms
iii. chapter
divisions, headings, subheads
iv. ends
of paragraphs
c. How
can I figure out which terms/phrases are important?
i. Often
discussed or defined in class
ii. Central
for understanding an important theory or set of ideas
iii. important
words are used repeatedly by the author or professor - keep a list of
definitions for yourself
d. how
to remember all this?
i. write
down a summary of major terms and points
ii. respond
in the margins
iii. use
highlighter
iv. try
using the terms in conversation; try discussing arguments with other people
3. How do I write an effective short
answer?
a. define
the term briefly but completely. When
appropriate you should indicate who created the term and/or where it is likely
to be used.
b. Give
an example of how it functions or how the term might be used - preferably
choosing an example different from one already given in lecture or text. This shows the professor that you understand
the term well enough to think of an example yourself, instead of just repeating
one already provided.
c. Briefly
explain the significance of the term - why it is important for us to use it; why it has
evolved.
d. How
long should it be? One or two
paragraphs should be sufficient.