The following exam tips are for both history 102 and history 103.

TIPS FOR SURVIVING PROF. MAY’S EXAMS:

BLUE BOOKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL EXAMS. CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE BOOKSTORE.

MULTIPLE CHOICE: REVIEW ALL LECTURE NOTES; TEXT READINGS.

ID’s - ID’s should be a minimum of 6 - 8 factual phrases in sentence format defining the item and its historical significance. You should basically cover Who, What Where, When, How and Why - the significance in history of this person or event.

ESSAY QUESTIONS: All essays should begin with a thesis statement. The body of the essay will contain FACTS, which support the thesis. The essay should have a conclusion at the end which can summarize the discussion, and/or give a personal view, and smoothly end the discussion.

Since you have advance preparation time, begin with locating all the information from the text, your readings and your notes on the topic. Form your thesis, outline your discussion and the facts you will use to support your argument, and your conclusion. Some students find it helpful to actually write their essay out to determine if there are gaps or unclear areas. Remember, you must budget your time. You should plan no more than 20-25 minutes for your essay.

SUGGESTIONS:

1. Prepare. Don’t just write the first thing that comes into your head. Organize your thoughts before you begin to write. Jot down an outline on the inside cover of your bluebook to help you stay on target with your discussion.

2. Write an essay which is unified and a complete statement of the topic. Begin with a thesis statement; then develop the thesis, stating details, and summarize briefly to end.

2. Check to see if you will be able to fit your planned essay into the time frame for the exam. You must allow time for the multiple-choice and the ID’s - I would allow 20 minutes minimum for the essay.

3. Your answer must follow the question, answering all parts. Check to make sure you have done this.

4. CARDINAL RULE: BE SPECIFIC, BE SPECIFIC, BE SPECIFIC. Support every generalization with evidence and facts. The more detailed and factual your answer, the better your grade.

5. Word meanings:
  • Discuss: Examine and explain.
  • Summarize: Briefly state specific facts and ideas.
  • Compare: Study or similar and dissimilar aspects of two things, ideas, people. Generally deal with the same aspect applied to both things, ideas and people, continuing in the same manner with the next aspect, then the next, etc.
  • Analyze: divide into component parts.
  • List: catalogue in numerical order.
  • Evaluate: Provide a judgment based on your stated criteria.
  • Define: State precise meaning.
  • Trace: Follow a pattern through a large mass of material.
  • Identify: State as requested.
  • A. WRITE IN COMPLETE GRAMMATICAL SENTENCES
  • B. WRITE LEGIBLY IN INK,- BLUE OR BLACK ONLY, OR A DARK SHARP PENCIL (You can buy erasable ink pens at the bookstore).
  • C. LEAVE MARGINS AND SPACE BETWEEN QUESTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, IF YOU REMEMBER SOMETHING LATER.

      8. Watch your time so that you can answer all questions.

      9. When you finish the whole exam, re-read to correct or expand.