The midterm examination consists of two parts. I have designed it as an exam that should take 90 minutes, but I am providing you with 120 minutes to complete it. In Part 1 (2/3 of exam value; 4-6 paragraphs; 55-75 minutes), you will select a passage and write an essay that develops and argues its thesis based on the principles of explication or analysis (or some combination of both). In Part 2 (1/3 of exam value; 2-3 paragraphs; 25-35 minutes) you will choose one of several literary terms we have been working with throughout the course. In a very brief essay, you will define it, explain how it functions with reference to a specific example, and comment on its significance by referring to one other text.

The purpose of this assignment is to provide you with the opportunity…
1. …to become familiar with texts from the medieval and early modern periods.
2. …to reflect further on the similarities and differences between fiction and poetry across time, and to incorporate drama into your considerations.
3. …to demonstrate to me the knowledge and skills you have developed up to this point in the course, and help me to identify where I need to focus our attention in our remaining time together.
4. …to become comfortable developing an argument quickly and in an exam setting. This will ensure that you are prepared for the final examination; more importantly, it will help you become more efficient in your approach to writing about literary texts.

1. I expect you to read all of the instructions in the exam and to ask questions if you have any problems understanding them
2. I will expect you to budget your time, allowing time to read the whole exam and to revise.
3. I expect you to double space your writing, write only on the right-hand pages of the exam booklet, and to use the blank lines or left-hand pages for last-minute corrections or additions.
4. I expect you to develop a thesis based on the best evidence you find in the passage, explaining  your argument thoroughly by using complete sentences and paragraphs and avoid lengthy summary or paraphrase.

I am providing you with a timeline from essay 2, but the mid-term examination will be cumulative. That is to say, it will let you demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired throughout the entire course up to this point, although there will be special emphasis on the material below.