Most universities and colleges require their students to take some sort of first year writing exam. The purpose of these exams is for the student to prove to their school that they are capable and competent in writing at a college-level.
“College-level writing” is an intimidating term that denotes something that’s much easier to accomplish in reality. These exams are looking for one type of writing (unless the student is just really great at writing, in which case probably doesn’t need this kind of practice), and that’s the 5 paragraph essay with the 3 point thesis. With practice, these skills come easily and quickly.
The Five Paragraph Essay
This is the simplest way to organize a college paper, and, as a bonus, it’s what the boards who grade the writing exams are looking for.
A 5 paragraph essay consists of an introduction, 3 body paragraphs to correspond with the 3 point thesis, and a conclusion. Usually, it’s the intro and conclusion students tend to have problems with. More help on this later.
The Three Point Thesis Statement
Thesis. It’s such an obnoxious word, especially for 1101 and 1102 students. Try to forget that word and think only: What am I trying to say in this paper? Your thesis is your point, your argument. It’s as simple as that.
For instance, if the essay topic on a writing exam is “How does your public image differ from your private self?” then the first thing to do is to rephrase the question in the thesis statement: “My public image differs greatly from my private self because when I’m in public, I’m more outspoken, I talk faster, and I dress up.”
This is a silly example, but there are 3 points in that thesis statement. After those three points are established, use 1 point per body paragraph. If outlining on scratch paper before the exam helps, go for it. Many people find outlines very helpful.
Intro and Conclusion
When writing under a time constraint, these aspects of the writing exam can be difficult. As a simple formula to bail a student writer out of trouble, in the intro, start off with general ideas. In the example above, a student could say as a part of the intro: “Everyone acts differently in public than they do when they’re by themselves.” Go on with a few examples, perhaps, then deliver that 3 point thesis towards the end and move on.
The conclusion can come more naturally at times, especially if students are in the writing “zone.” But if not, just try to rehash the introduction a little bit. After all, this essay’s purpose isn’t to win any awards; it’s to pass as solid, college-level writing.
20 Essay Writing Prompts for Practice
Practice is the only way to make it through these exams, and as an added bonus, it will help any college student, no matter the discipline. The following prompts are actual exam topics for the Georgia Regent’s Exam.
What are the characteristics of an effective television newscaster? Explain.
Why are so many people over the age of twenty-one entering college? Discuss.
What could be done to make the public less hesitant to report crime?
Do Americans seem unable to relax in their leisure time? Discuss.
"Human rights" is a term frequently used but seldom defined. What rights should belong to every human being? Discuss.
Should American students be required to learn a second language? Why or why not?
Do you or your family support public television (the educational channels) either as viewers or contributors? Why or why not?
Are elementary and high schools adequately meeting the needs of their students? Discuss.
How do you account for the popularity of horror films? Discuss.
Robert Frost said, "We come to college to get over our littlemindedness." Discuss in relation to your own experiences.
In what ways has the availability of fast-food restaurants affected your eating habits?
What do you hope to accomplish within the next ten years? Explain.
Should college students be required to take physical education courses? Why or why not?
If you could ban anything in the world, what would it be and why?
Should prison inmates be allowed to take college courses? Explain why or why not.
If you were awarded an expense-paid trip to any one place in the world, where would you go? Why?
Do you think that you have the qualifications of a good parent? Discuss.
What do you consider the most important event of the past decade? Why?
If you were guaranteed a steadily improving standard of living (in terms of buying power, free time, quality of goods and services, etc.), would you be willing to give up your right to vote? Explain.
Jogging has become extremely popular. Explain why you jog or why you don't.
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