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MINISTERIAL EXAMINATION OF COLLEGE ENGLISH
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION AND LITERATURE

WRITING GUIDELINES

11 August 1999

READING 1

What do you think is a main idea of Engkent's essay? How does he use techniques and devices* to clarify and develop this idea? Structure your essay around a thesis statement which expresses your point of view about Engkent's account of his experiences.

Text :  “Why My Mother Can't Speak English” by Garry Engkent

Reference : 

Engkent, Garry. “Why My Mother Can't Speak English.” In The Act of Writing, 4th ed., edited by R. Conrad, 128-133. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1995.


READING 2

What do you think is a main idea of Kay's essay? What techniques and devices* does Kay use to support his position? Structure your response around a thesis statement which expresses your point of view about Kay's approach to his topic.

Text :  “Spawn of the Atari” by Jonathan Kay

Reference : 

Kay, Jonathan. “Spawn of the Atari.” The National Post, Weekend Post Feature, Saturday, 6 March 1999.


READING 3

What do you think is one of the main ideas of this short story? How does the author develop this main idea through his use of literary techniques and devices*? Structure your essay around a thesis statement which expresses your point of view about this story.

Text :  “Just Lather, That's All” by Hernando Téllez

Reference : 

Téllez, Hernando. “Just Lather, That's All.” In Fiction's Many Worlds, edited by Charles E. May, 85-88. Lexington, Mass.: D. C. Heath, 1993.


* 

Techniques such as narration, description, dialogue, analogy, example, contrast, setting, comparison, persona and character are used frequently, often in combination. Devices such as imagery, simile, metaphor, repetition, and level of language are commonly used to achieve desired effects. You are probably familiar with others as well.


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