PHIL 108GUIDE TO THE MIDTERM

FALL 2015

Format of the midterm 

• Bring a scantron Form #882. Please use pencil #2 for the scantron, and pen for the short essays. Total possible points: 100. NO BOOKS, NO NOTES ALLOWED.

• There will be 12 True/False questions; each correct answer is worth 1 point.• There will be 13 Multiple Choice questions; each correct answer is worth 1

point.

• There will be 6 “short essays.” Answer 5 out of 6. 10-9 points for an excellent answer, 8 points for a very good answer, 7 points for an acceptable answer, 6-4 points for a partially satisfactory answer, 1 point for an incomplete answer, and 0 points for a wrong/blank answer.

• Respond in the write-in area on the test prompt; do not go beyond the area. If you do, it will cost you a point.

 

Samples of objective questions• The description of humans as “political animals” was

launched by Aristotle. True or false?• Alasdair MacIntyre says we must rediscover our cultural

identity through the stories of our culture and families. True or false?

• Who says we must rediscover our cultural identity through the stories of our culture and families?a. Konrad Lorenz

b. Alasdair MacIntyre

c. Elaine Morgan

d. Robert Ardrey

Samples of short-essay questions• Name someone in the twentieth century who is well-

known for supporting the theory that humans are fundamentally aggressive, and mention one key element of his or her theory.

• What does Alasdair MacIntyre mean by saying that we are storytelling animals?

FAQs #1Q: Will I be graded for spelling and grammar errors?

A: Only if it indicates that you haven’t understood the prompt/the topic.

Q: Will there be clues on the test?

A: Yes, there are clues. Look for them. But they will only make sense if you have studied the book and the study guide!

Q: Can I use the material from the objective prompt as inspiration while answering the essay part?

A: Yes, but if you quote directly, you will only get 1 or 2 points. Answer in your own words.

Q: May I add my opinion in the essays, even if it isn’t asked for?

A: Yes, if there is room after you have answered the prompt itself.

FAQs #2

Q: Can I answer all 6 short-essay questions, and let you (Prof.Rosenstand) disregard the one with the lowest score?A: No, you have to choose which one not to answer. Leave it blank or cross it out. If there are 6 responses, I will grade the first 5 and disregard #6.

Q: Can we answer all 6 questions and get extra credit for #6?A: No, you may only answer 5 questions. If you answer all 6, see the Answer above.

Q: May we leave when we are done?A: Yes! Quietly!

FAQs #3, about the grading scaleQ: What is an “excellent” short-essay answer? [10-9 points]

A: An answer that (1) responds to all parts of the prompt, (2) is clear and correct, and (3) reveals that your knowledge is deep and broad = add relevant info if you can, and if you have space.

Q: What is a ”very good answer”? [8 points]

A: One that contains the correct information, but does not elaborate (or one where there is a minor point that is incorrect)

Q: What is a “good/acceptable answer”? [7 points]

A: One that contains some correct information, but is either a little short, or also contains something substantially incorrect.

Q: What is a “partially satisfactory answer”? [6-4 points]

A: One that is very short but correct, or has one correct element but is mostly false.

Q: What is an “incomplete answer”? [1 point]

A: Anything I can salvage and give 1 point for.

ADVICE

Before the midterm:• Use the study guide to identify and read important

sections in the chapters assigned. Read the study guide several times and become familiar with it.

• Pay attention to “Who says what,” to lists of names and ideas, and to the *asterisks/star symbols* indicating possible short-essay topics.

• Don’t study past midnight the night before the exam!• Get a good night’s rest• Have lunch before the exam!• Bring water. Hydrate!• Bring a scantron and several pencils, plus several pens

MUST DO

During the exam:• Use a pencil for the scantron part, and a pen for the essay

part.• Put your name on both the objective part of the prompt,

the essay part, and the scantron• Read the entire test before coming up and asking

questions (look for clues!)• Before you leave, go over your answers again.• Remember: no communication with any other students

during the exam.• No books, notes, or any kind of electronic device allowed

BREAK A LEG!