ENG4C CPT

The ENG4C CPT is divided into 3 parts, across 4 periods.  This is an in-class writing activity.  At the end of each period, you will submit 1 part of your CPT.  No other sources (paper or digital) are allowed unless specified below.

DAY 1

Part 1 - Poem sight passage (K).  I will give you a poem, and a paragraph planner. Identify 2 sensory images in the poem, and explain them in a formal paragraph.  You can use a one of our classroom dictionaries.

DAY 2

Part 2 -  Poetry analysis (T).  I will give you a poem, a tone word list, and a paragraph planner.  Identify the tone in the poem, and explain it in a formal paragraph. You can use a one of our classroom dictionaries.

DAY 3

Part 3 - Writing in role ( C & A).  Write a 200 word dialogue between Daphne (How Black Mothers Say I Love You) and Eddie (A View from the Bridge), the two main characters in the modern plays we studied.  During their conversation, have them focus on the themes discussed in class.  Your 200 word dialogue will be structured like a script.  You can use a one of our classroom dictionaries.  You can brainstorm, write and edit this part of your CPT during Day 3 & 4.

DAY 4

Part 3 - See Day 3.

DAY 5

If you were away for a legitimate absence, you can complete that component on this day.

ENG4C Exam

Exam Structure

The exam has 2 halves, part A and B.  

Part A is a sight passage.  The sight passage will be a short poem of 25 lines or less.  Only the Knowledge and Application categories will be assessed in Part A.  

Part B is a long answer.  You will write a formal mini-essay (see Mini-essay Style for the Exam).  Three essay question choices will be given, choose 1. Only the Thinking and Communication categories will be assessed in Part B.

How to prepare for the sight passage portion (Part A) of your final exam - At Home Activity

Review A Glossary of Poetic (Literary) Terms.

Once a week, during the last weeks of the course, I will give you sample poems and instructions so that you build your confidence with identifying and stating how the device is being used in the poem. 

On the exam, you will be given a poem (25 lines or less) and  asked to identify 5 poetic devices.  There are 5 Knowledge questions, these are not choices.  The Application question will ask you to explain the theme of the poem in one paragraph.

How to Prepare for the Long Answer portion (Part B) of your final exam - At Home Activity

1. Read the core novel and play for the course. 

2. You will be given 2 choices.  We will complete an activity which will help you to brainstorm possible topics.

3. Read your annotations and homework answers.

4. Read the notes you took in class during discussions and lessons.

5. Read the notes you took during the seminars and during the units when it seemed that the material was not directly linked to the text.  Look for positional ideas (if you like thinking about a thesis) or big ideas (the pre-unit notes you took).

6. Read your quizzes.

When preparing for Part B 

Consider that English teachers often structure final exam essay questions on:

• a prompt or quote - in junior grades, these tend to be from the texts studies, not necessarily for senior grades.

• a literary term

• ideas that come up over the course of the term

Consolidating your notes for Part B

Create groupings of ideas from the unit.  These will help you to outline answers to possible questions:

• Big ideas from the unit

• Symbols

• Themes

• Character groupings:

  • Minor characters

  • If the protagonist is young, then older characters and vice versa

  • If the protagonist is male, then female characters and vice versa

  • Affiliations

• Common Literary Terms:

  • Characterization

  • Irony

  • Metaphor

  • Allusion

• Big ideas from outside the unit / other units in the course

Part B Exam Long Answer Prep Activity - In Class Activity

This next step requires you to not work (brainstorm, share, ask questions) with others.  Doing so will prevent the guessing game from unfolding properly.  You will share your 3 answers in class.

1. Take out a piece of paper, on it write:

   1. The 1 essay question you be prepared to answer now.

   2. The 1 essay question you would not be prepared to answer now.

   3. The 1 essay question you think I would ask if I wanted to be challenging.

2. We will share all our answers during the exam preparation classes.  Write down other people's questions.  At home, outline possible answers.  Remember that you will be writing in a mini-essay style: 

Mini-essay Style for the Exam

Mini-essay Style for the Exam (Part B)

• thesis  (In an exam scenario you have to weigh the importance of a positional thesis versus a thesis which lists arguments.)

• body 1

• body 2

Body paragraphs style: 

• topic sentence

• point 1

• paraphrase 1 (no one wants you to memorize quotes)

• explain 1

• point 2

• paraphrase 2 (no one wants you to memorize quotes)

• explain 2

• concluding sentence

Transitions are important. Have a few memorized. Use standard, formal English.  There are no MLA style marks on the exam.

In an exam, you have to weigh the importance of a positional thesis against a formulaic  list of arguments thesis.  Prepare by becoming comfortable writing a 2 sentence thesis.  Order does not matter, but content does.  One sentence will be your formulaic thesis (text, author, arguments and a reworking of the questions).  The other sentence will be your position.  On an exam, don't make the mistake of incorporating a position in the thesis and then not dealing with it in your body paragraphs.

Exam Prep using ChatGPT

At the end of the second semester in 2022-23 (and again in the first semester of 2023-24), I asked ChatGPT to come up with some essay questions to help with exam prep after the in-class activity.  Here's the transcript:

Write 10 high school exam questions for A View from the Bridge.

1. Analyze the character of Eddie Carbone in A View from the Bridge. How does his actions and decisions drive the plot forward? Provide specific examples from the play.

2. Explore the theme of masculinity in A View from the Bridge. How does Arthur Miller depict different aspects of masculinity through characters like Eddie, Marco, and Rodolpho? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

3. Discuss the role of justice and law in A View from the Bridge. How do the themes of justice and law intersect with the characters' actions and motivations? Provide examples to illustrate your points.

4. Examine the significance of the Brooklyn waterfront setting in A View from the Bridge. How does the environment contribute to the overall mood and themes of the play? Discuss specific scenes or moments that highlight this connection.

5. Analyze the relationship between Eddie and Catherine in A View from the Bridge. How does their dynamic change throughout the play? What factors contribute to the evolution of their relationship, and what impact does it have on the overall plot?

6. Discuss the theme of betrayal in A View from the Bridge. Explore the instances of betrayal in the play and explain how they affect the characters involved. Consider the consequences of these acts of betrayal on the overall outcome of the story.

7. Explore the theme of immigration and its portrayal in A View from the Bridge. How does Arthur Miller depict the immigrant experience through characters like Marco and Rodolpho? Discuss the challenges they face and the social commentary Miller provides.

8. Analyze the use of dramatic irony in A View from the Bridge. Identify instances where the audience knows something that the characters do not, and discuss how this technique adds tension and suspense to the play.

9. Discuss the role of Alfieri in A View from the Bridge. How does he serve as a narrator and commentator on the events unfolding in the play? Explore the significance of his character and his relationship to the other characters.

10. Explore the theme of family loyalty in A View from the Bridge. How do Eddie's actions and decisions reflect his sense of loyalty to his family? Discuss the conflicts that arise due to differing interpretations of loyalty among the characters.

Write 10 challenging high school exam questions for A View from the Bridge.

1. In A View from the Bridge, discuss the significance of the title as a metaphor for the main themes of the play. How does the bridge symbolize the connections between characters and their relationships?

2. Analyze the role of fate and free will in A View from the Bridge. How do the characters' choices and actions determine their outcomes? Discuss the extent to which they have control over their own destinies.

3. Explore the theme of identity and self-discovery in A View from the Bridge. How do characters like Rodolpho and Catherine struggle with their individuality in the face of societal expectations and cultural norms? Provide specific examples to support your analysis.

4. Discuss the concept of justice in A View from the Bridge. How is justice portrayed through the actions of characters and the resolution of conflicts? Consider the moral and legal dimensions of justice in the play.

5. Examine the role of community and community values in A View from the Bridge. How does the tight-knit Italian-American community shape the events of the play? Discuss the impact of community opinions on the characters' choices and conflicts.

6. Discuss the theme of betrayal in A View from the Bridge, focusing on Eddie's actions. How does Eddie betray his own principles and the trust of those around him? Analyze the motivations behind his betrayals and the consequences they have on the narrative.

7. Analyze the use of symbolism in A View from the Bridge. Choose two symbols from the play and explain their significance in relation to the themes and characters. Provide evidence from the text to support your interpretation.

8. Discuss the role of immigration and cultural clash in A View from the Bridge. How do characters like Marco and Rodolpho represent the challenges faced by immigrants in a new society? Explore the cultural conflicts that arise and their impact on the characters' lives.

9. Analyze the tragic elements in A View from the Bridge. How does the play adhere to the conventions of a Greek tragedy? Discuss the tragic flaw of the main character and the consequences it brings.

10. Explore the theme of obsession in A View from the Bridge. How does Eddie's obsession with Catherine drive the plot and contribute to his downfall? Discuss the psychological and emotional aspects of obsession as depicted in the play.

Write 10 complicated exam questions for A View from the Bridge.

1. Evaluate the use of dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and symbolism in A View from the Bridge. How do these literary techniques enhance the overall meaning and impact of the play? Provide specific examples to support your analysis.

2. Analyze the role of power dynamics and control in A View from the Bridge. How do characters assert and manipulate power over others? Discuss the effects of power struggles on the relationships and outcomes in the play.

3. Explore the concept of justice versus vengeance in A View from the Bridge. How do characters seek justice for perceived wrongs, and to what extent does their pursuit of justice lead to destructive acts of revenge? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

4. Discuss the influence of Greek tragedy on the structure and themes of A View from the Bridge. How does Arthur Miller incorporate elements of classical tragedy into the play, and what impact does this have on the audience's interpretation?

5. Analyze the use of language and dialogue in A View from the Bridge. How does Arthur Miller's choice of language and speech patterns reflect the characters' social status, cultural background, and emotional states? Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.

6. Explore the theme of masculinity in A View from the Bridge, specifically focusing on the portrayal of Eddie, Marco, and Rodolpho. How do their varying expressions of masculinity contribute to the conflicts and tensions in the play? Discuss the social and cultural contexts that shape their notions of manhood.

7. Examine the significance of the stage directions in A View from the Bridge. How do Miller's instructions for movement, gestures, and facial expressions enhance the audience's understanding of the characters and their relationships? Discuss specific scenes or moments where stage directions play a crucial role.

8. Analyze the role of Alfieri as a character and narrator in A View from the Bridge. How does he bridge the gap between the audience and the events of the play? Discuss the multiple functions he serves and the impact of his commentary on the play's themes and conflicts.

9. Discuss the theme of betrayal and loyalty in A View from the Bridge, with a focus on Eddie's actions and their consequences. How does Eddie's betrayal of those closest to him, including himself, ultimately lead to his tragic downfall? Explore the moral complexities of loyalty and its limits.

10. Examine the concept of cultural assimilation and identity crisis in A View from the Bridge, particularly in relation to the characters' Italian-American heritage. How do characters grapple with the tension between preserving their cultural roots and assimilating into American society? Discuss the conflicts that arise from this struggle and their implications for the characters' sense of self.

Write 10 high school exam questions for The Pearl.

1. Character Analysis: Discuss the transformation of Kino's character throughout the novella. How does his attitude and behavior change as a result of finding the pearl?

2. Themes and Symbolism: Explore the symbolism of the pearl in the novella. What does it represent, and how does it contribute to the development of major themes in the story?

3. Conflict and Resolution: Analyze the various conflicts faced by Kino and Juana in "The Pearl." How are these conflicts resolved, and what lessons can be drawn from their experiences?

4. Social Commentary: How does Steinbeck use the characters and events in "The Pearl" to comment on societal issues, such as class distinctions and the consequences of unchecked ambition?

5. Setting and Atmosphere: Examine the role of the setting in "The Pearl." How does the village environment contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story, and how does it impact the characters?

6. Literary Devices: Identify and analyze the use of literary devices such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony in "The Pearl." How do these devices enhance the storytelling?

7. Character Relationships: Discuss the dynamics of Kino and Juana's relationship. How do their interactions reflect cultural norms, and how does their relationship evolve in response to external pressures?

8. Morality and Ethics: Evaluate the ethical decisions made by Kino throughout the novella. How do his choices reflect broader moral themes presented by Steinbeck?

9. Cultural Context: Explore the cultural aspects portrayed in "The Pearl." How do cultural traditions and beliefs influence the characters' actions and decisions?

10. Foreshadowing and Irony: Examine instances of foreshadowing and irony in "The Pearl." How do these literary techniques contribute to the overall impact of the narrative and shape the readers' understanding of the story?

Write 10 challenging high school exam questions for The Pearl.

1. Narrative Choices: Analyze Steinbeck's narrative choices in "The Pearl," such as point of view and pacing. How do these choices contribute to the overall impact of the story, and how might the narrative be different if told from a different perspective?

2. Existential Exploration: Explore the existential themes present in "The Pearl." How does Kino's journey and the events in the novella connect to existentialist ideas, and in what ways does Steinbeck challenge traditional views of human existence?

3. Literary Criticism: Apply a specific literary criticism approach (e.g., feminist, Marxist, psychoanalytic) to analyze "The Pearl." What insights does this particular lens provide into the characters, themes, and social commentary within the novella?

4. Character Motivations: Delve into the motivations behind the actions of one of the minor characters in "The Pearl." How do their choices contribute to the overall development of the plot and themes?

5. Cinematic Adaptation: Imagine "The Pearl" as a film. Discuss the challenges and opportunities of adapting this novella to the screen, considering aspects such as visual storytelling, casting, and cinematography.

6. Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast Kino's journey in "The Pearl" with the protagonist of another literary work. How do their experiences, challenges, and resolutions differ, and what common themes emerge?

7. Psychological Impact: Analyze the psychological effects of possessing the pearl on Kino's mental state. How does the novella depict the internal struggles and conflicts within the character's mind?

8. Allegorical Interpretation: Consider "The Pearl" as an allegory. What broader societal or philosophical ideas might the characters and events symbolize, and how does Steinbeck use allegory to convey deeper meanings?

9. Intertextuality: Examine possible intertextual connections between "The Pearl" and another work of literature, art, or music. How might understanding these connections enhance the interpretation of Steinbeck's novella?

10. Reader Response: Discuss how individual readers might respond differently to the moral dilemmas presented in "The Pearl." How does the novella engage with the reader's own beliefs and values, and what impact might cultural background have on interpretations?

Write 10 complicated exam questions for The Pearl.

1. Narrative Structure: Deconstruct the narrative structure of "The Pearl." How do Steinbeck's choices in structuring the story contribute to its complexity, and how does the timeline affect our understanding of the characters and events?

2. Post-Colonial Analysis: Apply a post-colonial lens to examine the power dynamics portrayed in "The Pearl." How are colonial elements represented, and in what ways do they influence the characters' actions and the unfolding of the plot?

3. Economic Philosophy: Explore the economic philosophy underlying the novella. How does Steinbeck critique or endorse certain economic ideologies, and in what ways does the pearl serve as a metaphor for economic structures and disparities?

4. Narrative Unreliability: Investigate instances of narrative unreliability in "The Pearl." How does the novella challenge the reliability of its own storytelling, and what impact does this have on the reader's interpretation of events?

5. Symbolic Imagery: Analyze the symbolic imagery in the novella, such as the sea, the scorpion, and the doctor's bag. How do these symbols contribute to the layers of meaning in "The Pearl," and how might they be interpreted differently by various readers?

6. Multiple Perspectives: Consider the story from the perspective of a minor character, such as a villager or one of Kino's neighbors. How does their viewpoint provide insight into events that may be overlooked in Kino's narrative, and what does this reveal about the community?

7. Existential Dilemmas: Discuss the existential dilemmas faced by Kino and Juana in "The Pearl." How do their choices align with existentialist philosophy, and in what ways does the novella grapple with the concept of human agency in the face of external forces?

8. Temporal Distortion: Examine instances of temporal distortion in the novella, such as flashbacks or shifts in time. How do these disruptions contribute to the thematic exploration and characterization in "The Pearl"?

9. Character Motivations Redux: Reevaluate the motivations of a major character in "The Pearl" in light of their cultural background and societal expectations. How does cultural context shape their decisions, and how might this impact the interpretation of their actions?

10. Metafictional Elements: Explore potential metafictional elements in "The Pearl." How does Steinbeck play with the conventions of storytelling within the novella, and how might these elements influence our understanding of the narrative and its themes?

Write 10 high school exam questions for How Black Mothers Say I Love You.

1. Character Analysis: Explore the character of Daphne [edit: was Claudette]. How does her immigrant experience shape her identity, and what role does it play in the dynamics of the family?

2. Cultural Identity: Analyze the theme of cultural identity in the play. How do the characters grapple with their Caribbean heritage while living in Canada?

3. Mother-Daughter Relationships: Discuss the complexities of the mother-daughter relationships portrayed in the play. How do these relationships evolve, and what challenges do the characters face in expressing love?

4. Immigrant Experience: Examine the impact of immigration on the characters' lives. In what ways does the immigrant experience influence their sense of belonging and self-identity?

5. Symbolism: Identify and analyze symbols used in the play. How do these symbols contribute to the overall themes and messages of the story?

6. Conflict Resolution: Explore how conflict is presented and resolved in the play. What strategies do the characters use to overcome challenges and misunderstandings?

7. Role of Language: Discuss the significance of language in the play. How do the characters use language to express love, frustration, and cultural identity?

8. Generational Differences: Examine the generational differences between Daphne [edit: was Claudette] and her daughters. How do these differences contribute to the conflicts within the family?

9. Themes of Sacrifice: Analyze the theme of sacrifice in the play. How do characters make sacrifices for the sake of family, love, or personal aspirations?

10. Critical Response: Share your critical response to the play. Discuss the elements that resonated with you and any aspects that you found particularly thought-provoking.

Write 10 challenging high school exam questions for How Black Mothers Say I Love You.

1. Interconnected Themes: Explore how the themes of immigration, cultural identity, and motherhood are interconnected in the play. Provide examples to support your analysis.

2. Character Motivations: Analyze the motivations of Daphne [edit: was Claudette] and each of her daughters. How do their individual motivations drive the conflicts and resolutions within the play?

3. Narrative Structure: Discuss the narrative structure of the play. How does the non-linear timeline [ask yourself if this is possible] contribute to the overall impact of the story? Provide specific instances from the play to illustrate your points.

4. Symbolic Imagery: Investigate the use of symbolic imagery in the play. How does Trey Anthony use symbolism to convey deeper meanings and emotions? Provide specific examples and analyze their significance.

5. Cultural Commentary: Examine how the play serves as a commentary on broader cultural issues. In what ways does it address societal expectations, stereotypes, or cultural assimilation?

6. Character Evolution: Trace the character development of Daphne [edit: was Claudette] throughout the play. How does she evolve emotionally, culturally, and personally?

7. Theatrical Techniques: Explore the use of theatrical techniques in the production of the play. How do elements like staging, lighting, and sound contribute to the overall impact of the story?

8. Ambiguities and Interpretations: Identify instances in the play where the narrative is ambiguous or open to interpretation. Discuss how these elements add complexity to the storytelling.

9. Comparative Analysis: Compare and contrast the experiences of Daphne [edit: was Claudette] and her daughters with other immigrant narratives in literature or drama. What unique elements does this play bring to the discussion?

10. Resilience and Empowerment: Investigate the theme of resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity. How do the characters demonstrate resilience, and what messages does the play convey about overcoming challenges?

Write 10 complicated exam questions for How Black Mothers Say I Love You.

1. Post-Colonial Analysis: Conduct a post-colonial analysis of the play, examining how the characters negotiate their identities in the context of colonial history. Discuss instances where the play challenges or reinforces colonial narratives.

2. Intersectionality in Motherhood: Explore the concept of intersectionality within the theme of motherhood. How do factors such as race, gender, and socio-economic status intersect to shape the experiences of Daphne [edit: was Claudette] and her daughters?

3. Psychoanalytic Interpretation: Apply a psychoanalytic lens to the characters, particularly examining the impact of early childhood experiences on their adult relationships. Consider Freudian or Jungian concepts in your analysis.

4. Existential Themes: Analyze existential themes present in the play, such as the search for meaning and individual authenticity. How do the characters grapple with existential questions, and what role does their cultural background play in this exploration?

5. Deconstruction of Stereotypes: Deconstruct stereotypes presented in the play. How does Trey Anthony challenge or reinforce stereotypes associated with Black mothers, immigrants, and Caribbean culture? Provide nuanced examples to support your argument.

6. Dramatic Irony and Audience Perception: Discuss instances of dramatic irony in the play and how they shape the audience's perception of the characters. Consider how the audience's knowledge influences their understanding of the unfolding events.

7. Feminist Critique: Apply a feminist critique to the portrayal of female characters. How do the women in the play navigate societal expectations, and in what ways does the play challenge or reinforce traditional gender roles?

8. Cultural Hybridity: Investigate the concept of cultural hybridity in the play. How do the characters negotiate their identities in a cultural context that is both Canadian and Caribbean?

9. Dialogues on Assimilation: Engage in a critical dialogue about assimilation. How do characters grapple with the pressure to assimilate into Canadian culture, and what implications does this have for their sense of self?

10. Theatrical Meta-Narrative: Explore the play's meta-narrative elements. How does Trey Anthony use theatrical techniques to comment on the nature of storytelling itself, and what impact does this have on the audience's engagement with the narrative?

OLD CPTs. DO NOT USE.