AdultUndergraduate English Degree Real Exam Questions
Asan adult learner pursuing an undergraduate English degree, you willface various challenges, from time management to critical thinkingand analytical skills, as well as the ability to write andcommunicate efficiently. The following sample exam questions willhelp you identify the focus of your studies and prepare for yourupcoming exams.
1.What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor? Give anexample of each and explain their effectiveness in evoking emotionsin literature.
Asimile involves comparing two things using the words "like"or "as," while a metaphor is a direct comparison betweentwo seemingly unrelated things. For example, "Her eyes were likestars" is a simile, while "Her eyes were stars" is ametaphor. Both literary devices can evoke emotions by creating aconnection between the reader and the described object, helping thereader visualize the scene, and adding depth to the characters'personalities.
2.Analyze the theme of masculinity and femininity in Margaret Atwood's"The Handmaid's Tale." How do the characters resist orreinforce these societal roles?
In"The Handmaid's Tale," Atwood explores the severeoppression of women in a dystopian future, where men control everyaspect of their lives. Through the character of Offred, the authorchallenges traditional gender roles and shows the psychologicalimpact of such control. Offred resists the role of a passivesubmissive woman through her inner thoughts and rebellious attitudes,while the male characters reinforce their power by exploiting women'sbodies. By analyzing this theme, students can examine the culturaland historical contexts that shape gender identities and theirrepresentations in literature.
3.Compare and contrast the main characters' struggles with identity inAlice Walker's "The Color Purple" and August Wilson's"Fences."
Both"The Color Purple" and "Fences" explore thecomplexity of identity, particularly in the context of AfricanAmerican culture and experiences. The characters' struggles withracism, sexism, and classism are reflected in their relationshipswith family, community, and themselves. Celie in "The ColorPurple" and Troy in "Fences" both face tremendousobstacles in defining their identities and finding their place in theworld. By comparing and contrasting these characters, students canexamine how identity is constructed and impacted by various social,cultural, and historical factors.
4.What is the role of intertextuality in postmodern literature? Useexamples from Don DeLillo's "White Noise" to illustrateyour answer.
Intertextualityrefers to the way in which a text is influenced by other texts,cultural references, and historical contexts. In postmodernliterature, intertextuality is a common feature used to challengetraditional literary forms and voice dissenting opinions. In "WhiteNoise," DeLillo employs intertextuality to critique consumerculture, mass media, and American identity. He juxtaposes academicand commercial language, quotes from advertisements, and referencesto popular culture to construct a postmodern narrative that reflectsthe chaotic and fragmented nature of modern life. By analyzing thisnovel, students can examine how language, culture, and historyinfluence literary forms and explore the role of intertextuality incontemporary literature.
5.Identify and analyze the main symbols in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "TheScarlet Letter." How do they represent the central themes ofsin, guilt, and redemption?
"TheScarlet Letter" is a masterpiece of symbolism, exploring thethemes of sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritanical society. Theletter "A" is the most prominent symbol in the novel,representing the protagonist Hester Prynne's adultery and herstruggle with societal shame and isolation. The scaffold, the forest,and the meteor are other symbols used to convey the novel's centralthemes, highlighting the duality of human nature and the tensionbetween individual freedom and social morality. By analyzing thesesymbols, students can gain a deeper understanding of Hawthorne'scritique of puritanical society and examine the role of symbolism inliterature.
Inconclusion, these sample exam questions demonstrate the intellectualchallenges and critical thinking skills required for an undergraduateEnglish degree. By understanding the themes, techniques, and culturalcontexts of literary works, adult learners can enhance their writing,communication, and analytical skills, and become successful scholarsand professionals in the field.