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Midterm, ENGL 2130, Summer 2024

Directions: For your midterm exam, answer four of the five following questions.

Please type your answers and upload them as a Word Document (.docx) into the assignment link in

your Week 5 folder. Please note, I will not be able to grade any Midterm that is not attached as a

document—do NOT type your answers in the submissions box.

 

Due Date: All exams are due no later than Sunday, June 16, at midnight.

Unless you have spoken directly to me and were granted permission, I will not accept late submissions.

 

Grade Breakdown: I will grade each of your answers based on the following criteria:

25%– grammar/punctuation/format

25%–the content you produce (how well you answer the question)

50% –how well you use textual evidence to support your answer

 

 

 

Midterm Questions: Mark Twain:

Jim Smiley is a character of questionable ethical and moral standards. He makes a living gambling on

animals—however, his bets are usually “sure things” because he spends his spare time training his

animals to perform. Is what Jim Smiley does cheating or is it just a smart way to gamble? In 8-10

sentences, construct an answer to this question that uses textual evidence to support your point of view.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman: On page 486 of your textbook, the narrator of “The Yellow Wallpaper” remarks “John laughs at me, of

course, but one expects that in marriage.” What is Gilman saying about marriage by including this

quote? Additionally, how does this quote establish the tone of the relationship between John and the

narrator for the remainder of the story? Construct an 8-10 sentence response to this question that uses

textual evidence to support your point of view.

Jack London: The narrator in “To Build a Fire” says, “The trouble with him was that he was without imagination. He

was quick and alert in the things of life, but only in the things, and not in the significances” What does

this mean? Is it a problem?

Construct an 8-10 sentence response to this question that uses textual evidence to support your point of

view.

Zora Neale Hurston: In Zora Neale Hurston’s “Sweat,” Delia faces numerous challenges in her life, particularly in her abusive

relationship with her husband, Sykes. Using evidence from the text, answer the following questions: In

what ways does Sykes’ treatment of Delia symbolize the larger issue of racism and gender inequality in

the story? Why does Delia keep the abuse she is suffering from Sykes a secret? What is the impact of

this secrecy on her character and the story as a whole? Explain your answer to these questions in an 8-10

sentence response using textual evidence.

Ernest Hemingway: This is a classic “Hemingway iceberg story,” with more going on than what first appears on the surface.

The wife lists out several material items she wants–what do you think she is really longing for, though?

What does the “cat in the rain” symbolize? Construct an 8- 10 sentence response to this question that

uses textual evidence to support your point of view.

Extra Credit Opportunity: You may receive up to 10 extra credit points for properly answering ONE of the following questions:

 

Re-read the section of Part 3 in Bierce’s “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” beginning with “As he

rose to the surface” and ending with “A whiz and rattle of grapeshot among the branches high above his

head roused him from his dream.” What do you notice about the sequence of events? What is Bierce’s

purpose in the way he tells this part of the story? In 8-10 sentences, construct an answer to this question

that uses textual evidence to support your point of view.

 

Ernest Hemingway’s short story, “Cat in the Rain” sets up the hotel keeper and George as foil

characters. How are these two characters different in terms of their character and actions? Construct an

8-10 sentence response to this question that uses textual evidence to support your point of view.

SEO-Friendly Title: Midterm Exam Guide for ENGL 2130 – Summer 2024

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

• You must answer four out of the five main questions provided.
• Responses should be 8-10 sentences long and must include textual evidence to support your answers.
• Pay attention to the grading criteria:
  • 25% – Grammar, punctuation, and format
  • 25% – Content and clarity of your response
  • 50% – Use of textual evidence

Step 2: Choose Your Questions Wisely

Select four questions that you feel most confident answering. Consider the stories you understand best and where you can provide strong textual evidence.

Step 3: Structure Your Answers

Each response should follow a structured format:

1. Introduction (1-2 sentences)

   • Restate the question in your own words.
   • Briefly state your position.

2. Main Argument (5-6 sentences)

   • Provide textual evidence (direct quotes or paraphrased examples) to support your claim.
   • Analyze the evidence and explain how it supports your argument.

3. Conclusion (1-2 sentences)

   • Summarize your argument.
   • End with a strong closing statement.

Step 4: Example Response Structure

Question: Is Jim Smiley cheating, or is he just a smart gambler?

Response Example:
Jim Smiley’s gambling methods in Mark Twain’s story raise ethical questions. While some might view his tactics as cheating, they can also be seen as strategic planning. Twain describes how Smiley trains his animals to win bets, making his victories almost certain: “he’d bet on anything that turned up you ever see, if he could get anybody to bet on the other side” (Twain). This suggests he understands the risks and ensures his advantage. However, Smiley’s actions could be interpreted as deceitful since he doesn’t always disclose his training methods. By keeping this hidden, he manipulates the outcome in his favor, which some may argue is dishonest. Yet, in gambling, knowledge and preparation are often key factors in success. Twain presents Smiley as a cunning but humorous character rather than a villain, leading readers to see his actions as part of his charm. Ultimately, Smiley’s behavior walks a fine line between fairness and trickery, demonstrating how preparation can shape perceptions of morality in gambling.

Step 5: Formatting Your Answers

• Use proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
• Ensure your textual evidence is cited properly (e.g., “quote” (Author’s Last Name)).
• Submit your work as a .docx file as required.

Step 6: Extra Credit Opportunity

If you choose to answer an extra credit question, follow the same structured approach. Make sure your response is well-developed and supported by textual evidence to maximize your points.

Final Checklist Before Submission:

✅ Answer four main questions.
✅ Include textual evidence in each response.
✅ Ensure your answers are 8-10 sentences long.
✅ Proofread for grammar and clarity.
✅ Submit your work as a Word document (.docx) before Sunday, June 16, at midnight.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to structure strong, well-supported answers and maximize your score on the midterm. Good luck! 🚀