CHAPTER 21 – STUDYING FOR A TEST
Situation: Two college students, Mary and Alexis, are studying for an upcoming sociology test.
Mary: Hey Alexis, I am glad you decided to come over to my house to study for our upcoming exam. The sociology test seems to be very difficult. I have studied all the materials, but I am still not confident about my performance this Friday.
Alexis: Yes, this test is going to be hard, but since you have covered all the materials, you should be adequately prepared. I have read all the chapters, but I have not studied the notes from the lectures. Let’s do a review starting from chapter one and then we will work our way up through chapter three. Does that sound OK to you?
Mary: That sounds like a good idea. Let’s start!
Alexis: Well, in chapter one, the book covers the three fundamental points of view on sociology. Do you know what these three points of view are?
Mary: Yes, I think I do. They are the Functionalist, the Conflict, and the Interactionist perspectives. Is that right?
Alexis: Yes! You got it! Good job!
Mary: Thanks, Alexis! But what does each perspective believe?
Alexis: Well, you know what the Functionalist Perspective talks about. It is the easiest to remember.
Mary: Oh yes! That one talks about how everyone has a function in society. It states that everyone has a function in life where their collective actions will be put together for the benefit of society.
Alexis: That is correct! No need to ask, but I think you understand very well what the other two perspectives are all about, right?
Mary: Yes, I can explain very precisely what they are. There is no need for me to do a review on them. Let’s finish the other chapters.
Alexis: Well, how about you quiz me on chapter two.
Mary: Sure. Well, in chapter two, the book discusses Max Weber. Who was Max Weber and what was his opinion on the issue of organization?
Alexis: Well, Max Weber was one of the founders of the modern study of sociology. He believed that organizing requires communication, coordination, and control.
Mary: That is correct! You are doing really well too, Alexis!
Alexis: Thanks Mary! I feel pretty good about chapter two. Let’s take a break right now and we will finish going over the main parts of chapter three when we come back.
Mary: Chapter three is the most difficult chapter. I have read the chapter twice on top of reviewing all my lecture notes, and it is still quite confusing. Maybe I just made a big deal out of nothing.
Alexis: Chapter three covers quite a few different concepts. It might be better for us to write down each concept and then carefully do a comparison of their similarities and differences. I bet our teacher will ask us to write a short essay on each concept as part of the exam.
Mary: Do you think so? I better get myself prepared since we only have an hour to finish the exam. I am never good at writing as I always have difficulties putting my thoughts on paper. I have worked so hard to overcome this problem, but I still have not improved much. Maybe, I have a tendency of over analyzing things.
Alexis: I do not think that is your problem. It is probably a case of anxiety. Try to relax and take it easy. Things get worse when you do not have control of yourself.
Mary: I know, I know. However, I cannot help it. It is good that you suggested we take a break. I need to have a clear mind when we start on chapter three. Let’s go find something to eat and listen to some soothing music for a while.
Alexis: OK, Mary.
Questions/Answers Practice
Q: What kind of tests do you have in this course? A: I have 3 quizzes, 1 Mid-Term exam and one Final exam.
| Q: What kind of test is this one? | A: It is the Mid-Term exam. |
| Q: How many chapters does it cover? | A: It covers what we have studied so far, and it includes the first six chapters. |
| Q: What kind of test format will the teacher use? | A: The teacher will give a combination of essays and multiple-choice questions. |
| Q: Is the course grade based on a curve or on percentage scale? | A: It is strictly based on percentage scale. |
| Q: What is your grade in this course so far? | A: So far I have missed getting an A by 5 points. |
| Q: How much time did you spend studying for this test? | A: I have spent a considerable amount of time studying for this test. |
| Q: How much time do you have for this test? | A: It is a two-hour test, from 9AM to 11AM. |
3) Comprehension test
- Why did Alexis come to Mary’s house?
- What kind of test will they have on Friday?
- How many chapters will be covered on the test?
- What is the easiest perspective to remember?
- Who was Max Weber?
- How does Alexis feel about chapter two?
- Why does Mary think that chapter three is the most difficult chapter?
- What should Mary and Alexis do in order to have a better understanding of chapter three?
- What might be on the test for chapter three?
- Why should Mary work hard on the concepts discussed in chapter three?
- According to Alexis, what kind of problem does Mary have?
4) Discussion
- How do you usually feel before a major test? What should you do to get yourself ready for it?
- Is it necessary for teachers to give out exams? Why? Why not?
- What was the most difficult thing you had to overcome as a student?
GRAMMAR REVIEW
SENTENCES
A sentence is a series of words put together to convey a complete thought, to ask a question or to describe a situation. In general, a sentence has both a subject and a predicate.
A sentence can have more than one subject and more than one predicate.
The Functionalist perspective states that everyone has a function in society.
My mother thinks that I should leave for the theater while my brother is asleep.
1) Compound sentences
When a sentence includes more than one clause, it is called a compound sentence. Usually a compound sentence includes more than one independent clause and the clauses are linked together by a conjunction such as but, yet, while, and, or, so or paired conjunctions such as either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, both…and.
Functionalists talk about people’s function in society while Interactionists focus on small group’s interaction. (First independent clause: Functionalists talk about people’s function in society, second independent clause: Interactionists focus on small group’s interaction)
Either he can go to a ball game, or he can watch a movie on Friday. (First independent clause: He can go to a ball game on Friday, second independent clause: He can watch a movie on Friday)
2) Complex sentences
When a sentence includes an independent clause and at least one dependent clause, it is called a complex sentence.
Chapter two, which discusses Max Weber, will be on this Friday test. (Independent clause: Chapter two will be on this Friday test, dependent clause: which discusses Max Weber)
3)Affirmative/Negative sentences
A sentence can be affirmative or negative. An affirmative sentence confirms a situation or a condition while a negative sentence refutes a situation or condition.
Mary does understand chapter three. (Affirmative)
Mary does not understand chapter three. (Negative)
You may go out now. (Affirmative)
You may not go out now. (Negative)
4) Interrogative sentences
A sentence can be used to ask a question, to seek clarification or to express doubt or surprise.
Interrogative sentences always end with a question mark.
My youngest son can count up to one hundred. (Affirmative)
Can your youngest son count up to one hundred? (Question)
Your son can count up to one hundred? (Express doubt or surprise)
Your son can count up to one hundred, can’t he? (Ask for clarification)
Note:
Interrogative sentences seeking clarification can be formed in two different ways:
- To seek an affirmative answer, start with an affirmative sentence.
Your son can count up to one hundred, can’t he? (The expected answer is “Yes, he can”)
- To seek a negative answer, start with a negative sentence.
Your son can’t count up to one hundred, can he? (The expected answer is “No, he can’t)
Questions/Answers Practice
| Q: What is a sentence? | A: A sentence is a series of words put together to convey a complete thought, to ask a question, or to describe a situation. |
| Q: What is a compound sentence? | A: It is a sentence that includes more than one clause. It usually includes more than one independent clause, and the independent clauses are linked together by a conjunction. |
| Q: What is a complex sentence? | A: It is a sentence that includes an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. |
| Q: Do you understand chapter two? | A: Yes, I understand chapter two. |
| Q: Do you have a test every week? | A: No, I do not have a test every week. |
Q: You have finished all three chapters, A: Yes, I have finished all three chapters. haven’t you?
Q: You did not understand chapter three, did you? A: No, I did not understand chapter three.
Q: Chapter four is not on the test, is it? A: No, chapter four is not on the test.
Q: You have taken the SAT test?
A: Yes, I took the SAT test last month.