Take-Home Examination
Examiner: Michel Ducharme
Wednesday April 15, 2020 at 5pm
Instructions
• Answer one question only.
• Your answers should be structured around a clear thesis statement/ argument. It should consist of an introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.
• Amount of time you should spend in answering these questions: the same amount of time you would spend studying and writing an in-class exam. I do not expect you working on this exam more than you would normally.
• Format: Times New Roman 12-point font, and double-spaced with 1 inch margins
• Citation: There is no need to use external material. However, include citations each time you use quotations or paraphrase a document (use the original source of the documents)
• Length: 7 pages/ 2,500 words at the most
• You need to submit your take-home exam through TurnItIn by April 15, 2020 at 4:30PM at the latest. No late submission will be accepted. You will be awarded a “0” if you fail to submit it on time.
• Do not forget to send me an email with your alias (if you use one).
OPTION A
How influential was the concept of ethnicity (culture, origins, language…) in the development of Canadian national identities and policies from the mid-nineteenth century to the First World War? How did it impact the relationship between the different groups? How did it impact the development of Canada?
OR
OPTION B
Compare and contrast the evolution of Canadian and French Canadian/ Québécois nationalisms from the 1930s to the Patriation of the Constitution in 1982.
Suggestions to help you write successful answers
1. Read one question. Look at your notes and readings. Organize your argument. Summarize your answer in one sentence. This sentence will be your thesis statement. Both answers should be organized around a clear and argumentative thesis statement.
2. Prepare an outline.
3. Write your essay.
4. Copy-edit your essay.
General Advices
1. All paragraphs should participate in demonstrating your thesis.
2. You should discuss only ONE idea in each paragraph; ideally most of your paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence (the main idea developed in your paragraph).
3. Always go from the general to the specific (from the context to the more subtle details)
4. Be explicit
o Do not assume the reader will know what you are talking about.
o Always introduce events and characters.
5. Never go back and forth between topics and ideas.
6. Do not repeat yourself.