2008 Woodie Awards
The final countdown
Preparing for the best, worst final exam formats
Judy Hansen
Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: Features
Finals week is upon us. Stress increases and sleep decreases. Procrastinators and partygoers join the bookworms and brownnosers as everyone heads to the library to prepare for final examinations.
We all know that not all finals are created equal. Some instructors take pity on students after a long semester of hard work. Whereas other professors want to see us sweat until the very end. Without further ado, here are six types of finals listed from best to worst, as well as some advice on how to prepare.
1. The optional final
The winner by a long shot is the optional final. Instructors who give optional finals usually drop the lowest test score. Students who are satisfied with previous test grades can skip the final exam. Those who want to boost their grades can try their luck with the final. It's a win-win situation.
The best part of an optional final is the fact that students can study as much or as little as they want. Shoot for the stars or shoot yourself in the foot; either way, it's OK.
2. The nonexistent final
Second is the nonexistent final. Some readers may be surprised to see the nonexistent final in second rather than first. This is because if there is no final, that means students do not have any last opportunities to raise or save their grades. Of course, many students prefer not to have finals. They can terminate the semester and get summer started sooner.
"The nonexistent final is my favorite type of final," said UNO student Sarah Jee. "That way, I can spend time volunteering instead of studying."
To prepare for a nonexistent final, students need to go shopping and get an early start on planning summer pool parties.
3. The final speech
Coming in at number three is the final speech or oral examination. Many people fear public speaking more than death, so it may be surprising that this category made the top half of the list. However, speeches are over in just a few minutes. Plus, they usually require less preparation than exams.
We all know that not all finals are created equal. Some instructors take pity on students after a long semester of hard work. Whereas other professors want to see us sweat until the very end. Without further ado, here are six types of finals listed from best to worst, as well as some advice on how to prepare.
1. The optional final
The winner by a long shot is the optional final. Instructors who give optional finals usually drop the lowest test score. Students who are satisfied with previous test grades can skip the final exam. Those who want to boost their grades can try their luck with the final. It's a win-win situation.
The best part of an optional final is the fact that students can study as much or as little as they want. Shoot for the stars or shoot yourself in the foot; either way, it's OK.
2. The nonexistent final
Second is the nonexistent final. Some readers may be surprised to see the nonexistent final in second rather than first. This is because if there is no final, that means students do not have any last opportunities to raise or save their grades. Of course, many students prefer not to have finals. They can terminate the semester and get summer started sooner.
"The nonexistent final is my favorite type of final," said UNO student Sarah Jee. "That way, I can spend time volunteering instead of studying."
To prepare for a nonexistent final, students need to go shopping and get an early start on planning summer pool parties.
3. The final speech
Coming in at number three is the final speech or oral examination. Many people fear public speaking more than death, so it may be surprising that this category made the top half of the list. However, speeches are over in just a few minutes. Plus, they usually require less preparation than exams.
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