How to Study for a Qualifying Exam (in English)
Pick the books you'll read wisely: If given the option to contribute to the list--some programs allow students to determine much of what appears on the QE list--try to maintain a balance between books or authors that you have encountered before, and...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Pick the books you'll read wisely: If given the option to contribute to the list--some programs allow students to determine much of what appears on the QE list--try to maintain a balance between books or authors that you have encountered before
The more books that you can get on the list that you have some experience with, the better.
This will help to cut down on the time you have to invest reading significantly. -
Step 2: and those that you are potentially less familiar with.
critical theory, rhetorical theory, composition and pedagogy).
Take some time at the beginning of the QE process to talk with your adviser about what he or she hopes you will get out of reading each section of the list.
This might help give you some idea of how the questions will be organized on the exam itself. , Although it is difficult to discern at the outset what you will learn as you read--this is part of the mystery (and value) of reading so many texts--there are certain key elements that comprise nearly every "scholarly" text: main argument, key questions, key examples, memorable passages, "the take away." Develop a template (a table) for reading the texts on your list, and use this template throughout the process. , Instead of trying to read every day, plan ahead for days off.
I recommend that you give yourself a one day break every week. , It may be tempting to take a long weekend (or week for that matter), but getting back on track can be difficult.
Breaks in moderation are healthy, but long breaks can be demoralizing.
The more time you spend away from the texts, the harder it will be to get back.
Instead, if you sense that you are slowing down, simply reduce the reading load for a couple of days.
You will still feel accomplished--"yay, I managed to read something"--even if the pace is slowing down. , The best way to do this is to begin to visualize the argument that you might make.
Although it may be difficult to predict what question(s) you will be asked on the exam, drawing connections on paper will prepare you for the kind of outlining you should do at the beginning of the exam itself. , in the specific sub-field that you are studying.
One of the key strategies that you can use to prepare for this process is to begin organizing authors/texts in taxonomies: "these three authors talk about this issue, while these three authors present the issue this way." -
Step 3: Understand your list(s): At most universities
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Step 4: QE lists are organized according to 2 or 3 categories (i.e.
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Step 5: Develop an organizational system: Many students dive right into reading the books/articles featured on the QE list.
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Step 6: Designate days off: Although many QE advisers recommend that students read a book a day
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Step 7: this schedule is difficult to maintain after a few weeks.
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Step 8: Don't take too many days off in a row: When reading-fatigue starts hitting
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Step 9: try not to go too many days without reading.
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Step 10: Create graphics throughout the process: A few weeks into the reading process
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Step 11: make it a point to begin connecting the dots between texts.
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Step 12: Become a friend of taxonomy: Generally
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Step 13: QE questions will ask you to characterize several related themes/moves/etc.
Detailed Guide
The more books that you can get on the list that you have some experience with, the better.
This will help to cut down on the time you have to invest reading significantly.
critical theory, rhetorical theory, composition and pedagogy).
Take some time at the beginning of the QE process to talk with your adviser about what he or she hopes you will get out of reading each section of the list.
This might help give you some idea of how the questions will be organized on the exam itself. , Although it is difficult to discern at the outset what you will learn as you read--this is part of the mystery (and value) of reading so many texts--there are certain key elements that comprise nearly every "scholarly" text: main argument, key questions, key examples, memorable passages, "the take away." Develop a template (a table) for reading the texts on your list, and use this template throughout the process. , Instead of trying to read every day, plan ahead for days off.
I recommend that you give yourself a one day break every week. , It may be tempting to take a long weekend (or week for that matter), but getting back on track can be difficult.
Breaks in moderation are healthy, but long breaks can be demoralizing.
The more time you spend away from the texts, the harder it will be to get back.
Instead, if you sense that you are slowing down, simply reduce the reading load for a couple of days.
You will still feel accomplished--"yay, I managed to read something"--even if the pace is slowing down. , The best way to do this is to begin to visualize the argument that you might make.
Although it may be difficult to predict what question(s) you will be asked on the exam, drawing connections on paper will prepare you for the kind of outlining you should do at the beginning of the exam itself. , in the specific sub-field that you are studying.
One of the key strategies that you can use to prepare for this process is to begin organizing authors/texts in taxonomies: "these three authors talk about this issue, while these three authors present the issue this way."
About the Author
Jerry Cooper
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