001FA2013

PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT, WRITING COMPETENCY EXAM

TO:All Students, English Composition 101

FROM:David Stout, Director of Writing

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All students in English Composition 101 will be required to take and pass an impromptu writing competency test. Taking and passing the test will be a requirement for completing English Composition 101 and receiving a grade for the course.

PURPOSE:This test will enable you to show that you can write clearly, functionally and effectively even when you don't have extended time for prewriting, planning, drafting and rewriting. Such a competency is an important ingredient of a college program.

TEST DATES: A regular class period near the end of the semester.

The specific date will be announced by the class instructor.

TYPE OF TEST: An expositive essayLENGTH: 50 minutes

RHETORICAL MODES:

Illustration - Illustrate a thesis of your own opinion with three specific examples taken from a broad base of support.

Process - Explain the process one might go through to achieve a desired result. Write in sentence and paragraph format. No lists!

Comparison and Contrast – Show the similarities and differences between two things in order to prove a superiority or preference.

Classification - Break down a broad category into at least three sub-divisions and give the general characteristics and one specific example of each.

One week before the exam is to be administered, your instructor will be notified to inform you of the specific topic. At the time of test, the specific rhetorical mode will be announced.

REQUIREMENTS: Minimum length of 300– 500 words (3 -- 5 paragraphs). Your writing should display clear focus and content, appropriate development using standard methods, sentence variety and appropriate word choice. While some mechanical errors may occur, and are natural, these should be limited so as not to interfere with your purpose.

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A physical dictionary may be used; no electronic aids will be permitted. You may refer to the handbook which was used as the text for the course, but you cannot bring an outline, rough draft, or any notes.

Students with College-documented special needs may make special arrangements for taking the test with Susan Socash, Coordinator, Special Needs.

EVALUATION: The test will be evaluated by one reader, an instructor in the English Department other than your own. The reader will mark the essay and grade it 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1, according to the departmental grading Holistic Scoring Guide. Grades of 6, 5, and 4 are passing. Grades of 3, 2, and 1 are failing. A copy of the Guide has been provided to you.

CONSEQUENCES: You will be notified of the results by your instructor. If you do not pass, you are entitled to a retake.

You must retake and pass the writing competency examination before the end of classes or your English 101 grade will be an F. “End of classes” does not include final examination week.