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After two-thirds of English Composition 101, the students should
have developed their writing skills to the point where they can successfully PASS a
writing competency test designed as follows:
- The purpose of this test is to demonstrate that students can write
clearly, functionally, and effectively even when they do not have extended time for
pre-writing, planning, drafting and rewriting.
- Topics will be announced one week prior to the test date.
- Requirements: Minimum length of 300—400
words (3—5 paragraphs); a clear thesis; adequate development using standard methods.
A dictionary may be used, but students may not bring an outline, rough draft or any notes.
- Evaluation: The WCE will be evaluated by one
reader, an instructor in the Humanities Department other than the student’s own. The
reader will mark the essay PASS (6,5,4), REPEAT (3,2,1) or BORDERLINE. A PASS means the
essay has a clear thesis, concrete support, adequate organization and is reasonably free
of mechanical errors. A REPEAT means the essay lacks focus and/or concrete development,
and/or adequate organization, and contains mechanical errors so obvious and debilitating
that they interfere with understanding. In short, any essay that would receive a D or less
in English 101 will be marked REPEAT. BORDERLINE essays will be read a second time, by the
Director of Writing, who will make a final decision.
Consequences: Students will be notified of the
results by their instructor. Those who must REPEAT will be referred to the Director of
Writing who will review the results and arrange for remedial help in the Writing Center to
prepare for a retake. The student may retake the exam one time.
Results of the test will appear on the student’s transcript
(Impromptu Writing Test: P or R). If the student passes on the second try, the R will be
changed to P. In addition, the course instructor may or may not evaluate student
performance on the Writing Competency Exam as part of the course grade. |
