This semester’s Writing Proficiency Exam will take place Sunday, Mar. 17, at 9 a.m. and Thursday, Mar.21, at 7 p.m. Those using the computer will test in WLLC 216/217. Those taking it by hand will go to WLLC 212/213. The exam itself was posted to the portal on Mar. 7 and emailed to all students as well
According to exam administrator Associate Professor of Writing and Literature Tyrone Shaw, ideally students should take the exam while they are taking Exposition and Analysis, but if that isn’t possible, the exam should be taken before a student has amassed 60 credits.
“It’s important to take this exam early enough in your career at Johnson so that should you fail, you have plenty of time either to take it again or go into the Self-Sufficient Writer course, which is offered each semester.” Shaw said. “Do not wait until your senior year to attempt this.”
The Writing Proficiency Exam is Johnson State College’s means of ensuring that students meet the VSC-mandated graduation standards in writing, which means all students not in EDP must pass this exam to graduate or pass Self-Sufficient Writer. “It’s not negotiable,” said Shaw. “And it’s not unreasonable to expect our students to write a short, persuasive essay using concrete evidence to support a position.”
As usual, Shaw is offering a number of prep sessions prior to the exam, the next one being offered Mar. 14. “If you’re planning to take the exam,” said Shaw, “for heaven’s sake, come to one of these prep sessions. You will significantly increase your chances of passing the exam on the first try. They’re free! They’re fun!”
All prep sessions will be held in the Freda Hebb conference room in Martinetti Hall.
The registration process is slightly different this year. Students can choose, space permitting, between taking it on a computer or by hand. They can register for the exam, which is designated ENG 3999, until noon of the exam date, provided space is available, and no advisor approval is required.
For those who register and then find they cannot attend, Shaw urges them to remember to remove themselves from the course by noon of the exam day. Otherwise, they will receive an NG (No Grade).
To register, students must email either Tammy Goss at [email protected] or Jessica Lane at [email protected]. They will be placed in the section of their choice:
ENG 3999 J01 – Sunday, 3/17: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – WLLC 216
ENG 3999 J02 – Sunday, 3/17: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – WLLC 212
ENG 3999 J03 – Thursday, 3/21: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. – WLLC 216
ENG 3999 J04 – Thursday, 3/21: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. – WLLC 212
Pass rates for the exam have been improving for the past few years. Last fall’s rate was 74 percent.
The remaining prep sessions are as follows: Thursday, Mar. 14 from 10-11 a.m.; Monday, Mar. 18 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.; Tuesday, Mar. 19, from 10-11; Wednesday, Mar. 20, from 10-11; and Thursday, Mar. 21. from 11-12.
