Analyzing & Interpreting Literature CLEP exam..blues

[Mckeen]

Help!!!!

I took this exam today as it was recommended as the most easy to pass. This exam is most difficult to prepare for in my opinion, so I read lit terms and poems to get me in the rhythm of things. I do know using feeling and emotion in understanding the passages is important as well.

I'm a 4.0 student, maybe not the brightest but I work hard for my grades and take them seriously. Well I failed with a score of 44 and I'm seriously disappointed and feel like an idiot. This was suppose to be easy and I need 36 credit to complete my degree and now I wonder if I can really do it.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated with recommendations of better tests to take. I have English Comp & Intro to Computers scheduled next week.

I hate tests!!!

Later

[lor012]

Oh man-

I just signed up to take this CLEP and now I'm scared. Do you feel that the test was just too much or what happened?

Good lUck, I know you can do it!

[marianne202]

Sorry to hear this! I know how you feel. I missed my Am. Govt by 3 points last Dec. I was devastated and mad with myself. I'm scheduled to take this exam on Friday. Did you do any of the Peterson practice exams? If so what type of scores did you get? That is what I'm doing for review as well as reviewing lit. terms. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[NAP]

I have not taken this one yet and as a math person I can’t say that I’m looking forward to it. It’s my understanding that it is easy in the sense that there is not a lot to study besides terms. However, one could do a lot of practicing of this type of material (read and interpret) if they wanted but many decide to wing it. I don’t expect the actual test to be easy, though.

Don’t give up! You’re a great student and you can do this. There are lots of topics available. On the other tests, you have more control over how much info you learn and when you’ve learned enough to pass the exams.

It may be that independent study and exams is not your best way to get credits. At least look at your options and see if there is something else you’d like to try.

Keep at it! You’ve found a wonderful place for support with this process!

[Mckeen]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone

It is almost impossible to study for

Its 80 questions in 90 minutes and you will need every second. I had about 60 seconds left. You will have to read, re-read and re-read the passages over many times just to answer on question. Its exhausting!!!!!

What is frustrating...Isn't the interpretation of literature open to the subjection of the reader to a certain point? You are not told to think as the writer or reader, so you really do not understand how to measure what you have read. With this exam you have to select the answer out of five possible choices you think the test organizers believe to be the most relevant, not what you find to be most relevant. This is what really bothered me.

This test is not like any other test I have ever taken. I would avoid this exam and take subject matter tests that you can study with true right and wrong answers that are black and white in meaning.

Honestly I would have been better off guessing…. Oh well...

Good luck

[zeroglory]

I found it harder than others led to believe. Don't let it stop you though, their will always be stumbling blocks along the way.

[elizabethadavis]

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature was my first test and very frustrating to me as well. I felt just like you did, how are you supose to know what they're thinking? Your world view has a lot to do with your interpretation. Every one told me this test was so easy. It's the hardest test I've taken. (I have taken U.S. History1&2 as well) For A&I literature I just ended up praying and taking it and am happy I passed.

Don't give up I'm sure you're smart enough, some people just struggle with this test and were just two who do. Elizabeth

[Levi]

First of all, just because you didn't pass this test, don't let anyone make you think you aren't smart. People are not created in the same way; some are more proficient in math, science, etc., while others are more literature-inclined. I passed this test without studying, but English happens to be one of my stronger subjects.

So, my two cents' worth of advice is this: Wait for six months, get the REA A&I Literature book, and study using that book. Once you study it and take some practice tests, then try taking the test again.

Always remember: Take practice tests before taking the real exam. That way you will have a good idea about how you will score on the actual test.

Keep it up and I wish you the best.

[cookderosa]

A&I is easy in some ways, but difficult in others. I always cringe when people call that exam easy, because my husband will tell you it was the most torture he has ever endured!

If I can encourage you in a different way- the exam you just failed required endurance and interpretation. Reading with endurance is NOT as easy as it sounds. If you are a "bullet" reader, a magazine reader, wikipedia skimmer, etc- then this exam is going to kick your butt. You need to be able to sit at ONE SITTING and read difficult literature non-stop for 1 1/2 hours. (with understanding!) If that sounds hard, then "studying" will involve building stamina reading unabridged work- books like Huckleberry Finn, The Jungle Book, Treasure Island, Sherlock Holmes, etc are all very good examples of how reading fiction for long periods of time will help you "train" for this marathon. Note- none of those books will be on the exam, it's the process that is helping you. I'm a reader- always have been- and I was mentally ready for that test to be over about 1/2 way in.

Next is interpretation. That's a skill that comes naturally to some, is well-developed in some, and challenging for others. The other exams won't require interpretation- they will require recall/memorization. Which amendment, which date, which author, which book, etc. So, if you find memorizing facts to be more straight forward and "easy" for you, you'll find the other exams to be "easier" than A&I Lit in that respect.

All the best on your next exams- this isn't the exam that has you throw in the towel. After your 3rd straight fail....then maybe start to think about new study techniques, but you are not there yet.

[Levi]

Even though I didn't start this thread, I am always appreciative of Jennifer's (cookderosa's) advice. She's an expert - listen to what she says!