Analyzing and Interpreting Lit.

[pci_dss]

I've read the test Specific CLEP forum already and didn't see many references to the actual literary work used in the CLEP. I would like to get an idea as to exactly which literary items (that have been in CLEPs) I should pre-read prior to the test. I'm a pretty slow readers so I want to get a leg up prior to the sit down this (or next) Friday.

[NAP]

I am a slow reader, too, so I understand your concerns.

Even if we were allowed to share specifics, which I am not sure that we are, I am also not sure that it would be possible. The exam is reading and answering a few questions about 15 random excerpts of various types of literary passages.

The Official CLEP Study Guide gives the best examples of the test experience and knowing some of the major literary terms will help, too.

Also, they are not trying to trick you, so don't overthink anything.

It is not easy, but I am glad I took it.

[clep3705]

They present random passages from a very large body of literature. Prereading is pointless.

This test is one where either you can do it quickly or you fail. There's not much you can do to change that.

[cooperalex2004]

I totally agree with NAP on this, the "Official Study Guide" published by Collegeboard has a great full length practice test I used. You can buy the book or just the one test on collegeboard's site.

For a starting point check this out for info and click at the bottom for a couple of practice questions:
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | CLEP

I'm not the fastest reader around and I passed but this is one of those tests that seems to surprise some people. Be comfortable with the types of text and read up on literary terms (and know how to relate the material to them).

[SuZQ2]

I've got a little different take on A & I. I began my CLEP journey with A & I - then gave up on A & I as I could not seem to "get" it. After doing very well on American Lit - which includes some A & I, I went back to give it another try and succeeded.

You actually CAN practice for this test. Take the Peterson's tests - see how you do. Try and LOOK UP some of the passages you are analyzing (Google the first line, you will get results) and find out who wrote the passage, then Google the passage, and "analysis." You'd be amazed at how many poems/passages have been interpreted and explained on the Internet. Do the same with passages from the REA guide. Familiarize yourself with a variety of literature - I actually knew a passage on the test from my American Lit studies - I didn't have to think about what it meant - I just knew it. The key for me was the more poems/passages etc. I analyzed, the better I got at it.

I went through the test quickly the first time - making sure to finish, but knowing I definitely wanted to change some answers if I had time. With 30 minutes to spare I went back and really read through the passages I had problems with - now I had time to relax, so I was able to think and digest who was saying what, etc.

Good Luck! I hope this helps!

CLEP 2011-2012
Introductory Psychology 75
Human Growth & Development 69
Introduction to Education Psychology 72
American Literature 80
Analyzing & Interpreting Literature 75

[rlee7575]

I think that half the test questions were pretty straightforward as far as what was being asked(author's meaning, tone, etc.). I took it cold turkey without studying anything, but passed. I'm more of a "skimmer" than anything. Some passages I kind of skimmed and others I just went straight to the questions. Especially since a lot of the questions had which line they were referring to. I can't justify reading for five minutes to answer a few questions, but that's just my opinion.

[mtryon]

Hello. I'm new here and appreciate all of the very useful information being provided by the contributors. I'm piggybacking on this post with a question about the A&I Lit CLEP. Does COSC (business concentration) require the optional essay portion of this particular CLEP, or does the multiple choice suffice?

[cooperalex2004]

The essay doesn't seem to be needed for any school I've seen. Here is the answer you're looking for:
http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...g-3-a.html

Read rebel100's 10/27/10 post, otherwise I always recommend you check with your school for the latest information.

[OE800_85]

I've got a little different take on A & I. I began my CLEP journey with A & I - then gave up on A & I as I could not seem to "get" it. After doing very well on American Lit - which includes some A & I, I went back to give it another try and succeeded.

You actually CAN practice for this test. Take the Peterson's tests - see how you do. Try and LOOK UP some of the passages you are analyzing (Google the first line, you will get results) and find out who wrote the passage, then Google the passage, and "analysis." You'd be amazed at how many poems/passages have been interpreted and explained on the Internet. Do the same with passages from the REA guide. Familiarize yourself with a variety of literature - I actually knew a passage on the test from my American Lit studies - I didn't have to think about what it meant - I just knew it. The key for me was the more poems/passages etc. I analyzed, the better I got at it.

I went through the test quickly the first time - making sure to finish, but knowing I definitely wanted to change some answers if I had time. With 30 minutes to spare I went back and really read through the passages I had problems with - now I had time to relax, so I was able to think and digest who was saying what, etc.

Good Luck! I hope this helps!

CLEP 2011-2012
Introductory Psychology 75
Human Growth & Development 69
Introduction to Education Psychology 72
American Literature 80
Analyzing & Interpreting Literature 75

I'm sorry, but I think that's really horrible advice. You are memorizing the analysis and interpretation of others?? I think it's a waste of time, and really defeating the whole purpose of the test, which is to develop literary analysis, so that you can understand complex literature.

[SuZQ2]

I was interested in your interpretation of my previous comments regarding my personal teaching method for mastering A & I. I can't disagree with you more - training yourself to perform a task by seeing how others approached that task made perfect sense to me. As I was unsure of my ability to disect and interpret the various types literary pieces I assumed I would find on the A & I test, I looked as a student would to more experienced "teachers." Studying (not memorizing) how and why someone else arrived at an analysis helped me hone my own analysis skills.

I tend to think outside the box and refused to accept the defeatist statements of "there is nothing you can do to study for this test...you can either do it or you can't" and chose a more empowering approach. I hoped sharing my method and experience might be helpful to others - it worked for me as I received an 80 and 75 on the American Literature, and A & I CLEP's respectively.

I'm sorry, but I think that's really horrible advice. You are memorizing the analysis and interpretation of others?? I think it's a waste of time, and really defeating the whole purpose of the test, which is to develop literary analysis, so that you can understand complex literature.