College Composition

[cookderosa]

Re: citing, you do have to understand HOW to cite. You may be asked questions in the multiple choice section on citing. Your essay isn't going to require you citing from memory. For instance, they won't ask you a question that requires you to indicate a certain book/author/etc. You can casually reference a citation if it fits like saying "as guaranteed by the first amendment...." or such, but your essay will be a position/opinion piece. There won't be a "right" answer, only an answer supported/defended or not done so adequately.

Do view the links provided by dcan and bric. Here are some examples of the types of essay prompts you would encounter. *note, these are 100% fabricated by me.

Prompt: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Do you agree with this optimistic approach to difficult situations, or do find alternative perspective more helpful?

Prompt: Do you feel that the legalization and taxation of marijuana would reduce the incidences of drug abuse in America? Defend your position.

Prompt: "To climb the corporate ladder, you're going to get some splinters." Explain how this applies specifically to women and minorities in this century.

So, as you see, you might get a glimpse of a current event or an opportunity to share your knowledge of history/politics, but it will be all about your technically correct response. 5 paragraphs, proper grammar, solid and clear arguments, etc. In my CLEP exam (College Comp 2008) I believe I was given 2 prompts and allowed to choose- I'm not sure if the modular exam does that.

[dcan]

Prompt: "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Do you agree with this optimistic approach to difficult situations, or do find alternative perspective more helpful?

Prompt: Do you feel that the legalization and taxation of marijuana would reduce the incidences of drug abuse in America? Defend your position.

Prompt: "To climb the corporate ladder, you're going to get some splinters." Explain how this applies specifically to women and minorities in this century.

So, as you see, you might get a glimpse of a current event or an opportunity to share your knowledge of history/politics, but it will be all about your technically correct response. 5 paragraphs, proper grammar, solid and clear arguments, etc. In my CLEP exam (College Comp 2008) I believe I was given 2 prompts and allowed to choose- I'm not sure if the modular exam does that.

Nailed it.

I took Modular, on paper, and was not presented with options. I had two essays, back to back, and had to formulate and write an essay on each topic as it was presented.

First essay was pure opinion, second essay had two sources (brief articles/essays or extracts from books or articles or speeches etc) with full attribution and I had to "formulate an opinion on the issue discussed and defend the position, citing sources to support". So the approach is to cite the quotes that support you, but also cite the ones that don't so you can demolish those lines of argument and advance your own.

[0soPolar]

After having studied with English Comp flash cards and taking the Peterson Test prep, I am fairly certain that I nailed the multiple choice section.
The essay sections are what have me slightly concerned on score.
I am a fairly proficient writer and have received compliments from a myriad of sources in both my professional and personal life. In preparation I researched the essay sections quite extensively. As recommended, I constructed solid 5x5 essays and cited my quotation sources properly. I personally feel that both essays flowed well and had fluid transitional statements. Even though I was fairly confident going into the exam, I ran into the problem of running out of time on both essays. I was unable to finish the conclusion paragraphs in both instances.
I am certain that I will "pass" the test, but my university has a strict score requirement of 75 or greater to receive credit for both composition courses.
Assuming I achieve 48 or more questions correct (out of 50) on the multiple choice, how likely is it that I will receive a 75 or greater. What are a few measly conclusion statements between friends?
Your thoughts?

[sunnie1284]

Hi,
I am planning to take CLEP college composition modular for just the 90 multiple choice questions for 3 credits. I have been preparing from REA book and Instacert. Does anyone know about other sources to use for this test? I am also planning to get the college board study guide.
Thanks.

[dcan]

If you get the CLEP study guide (highly recommended) just buy the whole 2012 guide that has all the tests. It's only about $15 or less on Amazon. The tests are incredibly accurate in terms of the types of questions and level of difficulty I faced in my two CLEPs so far.

[sunnie1284]

Will do. Thanks!