English comp with Essay (I'm about to take it)

[dseiler]

I agree!

I was totally caught off guard by the English Comp w/ Essay exam. I aced the multiple choice part, but fell to pieces on the essay. Thankfully, I still passed.

If you have to take the exam next week you must do the following:

- Make sure you respond to the essay prompt EXACTLY. Don't go off on a tangent.
- Spend the first few minutes jotting down a basic outline on the scratch paper (it will keep you on track and help you stay focused).
- Introduce your argument/opinion/viewpoint in the first paragraph.
- Then expand on one point per paragraph.
- Aim for 3 to 5 paragraphs (3 minimum).
- 5 or 6 sentences per paragraph should suffice.
- Conclude your essay by succinctly recapping your earlier points and summating your argument/opinion/viewpoint.
- Watch your spellnig PunktuashUn nd grama :p

I wrote what had to be the crumbiest essay ever. My brain froze for about 30 minutes, and I ended up just throwing down anything I could think of. But I made sure my spelling, punctuation, and grammar was perfect, and I followed the correct form (intro, three points, conclusion).

I passed...but it was the multiple choice that carried me through...certainly not the essay.

Make sure you NAIL the multiple choice questions (terminology, grammatical correction, word order, sentence improvement etc.).

If you can do all that, you will pass. If not, POSTPONE the exam until you have had a chance to study!

You can't take ANY exam for granted! Have respect for EVERY exam! Give EACH one the study, time, and effort necessary to pass.

Best of luck,
Snazzlefrag

GREAT GREAT Advice. I aced the multiples and then was promptly taken to task on the essay. I had a complete brain meltdown and it caused me to fail by ONE POINT. Definitely do an outline and do not go off on a tangent.

Needless to say, the essay was the least of my worries and I paid for it. 6 months and counting until I can take it again....

[Jensen]

I am taking my English Comp in a couple of weeks. English is my second language and I am a little nervous. I would appreciate if someone can share with me some subjects of essays they have encountered. I realize that it will not be the same but it will give me a chance to practice my writing.
It is my first time posting but I have been reading all the helpful advice for a while and passed my first CLEP (Intro to Sociology) a few weeks ago.
Thanks in advance.

[decall]

I think we are talking about different tests.. I was refering to the Excelsior English Composition test.

I took it a few weeks ago and was supprised by there not being any multiple choice but only essays.

The other day I got my score back.. I passed...barely.

ighs: