HELP: Citation on College Composition Essay CLEP?

[RA808]

I've asked this in another thread without any conclusive feedback.

This must be a new component to this test, as I haven't read much about it in older threads.

There's a standard opinion-based essay, and then an essay where there's 2 sources - a "citation" essay.

What sort of citation needs to be done? Are they expecting formal ALA/MLA-style citation? Does it only have to be in-line citation in the essay, or is a bibliography needed?

Sorry, but I haven't cited in years and want to make sure I'm covered. My test is today.

[RA808]

Also, does it matter if I use MLA or APA? I'm more familiar with MLA.

[bricabrac]

College Composition | CLEP
See the section "Ability to use source material"

[Storyteller]

Right-on, Bricabrac. Your Clep website link spells it out beautifully.

[CLEP101]

College Composition | CLEP
See the section "Ability to use source material"

bricabrac, you've got too much time on your hands. :roflol: I would have never found that link.

I would go ahead and cite in Chicago / Turabian style, I find it to be the easiest and less confusing.

[dcan]

I did not use a standard citation style in mine and passed easily. They aren't really asking if you know a particular format, just that you understand that you have to cite your sources. According to my handy 2011 official CLEP study guide, the directions are "Refer to each source by the author's last name, the title or by any other means that adequately identifies it."

What I did was write down two headings, one for source A and one for source B. Then under each I just wrote a word or phrase describing a major point or theme made in the reading, e.g. "Copyright abuse destroys the public commons." Then I drew lines or otherwise linked the ideas in each that supported and opposed each other. That's how I drew my conclusion and decided what to say. This only took a couple of minutes after the reading and ensured I had "synthesized" the material as required.

Then, when I cited a statement, I simply used things like this:

- As identified in "Death of a Widget Salesman" by Vickers and Wramshaw, ...
- ... some point ("Rocket Science", p. 2) ...
- ... another point (Vickers and Wramshaw, p.1) ...

I took my test before I had ever written a formal essay or learned any of the formats. Of course, if you know MLA citation format, then I'm sure you will look a lot better if you use that. Remember, the point is to prove that you know what you are doing. The essay exists because of the rampant plagiarism that happens nowadays. Using MLA format should prove that beyond doubt, as long as your essay is actually well written and meets the rest of the requirements.

For example essays check the PDF from the CollegeBoard website, or the official CLEP study guide. It has examples of essays that scored a 6, a 4, and a 2.

[bricabrac]

bricabrac, you've got too much time on your hands. :roflol: I would have never found that link.

Clep, to be honest, I really do not have the time. But while I'm quickly reading through posts, I'll open another browser and with two clicks of the mouse locate the answer. It actually took me two seconds to find it. I usually let out long impatient sighs on these types of posts and wonder why people can't research these questions themselves...but then come to the conclusion they must not know how. This is why they teach how to research early on in college courses; it really is so darn easy (at least in my mind). <sigh> LOL

[RA808]

Clep, to be honest, I really do not have the time. But while I'm quickly reading through posts, I'll open another browser and with two clicks of the mouse locate the answer. It actually took me two seconds to find it. I usually let out long impatient sighs on these types of posts and wonder why people can't research these questions themselves...but then come to the conclusion they must not know how. This is why they teach how to research early on in college courses; it really is so darn easy (at least in my mind). <sigh> LOL

Oh, believe me - I know how to research. I work in digital marketing and social media, search is in my blood.

I found the page you referred to before I posted this thread, but there was nothing conclusive on what exactly was looked for as far as style of citation. Only what might be in the multiple choice Ability to Source Materials section. I had to take the test before anyone replied to this thread, and just wound up using APA style to be safe as it's the most detailed. I also realized from taking a Peterson practice test this morning that the bibliographical entry would be pre-filled, so only in-text citation was necessary.

I did just fine.

[bricabrac]

So happy to hear you did well!! Congratulations!

My comment was not specific to you but in general. Not sure what you meant by your comment regarding multiple choice, but where I directed you most certainly stated style could be APA MLA or Chicago.

[RA808]

So happy to hear you did well!! Congratulations!

My comment was not specific to you but in general. Not sure what you meant by your comment regarding multiple choice, but where I directed you most certainly stated style could be APA MLA or Chicago.

This part:

25%
Ability to Use Source Materials
This section measures candidates' familiarity with elements of the following basic reference and research skills, which are tested primarily in sets but may also be tested through stand-alone questions. In the passage-based sets, the elements listed under Revision Skills and Rhetorical Analysis may also be tested. In addition, this section will cover the following skills:
Use of reference materials
Evaluation of sources
Integration of resource material
Documentation of sources (including, but not limited to, MLA, APA and Chicago manuals of style)

Is actually a short section of the multiple choice area of the test.

They refer to the essay here:

The Essays
In addition to the multiple-choice section, College Composition includes a mandatory essay section that tests skills of argumentation, analysis and synthesis. This section of the exam consists of two essays, both of which measure a candidate's ability to write clearly and effectively. The first essay is based on the candidate's reading, observation or experience, while the second requires candidates to synthesize and cite two sources that are provided. Candidates have 30 minutes to write the first essay and 40 minutes to read the two sources and write the second essay. The essays must be typed on the computer.

They don't specify what style, but after taking the test I assume that any formal citation structure will be fine.