TECEP - Writing For Success II questions

[JayKosmos]

Getting nervous as my test date approaches, I'm terrible with essays and have forgotten how to do citations.

I am going to get a manual today but haven't been able to narrow down which one I should get.

I did look at the TESU page about the test but it's not the same as hearing from someone who has taken it, so any input at all about this TECEP is appreciated lol

[Jonathan Whatley]

I took it years ago, paper and pencil proctored at a public library. It was titled English Composition II at the time but had the same course code.

I used the Hodges Harbrace Handbook because I found a one-edition-back used copy very cheaply. I knew where to go in it to find examples of citations I could quickly mimic for the sources that would be provided in the test.

I got to know the test format well. There are currently five tasks. They won’t be the same as the illustrative examples on the test description, but we can expect them to be similar:

• Three paragraph proposal for research paper based on prompt
  
• Four paragraph minimum argumentative essay based on prompt
  
• Two paragraph essay based on passages
  
• Bibliography of four sources which are described
  
• Copyedit a passage with errors
  

I would make a time budget today dividing up my time on the test into time for each task, plus a reserve.

A passing score is 70%. There are many different paths to the 70% you need, which should boost your confidence. For example, you could do well in three sections, do mediocre in a fourth, and completely and utterly bomb a fifth, and still pass.

[JayKosmos]

I took it years ago, paper and pencil proctored at a public library. It was titled English Composition II at the time but had the same course code.

I used the Hodges Harbrace Handbook because I found a one-edition-back used copy very cheaply. I knew where to go in it to find examples of citations I could quickly mimic for the sources that would be provided in the test.

I got to know the test format well. There are currently five tasks. They won’t be the same as the illustrative examples on the test description, but we can expect them to be similar:

• Three paragraph proposal for research paper based on prompt
  
• Four paragraph minimum argumentative essay based on prompt
  
• Two paragraph essay based on passages
  
• Bibliography of four sources which are described
  
• Copyedit a passage with errors
  

I would make a time budget today dividing up my time on the test into time for each task, plus a reserve.

A passing score is 70%. There are many different paths to the 70% you need, which should boost your confidence. For example, you could do well in three sections, do mediocre in a fourth, and completely and utterly bomb a fifth, and still pass.

Thanks so much! I think I'm mostly hungup on citations. Do you remember if you had to use multiple different types or if you were allowed to pick which type to use? I see they say "MLA or APA" and I'm not sure if they mean we can pick one or the other or they will pick one or the other lol

In other words can I just learn MLA very well and use it for the entire exam or might they ask me to use both?

[Jonathan Whatley]

It was my choice between MLA and APA!

The current test description states under “Citing Reference Sources,” “Key concepts: Using MLA or APA format.” Put yourself in TESU’s shoes: This is a general education requirement serving some students who will use APA in the rest of their major, some who will use MLA.

If it’s still a concern for you, you could contact the TECEP office and ask for clarification about their meaning: whether they expect you to perform in your choice of MLA or APA or in their choice or in both.

[JayKosmos]

It was my choice between MLA and APA!

The current test description states under “Citing Reference Sources,” “Key concepts: Using MLA or APA format.” Put yourself in TESU’s shoes: This is a general education requirement serving some students who will use APA in the rest of their major, some who will use MLA.

If it’s still a concern for you, you could contact the TECEP office and ask for clarification about their meaning: whether they expect you to perform in your choice of MLA or APA or in their choice or in both.

Ok will do, but It definitely helps hearing from someone who has taken (and survived!) this, as essays have always stressed me out lol
Not sure why I thought writing multiple essays rapid fire on the fly while a proctor stares at me was preferable to a regular course, maybe I just thought it would be nice to have it done in one day lol
Thanks again!

[Jonathan Whatley]

Think of it like it’s structurally an essay, but remember that two to four paragraphs is about one page, and it’s similar in length to an email. Or a very short write-up for the boss or the team in the course your employment. Or a web forum post! Or a moderately long string of texts to a good friend.

[JayKosmos]

Think of it like it’s structurally an essay, but remember that two to four paragraphs is about one page, and it’s similar in length to an email. Or a very short write-up for the boss or the team in the course your employment. Or a web forum post! Or a moderately long string of texts to a good friend.

lmao

So how many sentences would that be? lol per paragraph?

[Jonathan Whatley]

So how many sentences would that be? lol per paragraph?

Around 4 to 8 is typical. But don’t focus on how many does this paragraph need. Focus on what you need to say to explain and support the point you’re making here.