Did you take College Composition w/ essay?

[green]

So tomorrow is the big day! I'm going to take the College Composition test. I'm really nervous about it. I'm mostly nervous about the essay part. I'm required to write 2 essays in 70 minutes! That feels like very little time. I practiced a lot. I wrote a ton of essays and drove my dear friend crazy. She was chosen to critique me...lol...

Did anyone take this clep test? Any advice?

Pray for me...

[irnbru]

You will do great. If it's any help, remember:

Read the instructions and identify the type of essay you are being asked to write (Proposal, argument, comparison, close reading analysis, classification, etc.)

Introductory paragraph
-Introduce topic
-THESIS STATEMENT (Natural sentence, not a statement of intent)
--List supporting argument paragraph topics as part of thesis statement; you can use a semi-colon to put two complete sentences together and make sure the list of paragraphs one, two and three are included in a single thesis sentence

First argument topic paragraph
Use transitional phrase, e.g. "Firstly, ..."
-First sentence states topic
--Body supports argument topic stated in first sentence
---Final sentence restates argument topic and sets up next paragraph

Second argument topic paragraph
Use transitional phrase, e.g. "Meanwhile/Next/Moving on..."
-First sentence states topic
--Body supports argument topic stated in first sentence
---Final sentence restates argument topic and sets up next paragraph

Third argument topic paragraph (possible inclusion of counter-argument)
Use transitional phrase
-First sentence states topic
--Body supports argument topic stated in first sentence (i.e., refutation of counter-argument)
---Final sentence restates argument topic and sets up next paragraph

Conclusion paragraph
"In conclusion..."
-Recap argument topics
-Recap thesis statement
-Close on a nice line

If you have time, check your grammar and punctuation. Five sentences per paragraph is enough. Cut to two body paragraphs if time is hurting or ideas are short Simple, structured language is better than attempting to defenestrate the epitome of a cornucopia of concise anti-sophistry, etc.

Good luck!

[green]

Thanks!
Yes, that was helpful... it always helps to reframe...
I appreciate your 'in depth' response.

[babydoe]

Hey, thanks for posting this info. I am taking English clep w/ essay, so this was useful for me too.

[alleycat]

Great post. I am forwarding it to people I know that will be taking this exam. Thanks.

[green]

I took the test today. The first part was really simple. The essay part, however, was not easy.
The first essay was doable but the second one was challenging. In the second essay they required me to read an introduction, plus two cited sources, and then form an opinion. I had to cite and quote those sources. I felt that the timing was too short. I finished up with my heart in my hands and had no time to even read through it.

I hope I did well.

Now comes the "let's test your patience" part... I have to wait at least two weeks for results.

P.S. For those of you who are planning to take the English Composition w/ essay- it is no longer available. It was replaced with College Composition.

[green]

I passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yay!!!

I am sooooo relieved!

Happycamper, thanks for recommending that book. It was the best!

Inbru, your input was exactly what I needed on the day of the test! You were clear, precise, and to the point. Thank you!

[akjake]

I took the test 2 weeks ago and was supposed to receive results today, do they email them to me?

-Jake

[green]

I received the results in the mail.

[myarcus]

What book did Happycamper recommend for you?