Writing Placement Exam

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1st-yr Writing Courses

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Taking the WPE

Testing Schedule

Mr. George Greenlee, Writing Program Director
VOICE: (417) 625.9646 • FAX: (417) 625.3121 • EMAIL: Mr. George Greenlee

THE WRITING PLACEMENT EXAM

The Missouri Southern Writing Placement Exam (WPE) is required of all students who have not been admitted to the initial course in the First-Year Writing course sequence. The exam is a timed writing assignment. Students complete an essay in response to a writing prompt. The students’ responses are read and scored by at least two College Composition instructors. That score is used to determine in which First-Year Writing course the students will be placed: ENG 080, ENG 101, or ENG 111.

FIRST-YEAR WRITING COURSES
All students must complete six hours of First-Year Writing courses to meet the Core Curriculum requirements for a baccalaureate degree. For more information on these requirements, refer to the Missouri Southern State University Catalog.

ENG 080: BASIC COMPOSITION
This course is designed for students who have had limited opportunities to practice writing in classroom settings and who require developmental composition. Students will write at least six major essays. Special attention will be given to grammar, mechanics, syntax, paragraphing, and organization. Passing this course enables students to enroll in ENG 101. ENG 080 does not count toward the baccalaureate degree.

ENG 101: COLLEGE COMPOSITION I (Writing Intensive)
This course is an introduction to the principles of college-level writing and critical thinking. Students will write a number of essays for a variety of purposes and audiences. Successful completion of ENG 101 enables the student to enroll in ENG 102.

ENG 111: ADVANCED COLLEGE COMPOSITION (Writing Intensive)
This course is designed for honors students and for students who demonstrate exceptional writing abilities on the WPE. Students receiving a grade of “C” or better in ENG 111 automatically receive the required six hours credit for First Year Writing.

TAKING THE WPE
Students who attend Fresh Start will take the WPE as part of Fresh Start orientation. Other students may take the WPE by attending any of the posted test dates. Students DO NOT need to register or make appointments to take the WPE. It is advised that students arrive at exam locations 10 minutes prior to exam time, as no one is admitted to the exam after it has begun. All exam materials are provided, including pencils.

Beginning Spring 2004, the WPE will not be given at times other than those posted on the schedule. Students who experience emergencies which prevent their taking the exam at a posted time should contact the Writing Program Director.

EXEMPTIONS
Some students are exempted from taking the WPE. Exemptions are limited to the following:

• Students who have received Advanced Placement credit for first-year college composition through the national AP exam and who have received documentation verifying the AP credit;
• Students who have received transfer credit for ENG 101.
• Students who believe they may have completed ENG 101 credit, either transfer credit or through an approved dual credit program, should contact Transcript Analyst, at (417) 625-9513 for verification.

SCORES
Advisors may obtain a student’s placement score through LOGNET. Scores for students taking the WPE during Fresh Start will be available the same day. Scores for students taking the WPE at other times will be available within 24 hours.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Enrollment of International students in a First-Year Writing course is overseen by the Institute for International Studies. Please contact William G. Trudeau, Director, Intensive English Program for more information: (417) 625-9821 or trudeau-w@mssu.edu.

CONTACT
Advisors or students who have questions may contact Geroge Greenlee , Director, Writing Program for more information: (417) 625-9646 or greenlee-g@mssu.edu

Faculty with questions regarding Writing Intensive courses should contact the Writing Program Director. Guidelines for teaching or proposing a WI course may be found at http:www.mssu.edu/acaaffairs.

TESTING SCHEDULE

*All WPEs will be given in Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall unless otherwise noted*