Competency Test Dates for Fall 2008

 

October 27 and 28, 2008              - grammar  (given in class)

October 29, 2008                        - essay   (given in group setting - 3:30 and 6 pm)

 

November 17, 2008                     - grammar retake (given in group setting  -10 am)

November 18, 2008                     - essay retake (given in group setting -3:30 and 6 pm)                                              

 

What's on the test?
The competency test consists of two parts: a grammar test and an in-class essay.

What is a passing score on the test?
To pass the course, every student in English 111 must pass her coursework and both the grammar and the essay parts of the competency test. To pass the test free and clear, a student must make 60 or better on the proofreading and at least a 2- on the essay. Students who do not make at least a 60 on the proofreading and a 2- on the essay must retake the part(s) on which they failed to reach a passing score. If a student’s highest score after two attempts at the essay are a 1+, the score is considered passing (the equivalent of a D). Passing the test does not insure passing the course. Note: If you pass the competency test but fail the course, you will have to repeat the entire course, including taking the competency test again. If you fail the competency test but are doing passing work in the class, you must still repeat the class.

When is the test given?
The competency test is given three-quarters of the way through the semester. The retake of the competency test is given near the end of the semester. The test lasts an hour and a half. Students may take as long as they wish on the grammar, but if they choose to use their laptops, they must turn in the proofreading portion before typing the essay portion of the test. The test will be given at two different times; times and dates will be announced in class.

How do students take the test?
Students complete the grammar section by hand but have a choice about the essay section: they may write their essays by hand, using a pen, or on the laptop, using Secure Exam. In order to use Secure Exam, students must have the correct version of the software loaded prior to the night of the competency test and complete a training session on Secure Exam. English 111 instructors will provide details about the training sessions. Students who have not completed the training session will not be able to use Secure Exam during the test.

How should students prepare for the test?
In addition to regular study, students are strongly encouraged to attend grammar sessions provided through the Learning Center. They may also sign up for one-on-one tutoring in the Learning Center, and they may tune in to “Miss Grammar” on MCTV. They may practice grammar using the “Patient Griselda” web site; a link is available on the English home page (http://meredith.edu/english.) Finally, they make take advantage of intensive review sessions during the week before the test.

Where do students go to take the test?
Instructors will announce the testing rooms. There will be separate rooms for students writing the essay by hand and on laptops. International students and others with special needs will take the test in a specified room so that they may have additional time.

What should students bring to the test?
Students may bring dictionaries to use while they are writing the in-class essay. Students should bring paper or a laptop for the essay question. For logistical reasons, students must notify their instructors by a date to be announced each semester if they plan to use their laptops. Students should write their own names and their teachers’ names on both parts of the test. The essay portion should be written in ink or formatted in a standard 12-point font and double-spaced with one-inch margins.

When will the tests be graded?
Teachers of English 111 will gather to cross-grade the essay portion of the test on the night following the test. Each essay will be evaluated by two graders: a faculty member who is not the student’s teacher and the student’s regular English 111 instructor. Students are shown their results on the test but are not allowed to take the test papers out of the classroom.