Analysis and Interpretation of Literature CLEP

[lbradleyjr]

Good Morning All -

I am going to take the Analysis and Interpretation of Literature CLEP in 2 weeks. From what I am hearing from most people there is not really much you can study for the test - either you can interpret literature or you can't. Before studying anything, I took the free Peterson's Practice exams and made a 55%, 60%, and a 63%. I am only a few years out of high school and I felt like some of my knowledge for AP English Language and Literature was still with me. How do these scores on the Peterson's test correspond to the actual test score? Are the scores I'm making good enough to pass the actual test? In your opinion, Do you think I am ready to take the test? In the next two weeks I plan on reviewing literary terms and devices and to take the practice exam out of my Official CLEP study guide. Please don't say "Just take it, after all its free." Because I do have to pay for it. $72 for the test and $25 to the college = $97. But that's a good price for 6 credits and I really need them in order to graduate by August.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

--Leo--

[skyfall123]

This was the only exam that I took, where I used all of the allotted time. This came up in a post recently from someone who ran out of time and thus failed this test. You need to keep a good pace. If you hit a section that is going to slow you down, for instance something written in a particular style that is awkward for you to grasp easily(i.e. Shakespeare, Chaucer etc...), mark that section then return to it later. Don't get bogged down and lose sight of the big picture.

Other then that, review literary devices, and pace yourself.

Good luck!!!

[marylynh]

This was the only exam that I took, where I used all of the allotted time. This came up in a post recently from someone who ran out of time and thus failed this test. You need to keep a good pace. If you hit a section that is going to slow you down, for instance something written in a particular style that is awkward for you to grasp easily(i.e. Shakespeare, Chaucer etc...), mark that section then return to it later. Don't get bogged down and lose sight of the big picture.

Other then that, review literary devices, and pace yourself.

Good luck!!!

I second this advice! My lowest score to date is A&I Lit. (63,) and it is because I failed to keep a proper pace. I guessed 'C' on 2 of 9 questions ...the remaining 7 went completely unanswered.

I believe your Peterson scores represent a comfortable pass. I never experienced time issues with Peterson's, but I did on the actual test.

Make sure to master Literary Devices as you have plenty of time.

Some have suggested, "How to Read Literature Like a Professor" if your comfort level is low. It doesn't sound like you'd need it, however.

[lbradleyjr]

Thanks for the advice! I go to American Public University System and I will be 6 elective credits short in order to graduate by August. I plan on teaching middle school and I have already passed my teacher certification exam and I have a job offer for August, pending my degree conferral. My school does not factor CLEP exams into the GPA, so the only thing that goes on the transcript is "CLEP Exam - Analysis and Interpretation of Literature - Credit - 6 hrs." With this being said, I am only looking to pass the exam. APUS considers 50 a passing score on CLEP exams.

So, you guys thing I'm okay to take it after reviewing literary term and devices?

Thanks again.

[skyfall123]

Leo - after all is said and done, the exam consists of interpretting words/lines/stanzas from passages that may or (in most cases) won't be familiar.

If you aren't familiar with the passages, then you may actually be at an advantage, since you likely won't OVERTHINK your answers.

You either have the ability to interpret or you don't. Since you scored 55, 60, and 63, it shows that you have the ability to interpret literature.

Now there is no way you could possibly anticipate the particular passages that will appear on your exam. Authors maybe.... content no way.

So you are left with the two proven techniques for improving your chances of passing the exam.
Tip #1) Study literary devices...metaphors, etc....
Tip #2) Go into the exam with the correct frame of mind and pace yourself

Now in your case I am going to add another one....
Tip #3) Don't OVERTHINK the exam. We can call this the Leo rule from now on.

Good luck!!! You'l l do fine

[lbradleyjr]

LOL...I have a tendency to overthink everything. One of my professors just told me the other day that I missed a question on a quiz simply because I overthink/read to much into the question/over analyze. I'm trying to work on that because sometimes it ends up hurting me.

okay...One more thing and I promise not to bother you anymore.

Do you remember how many questions you got right on the exam to get your 68? When I get the actual score report does it show the number of correct and incorrect answers?

Thanks a bunch!

--Leo--

[skyfall123]

Scores for CLEP's are determined based on a sliding scale. The highest score possible is an 80.

The passing score for a CLEP is 50, which is what 98% of all schools that accept CLEP's require. As a general unscientific rule if you are consistently answering over 50% of the questions correct on a corresponding Peterson's test, then you will probably pass.

My 68 was a direct result of heeding the advice of previous forum members who mentioned studying literary devices and using your time wisely. We try to pass on what works.

[lbradleyjr]

Thanks! You're a lifesaver!

[marylynh]

Thanks for making me smile, Geezer. You just Analyzed and Interpreted lbradleyjr when determining that he "overthinks" things.

I'm not casting stones at you, lbradleyjr. I have been told the same thing myself many times.

It's just funny

[lbradleyjr]

LOL...that's too funny! I didn't realize it until you mentioned it!