College Composition Modular with Essay

[rj12]

Could somebody tell me what are the essays topics? :S I'm really scared about that! I don't know if I can pick my own topic and write about it, or if they are going to give me an specific topic :S HELP!!

[Snickerdoodle]

The topics will be assigned. If I remember correctly, I had 2 essays, one of which asked me to read and cite 2 provided sources. Check specific feedback for more details if you're a paying subscriber...hopefully someone who has taken it recently can give you some idea as to what kinds of topics, because I can't remember what I had anymore. the topics probably vary from test to test, so it'll just be a rough idea. Best wishes! You can do it!

[LaterBloomer]

There are lots of comments in the forum about the essays. If you search, you'll find them. They're not tough topics, nor do they require special knowledge about particular topics. Practice writing FAST. It's the clock ticking that was hard for me. Good luck.

[af2012]

I agree with LaterBloomer. The topics aren't hard and they are totally random so there's no use in studying for them. All you have to do is take a position for or against the topic. It doesn't matter if you believe in it or not, just pick the side that you can come up with 3 supporting ideas for fast. Go for 5 paragraphs & 5 clear sentences per paragraph, 1st paragraph is stating your position on the topic and how you will support it, next three paragraphs are each of your three points that support your position and why they support it and the last paragraph is reworking/restating your position and wrapping it all up. I don't think you really get points for huge words, you do get props for getting your ideas down as coherently and as fast as possible. Really it sounds tougher than it is but it really isn't that hard. It's just the time factor as you only get 30 minutes for the first essay and 40 minutes for the 2nd essay. You get 10 more minutes on the 2nd essay than you do on the 1st so you have time to read the two sources they give you. One source is one viewpoint, the other is the opposite viewpoint. Just pick a viewpoint & have at it. Don't forget to cite your source! And don't worry about what style you use (ABA, etc) just pick the one you're most comfortable using & use it. It's not what style of citing you use, just that you DO use it & do it right. Oh & it goes without saying that spelling is also key. Leave yourself 3-4 minutes at the end to check what you've written and make sure you don't have any spelling or other basic writing errors.

Good luck!

[Snickerdoodle]

Spot on af2012! The 5x5 thing always works.

[OE800_85]

Yeah, structure is more important than content in this case. They don't really care what argument you make, as long as you use proper grammar and structure to present it.

[Publius]

Spot on af2012! The 5x5 thing always works.

I do want to add, when I took my college composition, I was able to do my first essay with 5 paragraphs, and the second one with only 4. I still passed, though I'm guessing I could of gotten a higher score. Like they said though, you can't go wrong with the 5x5! I just wanted to let you know if for some reason you didn't quite make, don't freak out. (:

Also, as far as the topic goes, they aren't difficult. Just pick a side. They don't want you sitting on the fence.

Ya know, I have also heard that you can make up "facts" to support your case. Not sure if this is viable or a good choice, but it could come in handy. I'd double check on this though.

[OE800_85]

I did the composition TECEP exams (which are great, if not slightly tougher than the CLEPs I heard). For composition II we had to do a research essay. The materials were given to us, we just had to think up some kind of thesis and support it with information from those materials. Not tough, despite the need to do citations. I'm assuming this isn't necessary for the CLEP, though.

[BGSU_Alum_86]

First of all, have you verified with your institution that they want you to take the essay component supplied by CLEP? All institutions have the option of supplying their own essay prompts. No matter what, the essays are not calculated in the final score you will receive for this exam as the score only reflects the multiple-choice. Any required handwritten essays are just forwarded to your designated institution (along with your official score for the multiple-choice) for their own purposes.

[Snickerdoodle]

Yes, technically you can make up (plausible) facts. As long as it's not too outrageous.