College Writing

College Writing Study Guide

Chapter 7: Test-Taking Strategies Now that you have read the skills portion of this study guide (Chapters 1-4) and the exact descrip- tions of the test (Chapters 5-6), you are ready to take the test. As discussed at the beginning of this guide, you will have two hours to respond to the two essay ques- tions with typewritten answers. Your papers will be evaluated based on your content, organization, and adherence to the rules of Standard Written American English. Remember all the lessons empha- sized in the earlier chapters, especially the importance of thesis statements, which provide the or- ganizational framework for your paper. By ensuring that you have a strong thesis statement, you will provide your paper with the focus and development needed in a strong paper. You will receive your scores before you leave the testing center. As long as you follow the organization frameworks discussed in this guide and write with the gram- matical rules and structures that we discussed in the early chapters, you will be in the best position to succeed. Studying for a writing exam is different than other subjects. It will do no good to memorize terms by writing them on notecards and quizzing yourself because writing is a practice, not subjected to rote recall. The best way to study is to review the comments on your written work by your Achieve in- structor. What are some repeated areas of improvement? Consult the sections in this guide associated with those subjects. Also, you can revisit the prompts. If you decided to propose that your community build an art house movie theater the �irst time you responded to the prompt, then write another paper that proposes your community build a halfway house for recovering alcoholics. Then write another proposal with a different idea. Play with organizational structures and different theses. Read your work aloud to patient friends or loved ones and solicit their feedback. Do the same with the Analysis and Response prompts. Just bec ause you agreed with the protest in your �irst try doesn’t mean that you can’t write another paper that disagrees with the protest. Or you can propose a compromise using a different organizational structure. Overall, because writing is a skill that requires practice, the best way to improve your writing is to write more. By writing more, reading more, and immersing yourself in the world of the written word, not only are you putting yourself in the best position for success on the test, you are giving yourself a new avenue to explore the world as a whole. So many interesting and engaging conversations take place in writing and improving yourself as a writer opens up these dialogues, which are awaiting your contribution.

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