ENGLISH COMPETENCY EXAMS
AT COLLEGE OF THE REDWOODS

English 350

DIRECTIONS FOR THE COMPETENCY EXAM

You will have two fifty minute class sessions to write an essay in response to one of the prompts your instructor gave you in the week before the competency exam. After reading the requirements stated for the essay below, please take time to plan. (Your instructor will have already explained how to best prepare in advance for this in-class writing.) Then write the essay.

Think of this exam as an opportunity to show your competency in writing a basic four-paragraph personal expository essay. That competency should include a demonstration of the following composition skills: attention to the topic, a clear, limited thesis statement, well-developed paragraphs, clear organization throughout, use of transitions between and within paragraphs, sentences which demonstrate clarity and competent mechanics.

Make sure to allow enough time to write a good essay; be sure to allow time to proofread.

REQUIREMENTS

Write a personal expository essay that contains the following parts:

An introductory paragraph. This paragraph should begin with attention-getting sentences to involve the reader and conclude with a thesis and a plan of development sentence. The thesis should contain a limited topic and a clear opinion or judgment. The plan of development should clearly predict the support of the body paragraphs.

At least two body paragraphs that contain support for your thesis. The support should be specific and adequate enough to make your point convincingly. Support may come from personal experience, your observations of the experiences of others, and your reading or outside knowledge. A passing essay must contain at least two well-developed body paragraphs.

A brief conclusion. This paragraph contains a restatement of the thesis and the plan of development and frequently some point related to the writing of the essay that clinches your point.

When you are finished, make sure you have included (1) the introductory paragraph, (2) at least two body paragraphs, and (3) a brief conclusion. You should, then, have a minimum of four TOTAL paragraphs, including the introduction and the conclusion. The body paragraphs should make up about two-thirds of the essay because they contain the vital support for your thesis. Do not take time to rewrite the essay, but please take time to write legibly and to proofread.

GOOD LUCK!