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02-21-2008, 07:28 AM
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Need some guidance on Eng Composition Essay
Hi All,
I am new here, and starting with zero credits. I have been out of school almost 30 years and I'm one of those people who can study and know a subject well, but when it comes to test time I go blank. My first CLEP is English Composition with Essay (because the school requires the essay part). I bought the book Cracking the CLEP and I was feeling really good about taking this test until I read the part about the essay. What on earth do you do if you are given a blurb to write about on your essay and you know absolutely nothing about it? The example essays they show in this book sound so professional and way out of my realm as far as producing something of this caliber. I am totally distraught at this point. My exam date is already set and I've already paid the money so I can't back out. Can anyone offer any assistance on what to do if you know nothing about the topic they give you, and maybe don't even quite understand the topic? Any help is greatly appreciated.     
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02-21-2008, 11:17 AM
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Quote:
I'm happy to help! Google "5 paragraph essay" and pull up an outline. You can use this format. It's very appropriate. Your topic will be something like "in the expression 'what comes around goes around' do you agree or disagree with this?" It won't be about a thing or event like the civil war or world hunger! So, they are not testing your knowledge of a subject, they are testing your ability to follow the structure (proper format) of a college level essay. Again, use the 5 paragraph style. 5 paragraphs, each paragraph should have 5 sentences. Simple! Whatever you are going to say in your paper- think of 3 reasons to support it. These don't have to be anything other than rational. Meaning, if it makes sense you are fine. Keep it simple and keep it clear. You can use personal experience, work experience, even your knowledge of other subjects- just don't go too deep. Your opening sentence in the first paragraph should include your position (I agree with the expression....or While most people would agree with this expression I disagree....) Then use the remaining sentences in your first paragraph to hit on (or hint at) your 3 reasons. In paragraphs 2,3, and 4- each gets one of your reasons. Only 5 sentences per paragraph, it's less than you think. Last paragraph, send it home- in other words recap what you just said. Start with a closing phrase like "In conclusion" or "Finally" so they are sure you are in your wrap-up. When I did my essay- On scrap paper I wrote out my 3 points/reasons/etc and stuck to them. It's easy to get too involved when you are writing-it's easy to ramble in an effort to REALLY connect the dots- that's not the point. Keep it clear and crisp- on task and to the point. \ You don't have a ton of time- so worry about the format and not trying to impress your reader with your brilliance- you'll get sidetracked. Why don't you try the topic above for practice (What goes around comes around- do you agree or disagree with that expression?) you can post it here or send me a private email. Good Luck!
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Jennifer ALM, Psychology, Harvard University, in progress AA & BA, Social Sciences, Thomas Edison State College, 2008 AOS, Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of America, 1990 IC WORKS! http://www.degreeforum.net/general-e...g-members.html "Brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” Randy Pausch
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02-21-2008, 11:27 AM
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Jennifer's advice is excellent. I've bookmarked her post for my own upcoming writing exam. The only thing I can add is a resource for more practice topics.
The ETS PPST Writing Test-at-a-Glance PDF includes 71 essay prompts. Some (but not all) of the prompts are education-related, but the PDF is FREE. The best way to prepare for writing an essay under pressure is to practice writing essays under pressure. I spend half an hour every Sunday practicing (with a timer!) This practice has been extremely valuable in learning to quickly outline my thoughts and to pace myself instead of wasting time waiting for inspiration to strike. Good luck to you!
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I lost traction. Time to get back to climbing that hill - 90% done is no place to lose motivation! Still pursuing BS English Lit, Excelsior College (109/120) + K-8 certification & MAT, University of Alaska Southeast (13/51). IC works! Credits by exam to date: 51 GRE: Literature in English (60th percentile / 18 cr) CLEP: A&I Lit (72), Intro Soc (72), Am Gov (69), Intro Psych (77), Intro to Ed Psych (73), US History I (69) DSST: Environment & Humanity (70), Civil War (63), Foundations of Ed (68), USSR (54) (still) On Deck: CLEP Biology, Shakespeare, Early American Literature
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02-21-2008, 01:20 PM
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Jennifer, Cinderly,
Thank you both so much for your input. I am feeling better already. I am going to follow all of your suggestions and just dig in and start practice writing. I was concerned I would be graded on my knowledge of a particular subject but I think they might be more interested in the structure of my essay to see if I know what essay writing is all about. The CLEP book was talking about siting actual facts or happenings to back up your thoughts. An example was a 1994 Congressional election. Sometimes I can't remember what happened yesterday, nevermind digging up info from 15 years ago. I think you could only pull this off if you got lucky enough to get an essay blurb that was about something you really know about and are passionate about. I'm going to begin practice writing tonight. Thanks again for the very helpful tips. I'm going to Google as you say and see what else comes up.
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