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English Composition Placement Process

The English Department places students into its First Year Composition courses based on a writing sample combined with the state placement scores (if the student has taken the state placement test).  The sample is taken when students attend orientation and is immediately evaluated so that placement information is available when students register for their classes later in the orientation process.

The writing sample is designed to help place students in the composition course which best matches their writing abilities, and so make it more likely that they will succeed.  Whether placed in English 101: First Year Composition, or in English 150: Advanced Composition, students receive individualized attention so that they will grow in their reading, writing, and research skills.  These skills are essential for succeeding in their college careers and beyond—written communication skills are among those abilities that are most valued by employers.

One important reason UWSP uses a writing sample is that writing abilities cannot be fully measured by a standardized test.  Unlike math, for example, where a range of skill levels can be more objectively measured, only writing mechanics may reliably be so measured and effective writing depends on far more: the successful writer will display a highly-developed sense of audience and context, and the ability to make decisions based on that awareness.  Research shows that objective tests are useful for showing when students need remedial help with grammar, but that they are not helpful for assessing advanced writing skills.

Even more important, however, is the fact that the UWSP writing sample provides equality of opportunity for all students no matter what their background.  Certainly, students can be placed into English 150, the more advanced class, through Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate scores, but these tests are expensive and not all schools offer these opportunities.  In contrast, the UWSP writing sample allows any student who demonstrates advanced writing skills access to English 150, thus creating more equal opportunity.

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