University of New England

Writing Placement

The Writing Assessment

The University of New England's Writing Placement Examination is a two-hour test of the student's general writing skills.  The test consists of three parts:  (1) an objective section comprising a series of multiple choice questions relating to the student's knowledge in a variety of technical areas; (2) a sentence revision section which tests the student's abilities relating to punctuation, syntax, and effective word choice; and (3), the most important component, an essay written in response to one of two writing prompts provided.  While it is true that students cannot prepare specifically for this examination, some general review of the principles of usage, grammar, and good writing will prove helpful.  The sentence revision and essay sections are holistically rated by writing specialists and instructors from both Learning Assistance Services and the English Department who make the placement determination primarily on the basis of the student's actual writing, although previous grades and SAT scores are taken into account.  We ask that students take this examination seriously and make their strongest effort, for it is where they have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to write the kind of coherent, cogent essay expected in college-level work.

How Writing Placement Results Affect Registration

As a result of the assessment procedure, students are placed in the writing class more appropriate to their demonstrated level of skill, either the Writing Tutorial, a developmental writing course offered through Learning Assistance Services, or English Composition.  Writing Tutorial credits count toward full-time enrollment requirements, and the grade received in the course is computed in the student's grade point average (GPA), but the course does not fulfill graduation requirements.  Students who place in Writing Tutorial must complete it before enrolling in English Composition.  English Composition is part of the University's Core Curriculum and is required of all students as one component of that curriculum.  The Writing Placement/Developmental Writing Supervisor is available for questions concerning placement in the advising and scheduling session that is part of the Orientation process.  University Campus students may contact John D. Daugherty at jdaugherty@une.edu.  Westbrook Colllege Campus students may contact Lori Power at lpower@une.edu.