The first part of the College Composition CLEP is called Conventions of Standard Written English. This section makes up 10% of the total test, and tests your overall awareness of the logic and structure of sentences. This section is very logical and straightforward. A basic grasp of proper English (both grammar and punctuation) will help you fly through his section. The best news? You should know all this from highschool!
You will be given 8-10 sentences with different sections underlined and labeled A-D. Choice E is “No error”. If there is an error you select the answer according to the letter it is labeled with. If there is no error, select E and move on. Remember that not all the sentences have an error, don’t be afraid to choose “e”. But don’t be sloppy and miss the mistake!
Also remember that only the underlined sections are graded. You will receive no points for finding a mistake elsewhere in the sentence.
Read the sentence through fast (possibly out loud) and see if anything really sticks out to you. Almost 90% of the time the mistake is glaringly obvious. If not, reread the sentence slowly testing each option until you find the mistake.
Have fun!
I took the College Composition CLEP in March 2011, and scored a 63. For the month of January we are focusing on the College Composition CLEP, and you are invited to join us this month as we learn about “What books to use for the College Composition CLEP” and study the different parts of this CLEP exam.