The final and most scary part of the entire College Composition CLEP is the 2 mandatory essays. But I have some great things to tell you! Read on!
You may not have to take the essays
Wait, did you think they were mandatory? They are. If you take the College Composition CLEP, not if you take the College Composition Modular CLEP.
Remember, when you are deciding which test to take, not to focus on the essays, but to make sure which CLEP your college accepts. You can check that here.
Note that the Modular CLEP is slightly different than the traditional College Comp. exam and, while you get out of the essays, you add in another (slightly harder) section.
Reasons people fear the essays
These reasons always make me laugh, but here you go…
- “My handwriting is too bad” ~ Good news! The CLEP essays are typed, no writing.
- “I can’t write” – That is a lie. Anyone can write. For some people it’s really easy, others find it harder. Some can do it under pressure, others freeze up. But writing is an art, science, and skill. And everyone should have it. I don’t think you have to go out and take this test right now, but buckle down and work on your writing.
Things to remember about the essays
Going into the test, remember these tips.
- There are two essays.
- You get 30 minutes to write the first essay ~ You are given a statement and required to write a paper discussing whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
- You will need to give specific reasons and examples for your position. Think outside the box and tie in life experiences, stories from your reading, and your life observations.
- Memorize some quotations that are fairly general and use them if at all possible.
- You are given 40 minutes to read the sources and write your second essay ~ A coherent essay that combines the sources given and your view to form an argument for one source or the other
- Remember that the two sources will be contradictory.
- Pick the one with the better argument – not the one you would necessarily side for in a real argument
- Don’t be afraid to tie in some quotations or examples. And don’t be afraid to make up examples, pretending they are real.
- Don’t forget to cite and refer to the sources properly, skills you should have from a previous section in the CLEP
Fun fact: When I took my practice exams, I spent weeks writing essay after essay to practice for the second section. With the prompts I was given (in my practice exam), I continually chose one particular side of an argument. When I went and took my real CLEP, the argument was the same! However, I took the opposite side of the one I had practiced for months. The source given to me for that side was much better!
Thank you for joining us this January!
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.
If the optional essay on college composition modular is marked by your college, does that mean I cant take it if im not enrolled yet in any college?
Also, if the essay on college composition clep has to be typed, what can I do if im not good at typing and it takes me a long time to type?
Hello, great questions. My understanding is that for the Modular exam, you do have to be enrolled in a college, or opt out of the essay. The downside to opting out would whether or not the college of your choice requires the essay. Does your college want you to take Modular in particular? I found that other to be easier to study for and take.
As for the typing, the only thing I can recommend is… practice typing. There is no way around it. Your essay must be typed. I suggest you buy a typing program and practice every day.
God Bless,
If the optional essay on college composition modular is marked by your college, does that mean I cant take it if im not enrolled yet in any college?
Also, if the essay on college composition clep has to be typed, what can I do if im not good at typing and it takes me a long time to type?
Hello, great questions. My understanding is that for the Modular exam, you do have to be enrolled in a college, or opt out of the essay. The downside to opting out would whether or not the college of your choice requires the essay. Does your college want you to take Modular in particular? I found that other to be easier to study for and take.
As for the typing, the only thing I can recommend is… practice typing. There is no way around it. Your essay must be typed. I suggest you buy a typing program and practice every day.
God Bless,
I am taking college composition and modular from 2012 and I took both exams almost 3 to 4 times but I was not able to clear them. I always get 48 or 49 marks. I have clep book from which i’m studying and I practiced a lot for essays but due to limited time i make grammatical mistakes in my essays. Will you please suggest me some tips to clear the exams.
Hey Rekha,
What I would suggest is that you take a few weeks to study basic grammar and English materials. I highly recommend the two books I have linked below. That should help you with your English skills, which will help you pass the test!
God Bless,
http://www.amazon.com/Writers-INC-Student-Handbook-Learning/dp/0669529958/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=planandpill00-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=PCJDSO4OIUK5MM3A&creativeASIN=0669529958
http://www.amazon.com/Write-Source-2000-Thinking-Learning/dp/066946774X/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=planandpill00-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=ZOTSJVSC7KC44IK4&creativeASIN=066946774X
I am taking college composition and modular from 2012 and I took both exams almost 3 to 4 times but I was not able to clear them. I always get 48 or 49 marks. I have clep book from which i’m studying and I practiced a lot for essays but due to limited time i make grammatical mistakes in my essays. Will you please suggest me some tips to clear the exams.
Hey Rekha,
What I would suggest is that you take a few weeks to study basic grammar and English materials. I highly recommend the two books I have linked below. That should help you with your English skills, which will help you pass the test!
God Bless,
http://www.amazon.com/Writers-INC-Student-Handbook-Learning/dp/0669529958/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=planandpill00-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=PCJDSO4OIUK5MM3A&creativeASIN=0669529958
http://www.amazon.com/Write-Source-2000-Thinking-Learning/dp/066946774X/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=planandpill00-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=ZOTSJVSC7KC44IK4&creativeASIN=066946774X
Hi.
I am almost ready to take the College Composition test, but I am really nervous about the essays. I am practicing, but I just don’t know how to tell if my essays are good enough or not. I haven’t taken a college level English course yet and don’t really know what “college level writing requirements” means.
Hi.
I am almost ready to take the College Composition test, but I am really nervous about the essays. I am practicing, but I just don’t know how to tell if my essays are good enough or not. I haven’t taken a college level English course yet and don’t really know what “college level writing requirements” means.