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Upper Division Composition Exam Information 2008-2009The examination to challenge the upper-division composition requirement asks you to read a short passage on a topic of general interest and to write an expository essay responding to it in one hour and 30 minutes. Last year, for example, examinees responded to readings about cheating, reality television, and the pace of American life.. If you decide to take this challenge exam, you should do so as soon as you have accumulated 70 units. Do not wait until your senior year. If you do not pass, you may make an appointment with a Composition Examination Counselor to find out why. Then, you have the opportunity to take the exam one more time. When October 25, 2008, January
31, 2009, and April 25, 2009 Where194 Chemistry Sign-UpRegister on line here from the Monday before each exam date until Friday at noon or until the exam slots are filled. What to Bring to the Exam
PreparationSince passing the examination fulfills the upper-division composition requirement, you must demonstrate advanced writing skills--beyond technical correctness to effective development and support of an analytic argument that responds directly to the question and the reading passage. There is no quick way to develop such mastery of writing skills. To prepare for the exam, you might review principles of essay organization, paragraph development, and sentence construction in a good writing handbook, such as The Random House Handbook by Frederick Crews, and practice writing essays responding to brief articles of general interest. You may also attend a workshop on "Strategies for In-Class Writing" through the Learning Skills Center (2205 Dutton Hall/752-2013). On-line writing resources are listed below. GradingExperienced composition instructors will grade the exams, assessing focus on the topic question, thesis, organization, development of ideas, logic, use of specific and appropriate evidence, grammar, usage, and sentence structure. ResultsYou (and the dean of your college) will be notified of the results by e-mail approximately two weeks after the examination date. Do not take this exam if you are currently enrolled in a course that satisfies the upper-division composition requirement for your college, as exam results will not be available until after the final add/drop deadline. For more information about the exam, please see Sally Gunter in 116 Voorhies or call her at 752-0450. For information about your college's composition requirement visit http://writing.ucdavis.edu/students/requirements/ see the UCD General Catalog, or consult your dean's office. Students with disabilities must contact the Disability Resource Center (752-3184) and Sally Gunter (752-0450 or swgunter@ucdavis.edu). We recommend that you arrange accommodations at least two weeks in advance of the exam date. Useful Links
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| University Writing Program
| University of California One Shields Avenue | Davis, CA 95616-8581 |
Main Office: 176 Voorhies Hall Office Hours: M-F 8am-5pm (closed 12noon-1pm) |
Phone: 530.752.0431 Fax: 530.752.5013 Contact UWP |
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