Strategies for taking the WEPT

The WEPT is designed to test your ability to communicate effectively in written English. To succeed, you must already know the basics of English composition as taught in English 110 and 225. The following information will help you plan and write a passing essay.

Preparation is the key to passing the WEPT with a minimum amount of distress. Do not let anyone tell you that passing it is "no problem." Do not believe that you can sail through the WEPT just because you have always done well in English classes. You may not like it, you may not think it is necessary, it may not be convenient for you, but passing it is a requirement. You need to take it seriously.

Do not think of the WEPT as a three-hour exam but as a four-day exam. That is the amount of time you usually have from the moment you pick up the test packet until you actually walk into the exam room. Do not simply read the articles. Think seriously about them.

Pinpoint the major controversies and choose one you think you can deal with effectively. Make sure you have an arguable thesis. This means that someone somewhere could argue against it. Figure out what it is you are arguing against, and state this position in a fair and objective way. Then state your position and give some indication why you hold this view.

The following are further pieces of advice about what to do in those four days before the WEPT. Remember, the Writing Lab is here to help, but it is a good idea to plan ahead and make an appointment at least a week in advance. Call 235-1146. If you just have a question or two, send them by e-mail to writelab@cctr.umkc.edu or join the discussion about writing on the UMKC OWL newsgroup: umkc.writinglab.

The first step is to follow the advice in the General Instructions on this web site and in the WEPT information packet. While you may be able to write a competent essay following only this advice, the following suggestions will make taking the test much easier.

1. After you have chosen a point of view or position to argue, choose at least three articles to cite. Write correct citations in the margins of the packet so that you don't waste time trying to remember them during the test.

2. Underline points that support/oppose your position. Make notes in the margin to either quote or paraphrase these points. Only quote your strongest material, otherwise summarize or paraphrase. Also note where in your essay these citations should appear (see point seven below).

3. Choose at least one article that opposes your position. Confronting and refuting opposing viewpoints will make your argument and essay stronger.

4. Write a practice draft of your essay. Rewrite it as necessary to polish your thoughts, argument, and writing style. While it is certainly possible to pass the WEPT without writing a practice draft, it is more prudent to make the effort.

5. After you finish your draft, read it aloud. This will help you catch mistakes, identify weak spots in your argument, and refine your writing. The longer you spend reading, editing, and rewriting your draft, the easier it will be to reproduce it during the test.

6. Structure your essay in a manner similar to the five-paragraph essay you learned when you were young. (But note that this essay should extend well beyond five paragraphs. You should write between five and ten pages of the number of paragraphs appropriate for your discourse.) Nonetheless, this model may be useful:

Section 1 introduces your topic and your position and outlines how you will prove your point.

Section 2 builds your argument (cite evidence).

Section 3 cites any opposing viewpoint and counters it.

Section 4 finishes your argument with your strongest evidence.

Section 5 restates your topic, position, and concludes your argument.

7. During the test, write a draft and then write your final essay. Concentrate on your argument and writing style during the draft. Don't worry about spelling and grammar now. After you finish your draft, carefully edit and rewrite the final version, paying careful attention to spelling and grammar.

For further information about the WEPT, contact Lindsey Martin-Bowen, Coordinator of Writing Assessment, by phone at (816) 235.2563 or via email at bowenlm@umkc.edu