WritePlacer

The WritePlacer is a computerized placement test required by the RTVF department.  For this test, students write an essay about a given topic, and a computerized grading system scores the essay immediately.  The scores range from 1 to 8, with 5 being the passing score.  The student must write the essay on the given topic. The student must write the essay in English, otherwise the computer will not be able to score it.  If the computer is unable to score the essay, it will be sent to human graders.

The essay should range from 300 to 600 words, but lengthier essays tend to score higher. WritePlacer is looking for variety, a mix of compound, complex, and simple sentences.  Essays written with mostly longer sentences tend not to score as well as essays with a variety of sentence styles and lengths.  The student should plan to write a standard five-paragraph essay with a thesis.  The ideas and examples should very clearly argue the thesis without straying off topic. 

Students have two opportunities to earn a passing score, and the RTVF department wants to see both scores. The student will usually receive their score immediately following the completion of the test.

The cost for the test is $35.00, which includes both test attempts. The student will have two hours to complete the test. 

 

WritePlacer evaluates the following categories:

• Purpose and Focus-“The extent to which you present information in a unified and coherent manner, clearly addressing the issue.”
• Organization and Structure- “The extent to which you order and connect ideas.”
• Development and Support-“The extent to which you develop and support ideas.”  Well-developed essays with one central theme will score better than essays with multiple examples.
• Sentence Variety and Style- “The extent to which you craft sentences and paragraphs demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure.”
• Mechanical Conventions- “The extent to which you express ideas using Standard Written English.”
• Critical Thinking- “The extent to which you express communicate a point of view and demonstrate reasoned relationships among ideas.”

 

To take the test, students should do the following:

• Attend a tutoring session in the Writing Lab prior to taking the test (see Hours and Locations). 
• Make an appointment to take the test.  To make an appointment, contact the Writing Lab by calling 940-565-2563 or stopping by room 105 in the Auditorium Building.
• Come to the Writing Lab (AUDB 105) to take the test.
• Bring $35.00 exact cash or check on the day of the appointment.