WPE Information
We can help you prepare for the Writing Proficiency Examination. Whether you're taking the WPE for the first time or are attempting it again, learning a few simple strategies can help you achieve a higher score.
At the University Writing Center, we have worked with students who received No Credit on the WPE, many of whom went on to pass the exam. Included here are strategies we believe have contributed to the success of passing students, and could do the same for you.
Preparing for the Exam
To be as prepared as possible when you take the exam, you should do the following:
Become familiar with what will be expected of you on test day. Knowing the format of the WPE (for example, the recommended length of the essay you will write and other test directions) can save you precious minutes on this timed writing - time you might use to revise and proofread your work.
The Writing Center can provide you with all the preparatory information you will need to be ready to do your best on the WPE. Handouts are available at the Writing Center. Practice writing timed essays on topics like the ones used for the WPE. In addition to the sample topics linked on this page, there are additional sample topics available at the Writing Center. The sample topic sheet looks similar to a real WPE exam. To simulate the WPE, do not read the topic ahead of time and time yourself for 90 minutes when you write. You should then schedule an appointment with a tutor at the Writing Center to review your practice WPE essay.
Read the official WPE Scoring Guide to familiarize yourself with the WPE scoring standards. Then read some actual graded WPE sample essays, which are linked on this page and were written by students in a past test administration. Taking these steps will give you a better idea of what you need to do to pass.
Consider attending a Writing Center WPE Workshop. We offer two and four hour workshops. You may come to the Writing Center to sign up for a workshop at the beginning of the quarter.
Method of Scoring
Each essay is scored independently by
two readers who are
faculty members from
various departments. Readers
evaluate the essay
in terms of how well it
completes the tasks set
by the topic, the
effectiveness of its
organization and
development, and its
demonstrated language
control. Based on this
evaluation, each reader
assigns the essay a
score from 1 (very low)
to 6 (very high). The
scores are then
added together; thus,
the highest possible
score is 12 and the
lowest is 2. To pass the
exam, students must
achieve a score of 8 or
higher.
Grade Reports
Approximately
1.5-2 weeks
after taking the exam,
students
are able to
access their grades
through GET. A grade
of "CR" means "Credit"
and that the student has
passed the exam. A grade
of "NC" means "No
Credit" and that a
student did not pass.
What if I Don't Pass?
If you receive No Credit on the WPE, you should
visit the Writing Center to review
your essay with a WPE consultant.
The consultant
will review your essay
with you,
identify the reasons
that the essay did not
pass, and
recommend an appropriate
course of action.
If you have not yet
reached 135 units, you
have the option of taking the test again; however, the consultant
may recommend that you enroll in UNIV 401, the
course alternative to the WPE. Successful
completion of UNIV 401 fulfills the WPE
requirement: if you pass UNIV 401, you won't
have to take the WPE again.
To make an
appointment with a
consultant, students
should visit the
University Writing
Center, JFK Library,
Palmer Wing, (Library
South) Room 1039A or call
(323) 343-5350.
WPE Holds and Contracts
Do you have a registration hold? Have you completed 135 units and received an email about a possible registration hold? Click here
According to University
regulations,
undergraduate students
must take and pass the
Writing Proficiency Exam
prior to the completion
of 135 units. If
they don't pass the exam
in that time, a
registration hold is
applied. Students
should go to the
University Testing
Center (Room 2098)
in order to lift the
hold. Students who are
unable to pass the WPE can go to the
Testing Center and sign
a WPE Contract.
NOTE: The University Writing Center does not place holds. The University Testing Center Places the hold. Call them at (323) 343-3160.