I'm still not sure about all the schematics. I'm not sure about the grading system. All I know is that I got a six. And in someone's eyes, it meant that I was a failure. Maybe not in so many words, but I did fail the Writing Proficiency Exam.
Words can't begin to describe how I felt. I take that back. I felt wretched and stupid. All my years of English and journalism training had been summed up to one evil little number.
I'm not quite sure if the WPE is an accurate test of intelligence or knowledge of the English subject. Truth be told, some of the stupidest people I know have passed that test. Is that too harsh? Sorry.
I can't help but be bitter. Here I was, walking into that classroom, sure as anything that I was going to pass. I've been a good writer my entire life, and surely this would be no different. Boy, was I wrong.
This is why I feel the WPE should be abolished. As college students, we have made it this far. We have already proved ourselves worthy of a college education. Why, after all the studying, tests and exams do we have to go through this?
Graduate student Garry Douglas said he felt the WPE is beneficial. "It's necessary for most students," Douglas said. "I think (students) should have to take a tutorial."
I understand and respect that, but timed writing situations just aren't pertinent to the work force or everyday life. The fact of the matter is, in the real world, you have time to formulate your thoughts, rewrite and change any writing that isn't cohesive.
Earlier in the semester, I was in English Writing 109, which is the dreaded class you have to take if you don't pass the WPE. The instructor stressed the importance of brainstorming or outlining.
On any given Saturday morning, it's unlikely you want to be in a cold, sterile classroom writing an essay. It's even more unlikely that you would want to extend your time there by having to write and outline before getting to the actual essay.
The WPE is anything but easy. Senior Shewit Tekle said, "It was really difficult for me. I barely passed with an eight."
I struggled with this test because my topic was so broad. I felt I didn't have a chance to narrow my thoughts in the time given.
Along with my extreme disregard for timed writing and the all-out difficulty of it all, they charge us to take it! There is a $25 fee that needs to be paid before taking the test. As cheap as I am, I scoffed at the idea of having to pay $25.
Excuse me? You're going to charge me to take a mandatory test? Where is my money going? It's definitely not going to pay these simple ass students and professors to come up with better prompts.
All I'm saying is that if you're going to make it mandatory to take an exam, it should at least be free! Hell, I think there are a lot of other things on this campus that should be free, such as parking. Maybe that's why I have an unpaid, overdue parking ticket right now.
Oneika Richardson can be reached at [email protected]
