All students in English Composition I are required to take the Departmental Exam once they have had all the required essays for the course accepted by their instructor.  The Departmental Exam will be written under supervision in an ACC Testing Center. 

Students will be given a selection to read, and they will write an interpretive essay of at least 750 words analyzing the selection for purpose and pattern.  The essay must include a summary, analysis, and evaluation and must demonstrate the following:

• coherence, critical thinking, and an understanding of the selection’s thesis, purpose(s), and pattern(s); and
• adherence to stylistic, grammatical, and mechanical conventions.

This presentation will introduce you to the four purposes for writing and the four basic patterns of organization.

Use the navigation links at the bottom of the screen to view the complete presentation.