Fast Fact: Passing the WEPT

Excluding results from this semester’s first Written English Proficiency Test (WEPT) last week, the passing rates for the exam ranged from 90 to 92 percent over the past year.

Coordinators credit the high passing rate to an increase in preparation, specifically combined with a lack of plagiarism. Test-takers are flagged for violations of plagiarism, unpreparedness and inconsistency.

The recent blockage of late registration is also cited for the high passing rate.

In the past, students were able to register days before the exam. However, enrollment now closes three weeks before each test, or earlier if a session reaches capacity before then.

The deadline is meant to give students more time to digest information from materials and prepare a well-thought, cohesive argument.

All undergraduate students must pass the WEPT before enrolling in junior-level writing or writing intensive courses.

Each test is scored by professors from various disciplines who assess five categories: thesis, support, organization, MLA format and grammar.

If students do not pass the test, they must meet with a Writing Center tutor to evaluate the essay and re-assess mistakes. If students fail a second time, they are required to take English 299.

The next WEPT is Nov. 2.

ltrigg@unews.com