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The Writing Proficiency Exam

A list of practice WPE writing prompts is available at the following link for free to all CSULB students. When asked for a username and password, enter your campus email username and password.

WPE Practice Prompts

For testing information, visit the following link:

Testing and Evaluation Services
1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Brotman Hall, Room 216
Long Beach, CA 90840-0110
(562) 985-4007

WPE Testing Dates:

February 18, 2012 and April 21, 2012

 
 

Saturday WPE Workshops

Workshop reservations are accepted beginning two weeks prior to each workshop date. Please call or stop by the WRL to sign-up!

In preparation for the February 18th exam:

February 11th

    9:00 - 10:30 am - Understanding and Responding to WPE Prompts
    11:00 am - 12:30 pm - Writing Effective Thesis Statements for the WPE
    1:00 - 2:30 pm Time Management and Pre-writing Techniques for the WPE
     

In preparation for the April 21st exam:

April 14th

    9:00 - 10:30 am - Understanding and Responding to WPE Prompts
    11:00 am - 12:30 pm - Writing Effective Thesis Statements for the WPE
    1:00 - 2:30 pm Time Management and Pre-writing Techniques for the WPE

     

WPE Workshop Descriptions

Understanding and Responding to WPE Prompts

During this workshop, students will learn skills and techniques to use when confronted with WPE prompts. They will learn to identify key phrases that will help them distinguish between one-sided, two-sided, and open-ended questions and will practice deciphering and responding to prompts quickly and effectively.

Writing Effective Thesis Statements for the WPE

This workshop will expose students to eight different types of two-part argumentative thesis statements which they can use to effectively answer most WPE prompts, the specific purpose of each type of statement, and the types of paragraphs needed to help them generate a well-written WPE response. Students will work with sample WPE prompts and practice writing effective thesis statements with the help of WRL tutors.

Time Management and Pre-writing Techniques for the WPE

In this workshop, students will be given tips to help them prepare to take the WPE, such as familiarizing themselves with current events and grammar topics. In addition, students will learn specific time management strategies and pre-writing techniques that they can use to approach any timed writing situation.

WPE workshops at the WRL are held in PSY-304