Step 1: Earning Eligibility by Passing the Exemption Essay

Every student who wishes to pursue exemption must earn eligibility by completing Step 1 in the process. Students become eligible for exemption from English 112 by demonstrating their superior writing skills and the specific skills of research and documentation taught in 112. The procedure for demonstrating such skills involves writing a passing Exemption Essay and providing a passing research paper. Passing the Exemption Essay requires that the student:

• Study assigned readings on a specific topic.
• Plan effective synthesis essay responses to three potential essay scenarios.
• Write an effective synthesis essay on the topic assigned at the start of the exam period, judiciously incorporating several of the relevant assigned readings. Students will have up to six hours to complete a final draft (including a Works Cited page). Details on this process are provided to the student when s/he submits an “Application for Exemption from English 112.”

If a student’s first attempt does not pass, s/he may discuss the results with GSW’s Assistant Director and retest, if appropriate.