There are times in which one should just assume that everyone wants the info and this is one of them. I receive 5 e-mails asking for this BEFORE I saw my own message on TIPS (how does that happen?). BTW - this is straight from ETS. A group of us did a presentation at SEPA on this and this was my topic. New Subtests for GRE Originally, there were to be 2 new tests. However the Mathematical Reasoning will not be given until 2001 (the earliest). The Writing test starts Fall 1999 (some of your students may have already taken a sample of this. 2 prompt � Present your views: 45 minutes � Analysis of an argument: 30 minutes � All topics will be prepublished (over 100) � Computer selects 2 - examinee writes on 1 � Write responses on paper or types them on the computer � Score 0-6 (based on level of thinking and writing) 6 is the high, 0 if you decide to write on a question that the computer didn't give you. (Now I don't know if they will be sending the colleges the score only or the test - I'm betting just the score). This test is NOT assessing specific content knowledge - there is no "right" answer or single best way to respond. Obviously, you will not get score instantaneously (like other computer tests). � Present Your Views on an Issue Students will be given the following: In an essay, explore the implications of the statement below. Develop your perspective on the idea or ideas expressed in the statement, supporting it with reasons and/or examples drawn from areas such as your academic studies, your readings, and your own observations. � Sample Present Your Views Questions (these are 2 actual questions sent to me). 1. In any field of endeavor - the sciences, the humanities, the social sciences, industry, or other area - it is not the attainment of a goal that matters, but rather the ideas and discoveries that are encountered on the way to the goal. 2. Most national issues are actually international issues. For example, the polluted rain that destroys the lakes and forests of one country often has its origins in another country very far away. The best way to deal with such global issues is through a world organization in which the majority of nations would force a nation to stop polluting or else face severe international consequences. � Draft Scoring Guide for Presenting Your Views (What I have listed is the outline they gave me - this is for a 6 response. I have the others, I just didn't feel like typing them in. I will scan them tonight or tomorrow and post them). � - Outstanding - presents a cogent, well-articulated discussion of the issue and demonstrates mastery of the elements of effective writing. � explores ideas and develops a position on the issue with insightful reasons and/or persuasive examples � sustains a well-focused, well-organized discussion of the subject � expresses ideas with language that is clear and precise � varies sentence structure and vocaulary appropriate to the subject � demonstrates superior facility with the conventions of standard written English but may have minor flaws � Analysis of an Argument Students will be told: For this task, you will read a brief argument and then discuss how well reasoned you find the argument. Note that you are not being asked whether you agree or disagree with the position stated. Instead, in your discussion, be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. You can also discuss what, if anything, would make the argument more sound or persuasive or would help you to better evaluate its conclusions. (Again, a sample argument sent to me). � Emergency-room statistics show that 75 percent of those people who were injured in roller-skating accidents were not wearing any protective gear or reflective equipment at the time of the accident. These statistics indicate that, by investing in high-quality protective gear and reflective equipment, roller-skaters will greatly reduce their risk of being severely injured in a roller-skating accident. Draft Scoring Guide for Analysis of an Argument (again, this is a 6 - I do have the others). � - Outstanding - Presents a cogent, well-articulated critique of the argument and demonstrates mastery of the elements of effective writing. � Clearly identifies and insightfully analyzes important features of the argument � develops ideas cogently, organizes them logically, and connects them smoothly with clear transitions � effectively supports the main points of the critique � demonstrates superior control of language, including diction and syntactic variety � demonstrates superior facility with the conventions of standard written English but may have minor flaws IN GENERAL (again, from ETS): The Writing Test is designed to demonstrate that examinees can: � Think critically about a complex issue or argument � Present and develop their views about the issue and possibly their analysis of the argument � Sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion appropriate for an interdisciplinary audience of university faculty � Use vocabulary and sentences that express ideas effectively � Use appropriately the conventions (grammar, usage, mechanics) of standard written English Whew! Deb Deborah S. Briihl, Ph.D. Dept. of Psychology and Counseling Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA 31698 (912) 333-5994
