Instructions

This short questionnaire will help you choose which writing class is best for you. This isn't a test, and there are no right or wrong answers. You cannot pass or fail. If you have questions, contact the Composition Coordinator, Dr. Seth Long, longsd@unk.edu.

Note: This questionnaire will only cover ENG 100A and ENG 101. Students petitioning for placement into ENG 102: Special Topics in Academic Writing and Research without earned credit for ENG 101 (including credit earned through Advanced Placement and dual-credit courses) will be asked to submit a writing portfolio. For more information, contact Dr. Seth Long, longsd@unk.edu.

STEP 1

Complete the questionnaire, being as honest as possible–remember that your honest answers will help you choose the writing class that best suits your needs!

NUID

First Name

Last Name

Loper Email Address

hint format: smithj@lopers.unk.edu

Please make sure you use your university email ending in @lopers.unk.edu

Questions

Which of the below statements best describes your out-of-class reading habits?

A: I enjoy reading books or articles (print or online) about subjects that interest me, even when they're not assigned for classB: I rarely read anything that's not assigned for class

When I receive feedback or grades on my school or workplace writing, it is:

A: Mostly positiveB: Not up to expectations

I would rate my proficiency in academic written English as:

A: Strong--I feel confident in my writingB: Developing--I sometimes have difficulty writing clearly or I struggle to adapt my writing to different subjects/situations

When I think about challenging writing tasks (like reading complex texts and writing an essay in which I take a position and support it with evidence) during my upcoming year of college, I feel:

A: Excited and confidentB: Nervous or like I would need extra help

STEP 2

If you answered mostly B, you may want to begin with ENG 100A.

ENG 100A: English for Academic Purposes (3 credit hours)

Reading and writing get more complex in college than in high school. This class helps you build the bridge. Maybe before you take ENG 101, you'd like a bit more practice with skills like putting your thoughts on paper, basing an essay on one argument (or thinking of an argument in the first place!), or organizing paragraphs. You'll notice basic tricks that academic writing uses—tricks to help you knock your college papers out of the park. This class gives you tips on coming up with ideas and—since nothing is perfect the first time around—revising.

This class counts toward the 120 credit hours you need to graduate but does not fulfill your General Education writing requirement—you would take ENG 101 after. Taking ENG 100A + ENG 101 is 6 credits.

If you answered mostly A, you may want to begin with ENG 101.

ENG 101: Introduction to Academic Writing (3 credit hours)

In college, you write a ton of essays. This class is your tool for getting ready for the writing you will do in your major and beyond. Essay structure? Understanding sources? Using solid logic when telling it like it is? This class is for all of that, plus hacks that will save you frustration down the road. Learn writing steps you can use in every class you take. Plus make sure your writing is well-dressed—in terms of style and grammar—to help get your point across and make you look good.

This class counts toward the 120 credit hours you need to graduate and fulfills your General Education writing requirement. Taking ENG 101 is 3 credits.

You can enroll in either course, even if it is not the one the survey recommends. The survey is just one factor to consider along with previous experience, your conversation with your advisor, your work schedule and family commitments, etc.

Once you begin class, if you feel like the class is too easy or too difficult, you can drop the class according to UNK's drop/add schedule. Note that self-placement into a course does not guarantee a passing grade. The Loper Success Hub provides academic support resources, including writing consultations, for students who are struggling in their classes. If you are in danger of failing ENG 100A or ENG 101, please reach out to your instructor immediately and be proactive to get the help you need to do well.

If you still have questions or if you want to talk to a UNK writing specialist before making your choice, schedule an appointment with our Composition Coordinator, Dr. Seth Long, longsd@unk.edu.

Which writing course would you like to start with?

ENG 100A: English for Academic PurposesENG 101: Introduction to Academic Writing

ENG 100A: English for Academic Purposes

An introduction to the challenge of reading and writing academic prose. The course encourages students to become more analytical, interpretative, and self-conscious of the persuasive motives of writing. Students learn to develop, organize, and express complex ideas that are appropriate for the academic context. Study of the writing processes will include multiple drafts, revision, invention, and critical thinking strategies.

ENG 101: Introduction to Academic Writing

A study of the art of composition with special emphasis on the writing process and academic genres. Students study methods of invention and arrangement, develop basic research knowledge, and hone their stylistic and grammatical skills as appropriate to varying audiences and contexts.