General information about the Criterion on-line writing assessment

 

 

What is the Criterion on-line writing assessment?

 

Criterion is a web-based service that provides evaluation of students’ writing skills and is used by NLU as an entrance examination for graduate programs in the College of Management and Business and some programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. The assessment consists of two writing samples—an issue and argument topic. Each essay is scored on a 6 point scale, and applicants need a 3.5 (average on both essays) or higher to pass the test. Test-takers should note that this is a timed assessment. You are allowed 45 minutes to write the issue essay and 30 minutes to write the argument essay. This is an on-line writing assessment and students should be aware that they will be typing their essays on the computer. During the test, students will not have access to a dictionary, thesaurus or spell checker.

 

 

Guidelines and tips for taking the Criterion

Essay structure and organization for both essays:

• Essays should be at least 4-5 paragraphs long.
• Each paragraph should be a minimum of 5 – 7 sentences.
• The introduction of each essay should be 1 paragraph.
• The body of each essay should be 2-3 paragraphs.
• The conclusion of each essay should be 1 paragraph.
• Each paragraph should be connected to the others by transitional words or phrases.   

Introduction

The essay should begin with a clear introduction and show exactly what points will be addressed in the essay. One way to begin the introduction is to restate the question and identify key concepts. The introduction should also have a thesis statement, which is like a roadmap providing direction to the essay. The thesis typically comes at the end of the introduction, and should be a statement of purpose. (Ask yourself what you are trying to prove/say in the essay.) The thesis should also list the sub-topics (key concepts) in the order they will be discussed in the body of the essay.

 

Body

Three paragraphs are usually sufficient for the body of an essay, although if you write more, feel free to do so.

 

• Test-takers should include specific examples or illustrations to support each topic presented in the introduction.
• Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and supporting details.  Supporting details can include examples from life experiences, work experiences, observations, and readings. 
• You should connect one idea to the next using transitional words and phrases. (Next, such as, for example, for instance, in addition, furthermore, first, second, third, next, however, nevertheless, or similarly, are examples of transitions.)

Conclusion

The final paragraph should restate the main points of the essay and reiterate the thesis statement. The conclusion may also show how the main points of the essay are related or connected to a larger issue (i.e., the global economy, Western society, the human experience, the corporate environment). The conclusion should also summarize why the main points in the essay are significant. It should incorporate transitional words or phrases such as: in conclusion, finally, to conclude, consequently, as a result, therefore, for this reason, etc.

 

 

Writing Tips

Issue and Argument Essays:

• Pay close attention to the essay prompt. Read it carefully before writing your essay.
• Try to avoid spelling and grammatical errors. One or two mistakes will not significantly decrease your score, but multiple mistakes can.
• Save a few minutes at the end to check your essay for spelling, grammar, flow, and content.

Issue topic

The issue essay will assess the test-taker’s ability to present his/her opinion on the topic. No previous or specific knowledge is necessary to answer this question. The writer can agree or disagree with the claim, as there is no right or wrong answer.

 

The writer should:

• Take a position on the issue and provide examples to support this position.
• Provide examples to support or refute the topic from personal or work experiences and readings related to the topic.

Argument Topic

 

The argument essay is essentially an exercise in logic. This is not an opinion essay and you will not be asked to present your viewpoints on the subject. Your task is to critique the argument by analyzing the line of reasoning and analyzing any assumptions made in the argument.

 

Some aspects to consider:

• What type of support might improve or counter the argument?
• Are there any changes you can suggest to make the argument more logically sound?
• Are there any assumptions in the argument? If so, are they valid? Why or why not?  

Criterion will assess your essay on its use of standard written English conventions, and your ability to critique the argument

• by identifying and evaluating important aspects of the argument, and
• by providing support for your reasons.

 

Examples of Criterion essays and topics

The links below open documents with samples of issue and argument essays that have been scored at or above the passing level. While the topics associated with the sample essays may not be the same as those used in the Criterion assessment, the essays are intended to give an overview of the kind of writing expected of the Criterion test taker.

Sample issue essay

Sample argument essay

 

Click on the link below to open a document (in Adobe® format) containing examples of issue and argument essay topics that may have been used in past Criterion assessments. Please note that the argument topics begin on page 1 and the issue topics begin on page 27 of the document.

Criterion sample topics

 

 

How does one sign up to take the Criterion on-line writing assessment?

To take the test in the Chicago area, call 800 443-5522, X3898 to sign up. After listening to the dates, times, and locations on a recorded message, leave your name and other requested information. To take the test in the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area, call 703-394-6935. There is a fee of $45, which is collected on the day of the test.

The following schedule lists test dates at four campuses in the Chicago area and three locations in the Washington, DC/Northern Virginia area. It is important to note that some test dates and times may be canceled if no test takers sign up. For this reason, appointments are necessary.

 

 

CRITERION TEST LOCATIONS AND DATES FOR 2008 (Dates may be subject to change)

 

CHICAGO CAMPUS

 

 

 

 

ELGIN CAMPUS

 

 

 

LISLE CAMPUS

 

 

 

 

NORTH SHORE CAMPUS

 

 

WHEELING CAMPUS

 

 

WASHINGTON, DC AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA

 

If students have additional questions about the Criterion Online Writing Assessment, they should contact their Enrollment Counselor or leave their questions on the registration hotline (800 443-5522, X3898).