How to Do Well in the Joint Composition

Photo and essay by Bayan Zeinelabdin

The Joint Composition is a test that is held two times each semester for ELI students. Only students who have Grammar or Composition class will take this exam. It tests students in how much they can write and apply what they have learned in classes in 40 minutes. All students from all levels will meet on the same date and at the same time. As soon as the prompt shows up, your time starts counting down. You will have to understand the prompt, brainstorm your ideas, write, revise, and submit your essay all in 40 minutes. Do not worry if you cannot write enough, or have more to add but run out of time. There is always a second draft where you can revise, edit, and add. Now let me give you some steps to follow when you take this test.

First, you have to prepare yourself well. The day before the exam, check your email; you will find a message from the ELI’s secretary that has all the information you will need, for example, when to arrive, what information you need to write, and where you will take the exam. Also, go to bed early; you will need to get enough sleep. In the morning, have your breakfast and come early.

Second, arrive early so that you can find an appropriate and comfortable spot in the classroom. Also, arriving early will give you time to open your computer, sign in to eCampus, open the course page, prepare a message for your instructor, and create a new Word document. Then guess what? You are ready to take the test!

Third, when the test begins, try to use your time wisely. The 40 minutes that you will be given will run very quickly. In the beginning, give yourself some time to read the prompt very carefully. If you cannot understand what it is asking you to write, feel free to ask one of the instructors. They will not mind illustrating the prompt for you. After you get it, start to brainstorm your ideas. Try to make an outline for your essay and make sure you do not waste a lot of time in this step. Then start writing. Organize your essay in five well written paragraphs. Then keep some time to read what you have just written, and make corrections as you are reading. Finally, submit your essay within the 40 minutes. If you cannot do it on time, then your teacher will correct it, but you will not be able to have feedback from other teachers.

Lastly, one week after the test, you will get your essay back with corrections and some feedback. Your teacher will give you some time to make your final draft of your Joint Composition. You can develop your essay with more details and examples. Also you can improve it by correcting your mistakes.

It is not difficult to achieve a good score on the Joint composition. However, it requires some preparation and time management. It is also a good training for the TOEFL test which is usually a requirement to study in an English medium university.