Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA)

Preparing For the Writing Proficiency Assessment (WPA)

Here are a few ideas to help you prepare for taking the WPA:

• Use the reading selection found on this web site and follow the instructions from this list.
• Set a ninety-minute time limit to read the article and write an analysis using the prompt located at the end of the "Reading Sample."
• Read and evaluate your own essay using the scoring criteria found on this web site.
• Better still--get together with a group of classmates, read and write about the same article, exchange papers, evaluate each other's papers and have a discussion.
• Repeat these steps until you master the essential skills.
• To continue practicing, find short editorials (10-12 column inches) from a local newspaper or news magazine.