Some students feel unprepared for the rigors of a first-year writing class because they may have not written much in high school or they have never felt like a “good” writer. The University Writing Program offers ENG 1001, a writing skills and critical thinking course, for students who want extra preparation to meet the demands of college writing that they will face in ENC 1101.
To decide which of these courses is best for you, review the following checklists and make your decision based upon the class you are most prepared to take:
ENC 1102: Argument and Persuasion
In ENC 1102, a 6,000-word General Education Composition Credit class, you will write a total of 20 pages. Upon entering the class, you will be expected to be able to do all of the work taught in ENC 1101. In particular, you will be expected to compose effective academic arguments, understanding what constitutes adequate evidence and how to incorporate secondary sources into a college-level essay. You will also be expected to enter the course with the ability to write logical theses, coherent paragraphs, and use grammar and punctuation effectively. You will be asked to read complex and sometimes lengthy articles on challenging social issues.
I am prepared to take ENC 1102 because
- I already have credit for ENC 1101.
- I scored 650 (or higher) on the verbal portion of the SAT or a 29 (or higher) on the verbal portion of the ACT.
- I can read and interpret complex arguments written for a college-level audience.
- I can write effective academic arguments and can properly use secondary sources.
- I am confident in my ability to write logical theses and coherent paragraphs.
- I am confident in the rules of grammar and punctuation—commas, apostrophes, etc.
- I consider myself a good writer.
ENC 1101: Writing Academic Arguments
In ENC 1101, a 6,000-word General Education Composition Credit class, you will write a total of 20 pages. Upon entering the class, you will be expected to be able to write logical theses, coherent paragraphs, and use grammar and punctuation effectively. You will be asked to read articles and book chapters of varying lengths, and you will be expected to do much of the composing on your own.
I am prepared to take ENC 1101 because
- I wrote a lot in high school.
- I like to read.
- I can write short, well-organized essays.
- I am confident in my ability to write logical theses and coherent paragraphs.
- I am confident in the rules of grammar and punctuation—commas, apostrophes, etc.
- I consider myself a good writer.
ENG 1001: Modes of Inquiry
In ENG 1001, a 2,000 word non-General Education Composition Credit class, you will write a total of 7 pages. In this class, you will be taught how to write logical theses, to compose coherent paragraphs, and to use grammar and punctuation effectively in short, well-organized essays. You will be asked to read short articles, and you will work closely with your instructor for the entire semester.
I am prepared to take ENG 1001 because
- I did not write much in high school.
- I do not like to read.
- I struggle writing theses, paragraphs, or long essays.
- I am unsure about the rules of grammar—commas, apostrophes, etc.
- I scored below 550 on the SAT or below a 20 on the ACT.
- I do not consider myself a good writer.
After First Year Writing
Once a student has finished ENC 1101 and/or ENC 1102, they can begin taking other writing courses such as ENC 2305 or ENC 3254: Writing in the Discipline courses. Please visit the pages in order to learn more about these courses.
Still Unsure?
If you still do not know which course to take, talk to your academic advisor or contact Dr. Alison Reynolds in the University Writing Program (352) 846-1138 to help you make the decision.