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Academics: GSP Test

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GSP test (Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation)
Here are some commonly asked questions about the Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation test required by Department of Journalism at the University of North Texas.

1. Who must take the test?
   All undergraduate journalism students in all sequences (Advertising, Broadcast News, News-Editorial, Public Relations, Photojournalism) are required to take News Reporting and Writing (JOUR 2310) as part of their core journalism classes. Before enrolling in this course, you must pass all three sections of the GSP test.

   Transfer students who receive credit for News Reporting and Writing will be required to pass the GSP test before enrolling in other journalism coursework.

2. What is the GSP test?
   The Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) test is a basic skills test used to screen students before taking the first required writing class. Rather than testing aspects of journalism style taught in News Reporting and Writing, the test focuses on basic grammar such as improper subject-verb agreement and dangling modifiers as well as incorrect use of punctuation and commonly misspelled words.

   The GSP test has approximately 20 randomly generated, multiple-choice items for each of the three basic parts: grammar, spelling and punctuation. There is no penalty for guessing. The test is self-paced and generally takes about 45 minutes for the 60 items.

3. What is a passing grade?
   To pass the test you must score 70 percent or higher on all three sections of the test. If you do not pass all three sections, individual sections may be taken again.

4. How many times may I take the GSP test?
   You may take the GSP test a maximum of three (3) times. If you don’t pass all three sections by the third time, you won’t be allowed to enroll in News Reporting and Writing (JOUR 2310), a required course for all journalism majors.

5. How can I prepare for the GSP test before I take it?
   The test content is taken primarily from Grammar for Journalists by E.L. Callihan. The Writing Lab (Auditorium Building 105) offers various diagnostic tests and resources as well as workshops in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Because the test may only be taken three (3) times, it is recommended that you take advantage of these resources before the exam. One-on-one tutoring is available for additional in-depth help.

6. How much does the GSP test cost?
   The GSP test costs $15. This cost includes testing and administrative costs as well as any resources, workshops or one-on-one tutoring you may need to help you pass the test. You will be required to pay the $15 fee each time you take the test (or individual sections) should you not pass the test the first time.

7. What is the procedure for taking the GSP test?
   Students should go to The Writing Lab (105 Auditorium Building) to schedule an exam time. You wil pay the $15 fee in Auditorium 112 and bring the receipt back to the Writing Lab.

8. When can I get my scores?
   The Writing Lab will give you a time you can come back and check your scores when you turn in your test. Remember to check scores for all three sections (grammar, spelling, punctuation). You must have a 70 percent or higher on all three sections to pass.

9. What if I pass the test?
   After you have passed all three sections of the GSP test, the Journalism Department will be notified by the Writing Lab. After the Journalism Department has received confirmation of your passing the GSP test, you may receive the code for registration in News Reporting and Writing (JOUR 2310). The code, however, does not guarantee you a place in the class, which is determined by the registration schedule.

10. What if I don’t pass the test?
    Go back to the Writing Lab for help before taking the test the second or third time. Check out their resources and workshops. One-on-one tutoring is also available. Note that the GSP test is composed of randomly generated, multiple-choice questions. You will be given a different version of the test each time you take the GSP test. You may get new items that weren’t covered on your previous test.

11. When may I take the GSP test?
    By appointment only. Contact The Writing Lab for test times and to schedule an appointment, 940-565-2563.

 

 

GSP resources available at
The Writing Lab

• Diagnostic tests and corresponding exercises.
• GSP Sample Test: Practice exercises tied to the GSP test.
• Diagnostic tests for the Handbook of Current English: Two hundred difficult grammar, spelling and punctuation items.
• Sentence correction exercises: A quick overview of standard written English, focusing on grammar, word choice and sentence construction.
• The Writing Lab Grammar Packet.
• The Writing Lab Spelling Packet.
• The Writing Lab Punctuation Packet.

A library of reference books including:

• Grammar for Journalists. Exercises and Tests for Journalists: A supplement to Grammar for Journalists that includes sample tests, instructions on how to take tests and samples of incorrect grammar.
• Harbrace College Handbook (Chapter 1-7): A basic review of grammar.
• Harbrace College Handbook (Chapter 12-17): A review of punctuation rules.
• Harbrace College Handbook (Chapter 18) — A small section on spelling.
• Spelling 1500: An in-depth spelling text.
• Better Spelling: 14 steps to improve spelling.
• Dictionary of Problem Words and Expressions.