The process of passing English 191 at Augusta Technical College is not an easy one. College English courses throughout this country are seen as a gateway course through which only the clearly prepared and qualified can pass through. There are no free rides – either you can write on a college level or you can’t. You either pass through or you don’t. It is the same at this college. If you can English 191 here at Augusta Technical College, then your writing ability has been determined to be collegiate level for any college or university. Passing English 191 at this college is a two-step process.

Step 1) Earn a "C" average for all coursework

• In-class essays
• Out of class essays
• Research
• Final Exam

You must first meet the course requirements as administered and evaluated by your instructor. Each instructor will have specific assignments for you to complete to help him or her determine your level of writing ability. These assignments will range from writing essays in class, writing out of class essays, conducting research, and taking a final exam. The final exam for each English 191 course will count for 25% of the total grade. The final exam consists of an essay and a multiple choice test. Regardless of your final exam results, if you do not have an overall passing average (70 or better) for your class requirements, then you cannot pass the class.

Step 2) Pass the final exam essay (pass/fail)

• Panel graded
• Must receive at least two passing grades from two different instructors
• 50 minutes, hand-written
• One week before finals
• Appeal process available

This part of the final exam is a timed essay that must be hand-written within a 50 minute period. Every student will write an essay in response to the same topic choices. Two different evaluators will grade the essay anonymously to ensure impartiality. Each essay will be determined to have either passed or failed college level writing standards. If an essay receives a split decision, then a third evaluator will make the final determination. All essays will be graded at the same time by the same evaluators to ensure standardization and fairness. The test will be administered during the week prior to the week of final exams. This will ensure that all results will be returned to students before final exams begin. If a student has a passing average for the quarter but has failed the certification test, then that student will then have the opportunity to receive a WP for the quarter. It is possible that you pass the final exam essay but still not pass the course if your coursework grades are not passing. Remember, if you feel that you deserve to pass the course but you did not receive a passing grade on the final exam essay, you might be eligible to appeal.