Yesterday I received my test scores. As I was opening the envelope, I was so nervous. I got to pass this time, I thought. My eyes looked for the new score and it's 33. What???!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, I received that score 4 times already. I know that I am doing well on Essay #1. Last month, I spent a lot more time on Essay #2 since I struggled the last four times I took the exam. I worked so hard and I thought I could have an improved score on the second essay to get a passing total score for the writing section. I don't get the two scorers on my second essay. In the note section, it says that I need to work on usage as well as structure and conventions for essay #2. (To read about how the CBEST Writing is scored and the criteria, read my April 13th post.) I thought I improved in that area of Essay #2. I just needed 4 measly points to get me to pass the test. Anyways, after I saw my scores, I started to cry a little. I will not let this get me down. I will have to fight it another day. Though, I don't want to think about it right now. I will take a week off from it and let myself have a break.
At work yesterday, I was talking to a co-worker. Her husband is a college writing professor. She offered his tutoring services. I will take it. This time I need to know why I am struggling. I took two college writing classes, went to the writing center for my many essays and papers and had an advanced grammar class during my undergrad years. How much writing classes do I need to get me there? I also did a Learning Plus writing program through PSU. In those classes, I received B's. Maybe having a private tutor will help me figure out what is going on in my writing. I have definitely improved my writing since high school. For years growing up, I was behind in my writing level. In college, I received many A's and B's on my papers. I guess getting tested on one's writing skills in 4 hours is pretty stressful. Plus with the computer-based version of the exam, there is the extra precaution of cameras recording my every actions and sounds. The testing site has those cameras to check that no one is cheating. How can I cheat on the writing section? All personal electronics are banned from the test room. Each time you take the writing section of the CBEST, there will be two new essay questions.
Please continue to pray for me.
