JLE - (Junior Level Essay)
The Junior Level Essay (JLE) examination is a graduation requirement for all undergraduates. If taken at TAMU - Commerce the exam is free of charge. The JLE requirement can also be met by passing the writing section of TASP/THEA or an approved alternative (ACCUPLACER, ASSET, COMPASS, or MAPS), by successfully completing Eng 333 or 341 with a C or better.
Paper/Pencil:
The JLE examination is administered paper/pencil free of charge to students on Fridays and Saturdays of the third week in October and February and on Thursdays and Saturdays of the third week in June. Essays are scored holistically* by an interdisciplinary faculty team within one week after the test is administered. Two raters each rate the essay on a scale of 1 (low quality) to 6 (high quality). A combined score of 7 is passing.
Students are allowed two hours to write an essay on a predetermined topic, a different one for each day of the exam. Students may use a dictionary and thesaurus. There are no specific length requirements for essays, but, students should write sufficiently to cover the topic. Essays should be written legibly. Call 903-886-5122 for more details, including specific test dates and times.
Computer Based:
The JLE is offered on computer Monday through Friday at TAMU - Commerce by appointment only. Call 903-886-5122 for more details, including test dates and appointment times.
Distance Education Only Students:
The JLE is offered via e-College for students who are taking only on-line courses. A Proctor is required to provide supervision during the exam. The proctor can be a member of the clergy, librarian, supervisor, or other person approved by the Director of Student Assessment who is willing to sign a Proctor Security Agreement. Please contact the Student Assessment Office for assistance with this process.
All JLE exams are scored holistically using these criteria:*
- Appropriateness - The extent to which the topic is addressed and language and style is appropriate to the given topic.
- Unity and Focus -The clarity with which the main idea or point of view is stated and maintained.
- Development - The amount, depth, and specificity of supporting details. The essay should have multiple paragraphs that focus on the assigned topic.
- Organization - The clarity of writing and the logical sequence of ideas.
- Sentence Structure - The effectiveness of sentence structure and the extent to which writing is free of errors in sentence structure.
- Usage - The extent to which writing is free of errors in usage and shows care in word choice.
- Mechanical Conventions - The ability to spell common words and to use the conventions of capitalization and punctuation.
*In the holistic scoring method, writing is viewed as more than a sum of its elementary parts. Readers do not judge separately singular factors or elements in the writing sample. Rather, holistic scoring considers all factors as elements that work together to make a total impression on the reader.
What to expect on the day of the exam:
- Report to McDowell Business Administration Building Room 315 on the date and time for which you are scheduled.
- A valid photo ID is required.
- A dictionary and thesaurus are allowed.
- The computer test is approximately 1 and half hours long. The paper/pencil test is approximately 2 hours long.
Bring these items to the test center:
- Acceptable identification
- Sharpened soft-lead (No. 2) pencils with good erasers. (No mechanical pencils)
Do NOT bring*
- cellular phones
- watch with audible alarm
- mechanical pencils
- pens
- textbooks
- foreign language dictionaries
- notes or other aids
- scratch paper
- highlighters
- pagers or beepers
- photographic devices
- CD or tape players
- reading material
- food, drink (including water)
*If any of the prohibited items are brought to the center they will be taken up and turned off (if necessary). The center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Test Prep Resources:
The TAMU-Commerce Writing Center can help prepare you for the Junior Level Essay.
The Writing Center is located in the Hall of Languages, Room 103 and their phone number is 903-886-5280. You may also visit the Writing Center Website for more information.
