The GSP
Everything you need to know about the Schieffer School of Journalism’s grammar/spelling/punctuation test
Some students see the GSP as just another administrative roadblock to taking a class they really need.
Not so. The Schieffer School has instituted the test not to keep students out of a class but to make sure that all students in JOUR 10113, Media Writing and Editing I, have the skills they need to succeed once they enroll.
The GSP does not test obscure grammar rules. It assesses the grammar tools needed by students in mass communication disciplines. We want to know if you can make subjects and verbs agree, use the right pronouns with the appropriate antecedents and catch common editing mistakes.
So why don’t all students pass it?
Well, most do. We give you three tries, and even most students who don’t pass the first or even second time do pass by the third try. But in the process, many students discover that they have to go back and re-learn some high school grammar.
Remember, the goal here is not to pass a test, but to brush up on tools you will be using the rest of your career. As mass communications practitioners in journalism, advertising or public relations, you will always be judged by your grammar. So take this opportunity to review concepts that will prove useful not only in passing the GSP but also in building your mass communications career.
GSP Test Dates
Wednesday, October 28th - 204 Moudy S - 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Thursday, October 29th - 320 Moudy S - 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Friday, January 8, 2010 - 164 Moudy S - 10 a.m. - 11: a.m.
REMEMBER: STUDENTS MUST BE A JOURNALISM MAJOR OR MINOR AND PASS THE GSP BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TO ENROLL IN JOUR 10113, MEDIA WRITING & EDITING I.
If you have an official letter from the Center for Academic Services that states you should have extra time for the test, please notify the journalism office at least 48 hours prior to the test.
Signup sheets for the exams are posted on the window of the Schieffer School Office, 227 Moudy South (formerly 256 Moudy S). Until Aug. 1 - to reach the second floor of Moudy S please come up the stairs at the front of Moudy South near the radio station.
Who needs the GSP?
Every major and minor in the Schieffer School of Journalism requires JOUR 10113. You must pass the GSP to enroll in that course. There are no exceptions.
Does the GSP measure my writing ability?
Not at all. You may be a great writer and not pass the GSP; you also may be a writer who needs lots of improvement but make a great score on the GSP. But remember, in mass communication you are expected to be a good writer and to know the conventions of the language. A beautifully written ad with grammar mistakes will be judged on those mistakes. It may be unfortunate, but throughout your career you will be judged both on your writing ability and your ability to edit and to use the language correctly. Passing the GSP does not mean you are a good writer – it just means that your skills in using the conventions of the language are appropriate to get started with your writing instruction.
When is it offered?
Test dates vary by semester, but it is offered each semester before registration. If you have questions about the test dates, call the Schieffer School office at 257-7425. If you plan to take JOUR 10113, Media Writing and Editing I, you must first pass a Grammar-Spelling-Punctuation Test. The GSP is offered before pre-registration each semester.
How many times can you take the test?
Students may take the GSP only three times.
What if I arrive late for the test?
Sorry, but you will be turned away. Late arrivals will be turned away and must take the test another time.
How long does it take?
One hour.
Does it cost anything?
No. It’s free. All you have to do is put your name on the list to tell us you’re going to take the test, and just show up.
Do I have to pre-register to take the test?
We do ask that you sign up, so that we can make sure we have enough seats available for those who will be taking the test. There is a GSP bulletin board on the second floor of Moudy south, just across from the offices of the TCU Daily Skiff. All you need to do to sign up is to write your name on the list posted on that board.
What do I need to bring to the test?
Your TCU ID
Is there a review session?
The TCU Writing Center often has study sessions for the GSP. It also offers individual help. Contact the center at extension 7221.
What if I miss the test dates?
You may take it again at the next scheduled time. If you pass the GSP then, you can add the course if spaces are available.
If I pass the GSP, does that mean I will get into JOUR 10113?
Not necessarily. You still must sign up for the course. You must be a journalism major or minor to sign up for the course. It has been our experience that most people who pass do get into the course, but sometimes people pass and still cannot get in. But once you have passed the GSP, you never have to take it again. We keep your name on file, and you can sign up to take the course at the next registration.
How can I prepare for the test?
Get a good grammar handbook and study. You can find handbooks and grammar workbooks at almost any bookstore. Check out study Web sites.
Study the list of grammar competencies listed on this sheet. If you’re familiar with these competencies, you’ll do very well on the test. If you aren’t, they can serve as a study guide as you prepare for the test.
We recommend that you take the test soon, even if you do not plan to take Media Writing and Editing I next semester. If you pass, your name will go on a list of those who have successfully completed this requirement. You will not have to take the test again. Even if you don’t pass, you will get a printout showing the areas you missed. Frequently, students who do not pass only have to review one or two areas to pass the next time they take the test.
Your GSP results will be mailed to you with an analysis of your test answers.
What are the basic grammar areas tested in the GSP?
The following are basic grammar competencies every mass communication practitioner should know. They constitute the basis of written communication. Use these as a personal study guide or as a reference sheet for work with a tutor.
Competency #1:
Identify the three types of verb structures – transitive, intransitive and linking.
Competency #2:
Identify the basic building blocks of sentences – subject, verb, direct object or subjective complement (and type-predicate noun, predicate pronoun, predicate adjective), indirect object, appositive, prepositions and prepositional phrases, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions and pronouns (and their cases).
Competency #3:
Identify sentence structures – simple, compound, complex, compound-complex. Identify comma splices and fused sentences. Differentiate between independent and dependent clauses, and clauses and phrases.
Competency #4:
Identify and be able to write using adjective, adverb and noun clauses.
Competency #5:
Identify and be able to write using gerunds, participles and infinitives. Identify dangling participles and infinitives.
Competency #6:
Apply the basic rules of subject-verb agreement and pronoun-antecedent agreement.Competency #7:
Identify and be able to use passive-active constructions and parallelism of sentence elements.
