Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

English Usage Test (EUT)

Advertising and journalism and mass communication students are expected to have high proficiency in basic English skills such as:

  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Word usage
  • Spelling

  • Exempt if one of the following applies:
    • Student is registered in JlMC 110 using the 2013-2014 catalog
    • ACT-E: 24 or better
    • SAT-Verbal: 550
    • (OR) Pass the EUT with a score of 50 or better

Guidelines

Students using catalogs before 13-14 catalog year have a choice of meeting the EUT requirement or taking Jl MC 110 with the writing component (available Fall 2013 catalog and later)

Testing Guidelines:

Students have the opportunity to take the EUT up to three times. All Greenlee students can take the exam once in Jl MC 110. The total number of EUT takes for Greenlee School students is four.

Students who do not pass the English Usage Test within the allotted time period will have the option to

  • Transfer to a major outside the Greenlee School
  • Transfer to LAS Open Option for academic advising

What does the EUT consist of?

The test is designed to measure competency in basic English skills and will contain:

  • Grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Word usage
  • Spelling

What is the test format?

  • 80 multiple-choice items
  • Must answer 50 correctly to pass
  • Items are equally weighted, and no one question counts more heavily than another

Scores for the test are posted the Monday following the test on the bulletin board outside 178 Hamilton Hall.

How do I register for the EUT?

You must register for the EUT in the Greenlee School Student Services Office, 101 Hamilton Hall, by 3 p.m. the day prior to the test. 

Test day requirements:

The test will begin promptly at the designated time, and latecomers will need to reschedule. If you are unable to make your appointment, please call the SCS Testing Office at 294-5058 immediately. Students must bring a photo ID and two No. 2 pencils to the test. All other materials will be provided. See the Greenlee School Student Services Office, 178 Hamilton Hal, if you need special accommodations.

How much will it cost?

To take the test outside of Jl MC 110, there will be a $15 charge, billed directly to your U-Bill.

How do I prepare?

Students can prepare for the exam by using:

  • Callihan's Grammar for Journalists
  • Diamond's English the Easy Way
  • Kessler's When Words Collide

The above materials are on reserve at ISU Parks Library and in the Greenlee School Reading Room. Practice tests are also available in the Greenlee School Reading Room.

Helpful links: