All students intending to earn a degree from UNLV must satisfy the sixcredit composition requirement of English 101 and English 102. ENG 101 and ENG 102 (or ENG 113 and ENG 114 for international students) are prerequisites for all English courses except creative writing courses.
English Composition should be completed during the freshman year, but no later than the end of the sophomore year. This requirement is based on the belief that the ability to read difficult texts, to analyze those texts, and to respond in well-written essays is essential for success in college. The principles of good research also contribute to this success. English 101 and 102 are designed to provide the basics of these skills, which will continue to develop throughout the student's undergraduate career.
Program Information
Contact
The UNLV Composition Program office is located in the Flora Dungan Humanities building (FDH), Room 610. Call (702) 895-3165 for information.
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English Composition Course Placement
Main section: Placement for English Composition
Initial placement in English Composition courses is determined by a student's test scores as follows:
| ACT English Score | SAT Critical Reading Score | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 1‒17 | 200‒430 | ENG 98 Preparatory Composition |
| 18‒20 | 440‒500 | ENG 101E Composition I Extended 1 |
| 21‒29 | 510‒670 | ENG 101 Composition I |
| 30‒36 | 680‒800 | ENG 102 Composition II |
Students who score sufficiently well on the ACT or SAT to waive ENG 101 need take only ENG 102.
Students who have not taken the ACT or the SAT, or who wish to try to improve their score, can take the ACT English Residual Exam through the Academic Success Center. [Read more...]
Additional Assessment Options
Students may also be placed using any of the following means of alternative credit:
- Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores: Students may use scores from the Composition/Literature exam or the Language/Composition exam for placements. [Read more...]
- Placement Portfolios: Students who feel that standardized test results do not accurately reflect their writing ability may demonstrate their preparation for ENG 101 by submitting a protfolio and taking a timed essay exam. [Read more...]
- First Day Diagnostics: Students who enroll in ENG 101E will complete a diagnostic essay the first day of class. [Read more...]
- Testing for Non-native Speakers: The English Language Center provides testing for non-native speakers to determine their placement into ENG 113 or 113E, equivalent courses to ENG 101 and 101E. [Read more...]