Letters to the Editor

WPE Misconceptions cleared away

But I would like to correct a few points in your article, and hope you will publish this so that students remain correctly informed about this key test:

1) The WPE is a two-and-a-half-hour exam, not a three-hour exam. Of course students will be reminded of this by the proctor when they actually take the test, but it helps to have a clear idea going in.

2) About 70% of students pass on their first try, on average. The overall pass rate varies, but it is significantly above the 50% suggested in your article; the overall rate also includes students taking the exam for a second time without the benefit of additional coursework -- the pass rate for these students is understandably lower than for those who take the exam for the first time.

3) The test consists of an essay question prefaced by a 1-2 page reading passage which is focused on, typically, an issue of public policy or general interest, such as, e.g., whether currently banned drugs should be legalized.

If you have questions about the exam or would like greater amplification, I would gladly provide it.

Thank you,

Jonathan L. Price
Professor of English
WPE Coordinator

CFA does not have an accord

Duane Campbell
Professor, Bilingual Program

Jessie for president

Jessie Ventura is the first governor of a state to represent the Reform party and a man I believe that has values and beliefs that most reflect those of most Americans.

Mr. Ventura believes that tax money is the peopleÌs money and must be respected, but he is not interested in using the power of the government to interfere in our lives.

We the people deserve a choice other then that of the two major parties. Send a message to the politicians in Washington, by supporting my effort to help Mr. Ventura run and be elected President.

Contributions can be made to the committee by sending them in the name of the committee to 2421 E Street, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95816. The committee can be reached at 1-888-410-5113 or 1-(916)-615-2411, or at south@csus.edu. Thank you.

Sean C. South, Chairperson
Committee to Elect Jessie Ventura President of the United States

Letters to the Editor should be kept under 300 words in length. Letters may be e-mailed to: hornetop@csus.edu; mailed to State Hornet, 6000 J St., Sacramento, Ca 95819-6102; or dropped off at the State Hornet offices on the second floor of the University Union.