GRAMMAR, SPELLING, AND PUNCTUATION TEST (GSP)

Texas State University Journalism and Mass Communications students must earn a passing score (70%) on the Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation test before they can be admitted to the department in full-major status.   Students transferring credit for Mass Communication 1313 from another institution of higher education may not take any courses for which Mass Communication 1313 is a prerequisite until they have passed the test. Students may take the test only three times.  Students with disabilities who may require accommodations (alternative format, reader service, extended time, etc.) must contact the Office of Disability Services (512.245.3451) prior to taking the test. Verification of disability will be required.

For GSP testing times, see Testing Lab Hours.

These times are subject to change. Call the TREC at 512.245.2276 to verify test times. No pre-registration is required.

Bring a photo ID (Driver's license, student ID, passport). Test payment is made on the day of the test. Check or money order for $40 (non-Texas State students: $45) must be made payable to Texas State University-San Marcos. Cash will be accepted in the exact amount only. 

Texas State University School of Journalism and Mass Communications students' GSP results may be obtained in person only in the Journalism and Mass Communication office, Room 102, Old Main. 

This is a significantly different test from other writing proficiency tests, and no other tests may be substituted for it. 

Students are encouraged to study a grammar handbook that discusses grammar and punctuation rules and lists of frequently misspelled words. Some helpful study materials are: 

             When Words Collide by Lauren Kessler and Duncan McDonald 
             Grammar for Journalists by E.L. Callihan 
             Cliffs Verbal Review for Standardized Tests by Wm. A. Covino and Teeter Z. Orton
             Brush Up: A Quick Guide to Basic Writing and Math Skills by Melvin Mencher and Wendy P. Shilton (CD-ROM).
             Grammar 3D (CD ROM available at Alkek Library). Call Number: PE1128.B33 2000.

Tutoring help is available from several agencies on campus: 

• Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) in the library building offers free tutoring sessions. Contact the center for tutoring hours at 512.245.2515. 
  SLAC Practice Test:  http://www.txstate.edu/slac/gsp/GSP.HTML
• The Writing Center in the English Department provides free 30 minute tutoring sessions run by graduate students and a few upper division undergraduates.  Check with the English Department for specific times at 512.245.3018 or in Flowers Hall, room G09.
• For residence hall students, the Residence Hall Tutoring Program offers free assistance by the student tutors who have shown competence in an academic area. The schedule of sessions, which varies from hall to hall, is available at hall desks. 
• First generation college students, low income students and disabled students may qualify for help from Student Support Services located in room 5-6.1 of the new LBJ Student Center.  The Program, funded by the Department of Education, offers a semester-long remedial program for those who qualify. For more information, please call the Student Support Services office at (512) 245-2275.

The questions below are samples of the test format: 

1. Martha, who was elected president of the organization learned yesterday that she has been awarded an academic scholarship. 

1. "Who" should be replaced with "whom." 
2. "Learned" should be replaced with "found out." 
3. A comma should be placed after "president." 
4. A comma should be placed after "organization." 
5. The sentence is correct as written. 

2. The rate of failures are decreasing as a result of the remedial classes students are taking. 

1. A comma should be placed before "as." 
2. The first "are" should be changed to "is." 
3. "Students" should be changed to "student's." 
4. The second "are" should be changed to "is." 
5. The sentence is correct as written. 

3. Select the correctly spelled word from the list: 

1. acommodate 
2. acomodate 
3. accommodate 
4. accomodate