Introduction to Graduate Writing

Graduate Writing Course Textbook

You may download a copy of the GRST 500 textbook here:

Graduate Writing Course and Exam FAQs

The test:

What kind of test is it?

The test is multiple-choice and deals with grammar and critical thinking. The test contains a number of demographic questions (which are not scored), plus 40 questions on grammar and 10 on critical thinking, logic, research, and other basic writing skills. Every student who takes the test will fall withing one of two (2) categories:

If you score well enough (40 or above answered correctly), you are exempt from taking GRST 500. You may choose to attend the class, but you are not required to do so.
If you score a 39 or lower, you will be required to participate in GRST 500.

(Note: ALL incoming students will remain registered for GRST 500 regardless of their score on the test. Students will “pass” at the end of the semester when final grades are submitted.)

What if I test poorly?

Many students have taken the class for fun or to work on necessary writing skills for graduate study. The class is designed to help you with your writing, not to punish you for testing poorly, so rest assured it will be a beneficial experience for you.

The class:

What is this class doing on my schedule?

GRST 500 is tied directly to Liberty University’s accreditation. The school needs to be in a continual process of improving the quality of its education; teaching better writing and thinking skills is an obvious solution. The class is a mandatory requirement for all incoming students.

Can I take the class later?

Yes, it is possible to take the class at a later date. To do so, you (the student) will have to request that you be dropped from the class. You will then be automatically registered for the following semester.

There has been a mistake. How do I remove myself from the class?

See the above. If any of the following is true, you MAY be exempt from taking the class: (1) You entered your Liberty graduate program before Fall 2007, (2) You hold a previous graduate degree from Liberty, or (3) You are not enrolled in a degree program. Contact your adviser to discuss your options if any of these is true of you.

How much work will the class involve?

GRST 500 is designed to build on the work you are doing in your other classes. As a result, GRST 500 does not have nearly as extensive a work load as other classes. It is helpful to think of GRST 500 not as a course, but as a tutorial: the course helps you to develop writing skills, and you do this by working closely with your instructor on assignments you are completing for other classes.