Texas Tech University

Basics of Writing Exam

A passing score of 70% on the Basics of Writing (BOW) Exam is a prerequisite for enrolling in JOUR 2310: News Writing. The passing score must be achieved and reported to the College of Media & Communication Advising Office before a student registers for JOUR 2310. Download the Basics of Writing Study Guide.

BOW Exam Online

Please note that the Basics of Writing Exam will be available in an online modality for as long as TTU classes are cancelled or moved online due to health concerns. Those wishing to take the exam during this time should continue to register at https://ccrlabscheduling.as.me/BOWExam.

To take the exam, you will need to log in to BlackBoard remotely at the date and time selected when scheduling your appointment. You will be given 2 hours to take the exam before responses are automatically submitted. 

All passing scores will be entered the following business day.

In addition, students may continue to request to take the exam in person. Please contact Kristina McCravey (kristina.mccravey@ttu.edu), Center for Communication Research Lab Manager, or Dr. Glenn Cummins (glenn.cummins@ttu.edu), director of the Center for Communication Research.

BOW available at the CCR in the Media and Communication Building

The BOW Exam will be administered through Blackboard, but students must sit for the exam, in-person, in the Center for Communication Research in the basement of the Media and Communication building. To take the exam, just follow these three steps. 

  1. To sign up for the exam, visit the scheduling site at: https://ccrlabscheduling.as.me/BOWExam
  2. Select an exam date and time, then provide your information. Confirm your appointment and prepared to complete the exam on your scheduled date. All appointment times state 9AM, but this is only when the exam becomes available to you. You're able to complete the exam at any time on your scheduled date.
  3. Log into your Blackboard account on the day you've signed up for to complete the exam. Scores are not entered automatically, so if you take your exam outside of the date you've signed up for, please let Kristina McCravey know via email at kristina.mccravey@ttu.edu.

Students may attempt the BOW Exam once per business week. There is no fee to take the exam.

Questions?

For questions about the exam itself, contact Robert Peaslee, Department of Journalism & Creative Media Industries Chairperson, at robert.peaslee@ttu.edu.

For questions about signing up for the exam, contact Kristina McCravey (kristina.mccravey@ttu.edu), Center for Communication Research Lab Manager, or Dr. Glenn Cummins (glenn.cummins@ttu.edu), director of the Center for Communication Research.