English exit exam

English Exit Exam (EEE) description

Students have 4 hours in which to read the 3 texts provided and to write a 750-word analytical essay on a main idea in one of the three readings. In the analysis of the text, students must explain how the author uses rhetorical techniques and devices to construct that idea. Specific references to the reading must support the students’ interpretation.

The exit exam takes place on the same day, at the same time, for all college-level DEC students in Quebec, from 8:30 to 12:30.

For general information about the English Exit Exam

Eligibility

As of Fall 2023, students completing a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS or DEC)
must meet mandatory language requirements following Bill 96 regulations.
The following regulations apply at TAV College:

All Students

All students are required to complete two (2) mandatory complementary courses in French.

Students with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Must complete their complementary courses in French and an additional French course (Projet expérientiel).
Certificate holders must pass the English Exit Exam to graduate.

Students Without a Certificate of Eligibility

Must pass the French Exit Exam (Épreuve uniforme de français).
In preparation for the French ministerial examination, students are required
to complete three French Literature courses:
- Textes narratifs (601-961-TV)
- Poésie et théâtre (601-962-TV)
- Littérature comparée (601-963-TV)
Must take a French placement test to assess their written proficiency.
Based on the results, some students may be required to complete a remedial
class in preparation for the course Textes narratifs.

If you do not hold a Certificate of Eligibility and are unable to complete the French Ministerial Examination, you may wish to consider the alternative Grade 12 program offered at TAV College in partnership with an accredited Ontario secondary school. This pathway allows students to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and pursue their post-secondary education goals.

Evaluation criteria

CRITERION I - COMPREHENSION AND INSIGHT

Recognition of a main idea from the selected reading
Identification of techniques and/or devices as employed by the author
Evidence of critical or analytical interpretation of the selection
References that demonstrate understanding of the reading

CRITERION II - ORGANIZATION OF RESPONSE

Statement of a thesis about the text
Structured development of the essay
Use of supporting detail
Unified paragraph structure

CRITERION II - EXPRESSION

Appropriate use of words
Varied and correct sentence structures
Correct grammar
Conventional spelling, punctuation, and mechanics

Students pass the exam if they have grades of “C” or better in each of the three criteria.
Students who get a grade lower than “D” for any one criterion will automatically fail the examination.
If a student writes 600 or fewer words, the student fails the examination.
Students may rewrite the examination as many times as necessary.

During the examination

**Bring an identification card with photo

Authorized Materials

Pencils and blue or black pens
Eraser, correction tape (NOT LIQUID)
Maximum of 3 reference works about basic language use: dictionary (standard or bilingual), thesaurus, grammar book, etc.
Material can not be borrowed from other students

Unauthorized Materials

Pen with erasable ink
Personal notes or course notes
Handbooks, books on essay writing, dictionary of literary devices, etc.
Electronic devices: All such devices must remain turned off and inaccessible for the duration of the examination.
Absolutely no access to Internet

Washroom visits are limited, but allowed. There will be a hallway monitor present throughout the examination. Any student leaving the room for a reason other than using the washroom will not be readmitted and will get a zero on the exam.

Exit exam registration

All students enrolled in a program leading to a DCS (Diploma of College Studies) must pass the English Exit Exam to receive their diploma.
Students become eligible to write the exam and they are automatically registered once they have successfully completed courses Introduction to College English (603-101-TV), Literary Genres (603-102-TV), and are in the process of completing Literary Themes (603-103-TV). The registrar sends a message to students by MIO a few weeks before the exam.
If you need to retake the exam and/or you are not a student at TAV College anymore, you must contact the registrar Alla Shafranska (alla@tav.ca) a few weeks before the next exam. You must mention your full name and your student number.

Accommodations During the Exam

All accommodations must be approved by the registrar weeks prior to the examination.

Students with disabilities: If you are receiving accommodations under a TAV College individualized education plan (IEP) and you would like to benefit from them, you must notify the registrar AT LEAST two (2) weeks before the standardized exam.
Allophone Students: If you meet both of the criteria listed below, you may be eligible for one additional hour on the exam:

You completed the majority of your high school studies outside of Quebec;
You completed the majority of your high school studies in a language other than the language of the exam you are taking.

Indigenous students: If your mother tongue is an Indigenous language and part of your elementary education was conducted in that language, you may be eligible to take the English Exit Exam and/or you may be entitled to an extra hour on the exam.