ENG 101 is a basic writing course designed to help students acquire the composition skills they need to succeed in ENG 120. Students will be engaged in preparing essays that respond to written texts, thereby combining reading skills with writing strategies. In addition, ENG 101 provides a systematic introduction to/review of grammar, mechanics and other college-writing conventions. One major objective of ENG 101 is to teach students to prepare essays that review and evaluate the ideas and issues found in the writings of others. All ENG 101 students must pass the Basic Competency Examination before being admitted into ENG 120. A common-course grammar/mechanics test is given during the final week of the semester. Classroom instructors confirm placement in ENG 101 during the first two weeks of instruction. Credits awarded for this course are counted in addition to the 120-credit minimum degree requirement. Classes are kept intentionally small, typically 15 students per section, to assure maximum benefit.