Dept of Testing > Study Guides > GSP Study Guide

School of Communication, San Diego State University

Why the GSP?

Command of the language is essential in majors that include writing courses and in successful professional life after graduation. The GSP helps you determine if you have sufficient command of English basics to assure probable success in the curriculum and in professional writing careers.

What is the test like?

The GSP consists of 100 multiple-choice questions in three categories: 33 questions cover grammar, 33 cover punctuation and 34 cover spelling. The time limit is 90 minutes. Each question in the grammar and punctuation sections begins with a sentence that is usually awkward and undisciplined. The sentences may be written that way to conceal the flaws most of them contain. Your task is to correct each sentence when necessary, but not to try to improve it. Examples of questions are in the Sample GSP Questions section below.

Who must take the test?

If you are seeking admission to the Journalism major, or the Advertising and Public Relations emphasis in the Communication major, you must pass the GSP test. You also must pass the GSP test to enroll in journalism and communication writing courses. You are required to show proof of having passed the GSP test on the first day of classes.

What is considered a passing score?

The passing score is 80 or higher. Only right answers are counted. so you are not penalized for guessing.

How do I prepare for the GSP?

Several useful study guides are available including "When Words Collide" (L. Kessler and D. McDonald). Any composition text or handbook will also help you prepare for the GSP. These and similar writing reference books should be available at bookstores serving the campus.

Where do I sign up for and take the test?

Sign up for the GSP in the Student Testing, Assessment & Research Office, (SSW-2549). Test dates are published in the class schedule. The date time and location of your examination will be listed on the admission ticket you purchase at the Testing, Assessment & Research Office. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the time listed on your ticket. The test starts promptly and you will not be admitted once the exam begins.

What do I bring to the test?

You must bring your paid Ticket for Admission, photo identification (driver's license or student ID) and a No.2 pencil. You will not be allowed to take the exam without a paid ticket and a photo ID.

Do you have any tips that might help me pass the GSP?

First remember that you are trying to correct sentences if they need it, not to improve the style of the sentences. Second, read the possible answers before you read the sentences in the grammar and punctuation sections. Then, as you read the sentences, you can eliminate many of the proposed answers as incorrect.

When do I get my results?

The Test Office scores your answer sheet and mails the results to you and School of Communication in approximately one week. Remember to keep your score report, because you will be required to show it several times during your student career.

If I don't pass, can I retake the test?

You are allowed three attempts to pass the GSP test. If you have difficulty achieving a passing score of 80 or higher on the first attempt and still wish to pursue studies in advertising, journalism or public relations, you should consider enrolling in the non-credit test preparation course (Grammar for Journalists) offered through the College of Extended Studies.

SAMPLE GSP QUESTIONS

GRAMMAR

1. Robert seemed calm; he being in Michelle's apartment came as a shock to Mark, whom Robert had attempted to instruct in moral conduct.

A. "Whom" should be replace with "who."
B. "He being" should be replaced with "his being."
C. "He being" should be replaced with "him being."
D. "Had attempted" should be replaced with "was attempted."
E. The sentence is correct as written.

2. Near the end of the meeting the council members behaved more like petulant school children rather than tolerant adults.

A. "Like" should be replaced with "as."
B. "Rather" should omitted.
C. "Tolerant" should be replaced with "tolerable."
D. "Behave" should be inserted after "children."
E. The sentence is correct as written.

3. Neither of the coaches were willing to shake hands after the disastrous homecoming game this year.

A. "Were" should be replaced with "was."
B. "Willing" should be replaced with "willingly."
C. "To" should be replaced with "too."
D. "Disastrous" should be replaced with "disastrously."
E. The sentence is correct as written.

PUNCTUATION

4. Plato, the ancient Greek philosopher who wrote "The Republic," said the ideal 'king would give people "noble myths and lies."

A. The comma after "Plato" should be omitted.
B. There should be a comma after "philosopher."
C. There should be a comma after "wrote."
D. The comma after "Republic" should follow the quotation mark.
E. The sentence is correct as written.

5. They were embarrassed to discover that the condominium they were trying to enter was Carol's, but Carol forgave them for the mistake because her condominium and their's were almost identical.

A. There should be a comma after "discover."
B. There should be a comma after 'them."
C. "Their's" should be replaced with 'theirs'."
D. "Their's" should be replaced with 'theirs."
E. The sentence is correct as written.

6. Mud choked the paths and sidewalks and destroyed flowers in gardens, it covered the steps and thresholds of the Spanish-style homes in the valley.

A. There should be a comma after "sidewalks."
B. The comma after "gardens" should be replaced with a colon.
C. The comma after "gardens" should be replaced with a semicolon.
D. The hyphen between "Spanish" and "style" should be omitted.
E. The sentence is correct as written.

SPELLING