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The mandatory Grammar Competency Test is the uniting factor for all Newhouse School of Public Communications students as they enter the relentless world of academia here at Syracuse University. The test, which is designed to gauge incoming students’ knowledge of American English grammar, exists to ensure students can comprehend a basic level of grammar knowledge and usage. However, it is my belief that this test should be mandated beyond the walls of Newhouse and administered to the entire student body of SU.

The GCT is administered to Newhouse students during the first week of their freshman year, and according to Brad Gorham, communications department chair and administer of the GCT, a 61% or higher must be attained in order to pass. In cases where students score below that percentage, they have an option to retake the test in the following October. If unsuccessful, they are then required to take COM 101, “the grammar slammer,” a zero-credit course where the GCT is taken as the final exam.

Understanding how to use proper grammar and how to correct improper usages is not a skill unique to communications students. Everyone should be competent in grammar, especially students receiving a higher education.

Regardless of the type of graduate program, internship, position or career path you intend to pursue, it is of paramount importance to demonstrate proper use of grammar — even if the actual field seems like it has little to do with grammar. In fact, proficiency in writing is among the top “soft skills” that employers value regardless of occupation. Additionally, the National Association of Colleges and Employers states that 82% of employers look to hire an employee with strong written communication skills.

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Gorham, who has also previously served as a Graduate Program Director for the Syracuse graduate program, said that when reading applications for the graduate program, he viewed grammatical errors negatively, demonstrating that grammar incompetency can have detrimental impacts on one’s future.

In every profession, writing is present in some capacity, whether that is through compiling slides to be presented to colleagues, composing emails, documenting work or simply communicating with co-workers. With this in mind, frequently making common grammar mistakes will, indeed, harm your professional credibility.

Convincing the Syracuse Board of Trustees to require the GCT for all students is certainly a possibility, but will require effort and time. In the interim, for those who would like to brush up on understanding of rules and proper usage, there are a few simple ways to do so.

Statistically, young people read less nowadays. To improve your grammar, you should start reading more, and more specifically, reading aloud. This reinforces common grammar rules like sentence structure, comma placement and subject-verb agreement. Reading out loud engages your auditory senses, which solidifies grammar usage in your brain. Moreover, familiarity of grammar rules and a sharper grammar knowledge directly correlate to an increase in reading.

You can also form the habit of proofreading everything you write, from formal essays to texts to your friend. This helps you recognize grammar errors and correct them before others read them. In doing so, you are naturally improving your understanding of grammar and putting it into practice in your daily life.

Practicing grammar can also be done by writing more, as the more you practice, the better you will become. You can cross reference your grammar usage with manuals online if questions arise. Adopting simple efforts into your everyday lives will improve your grammar dramatically and substantially increase your credibility as a student and future member of the workforce.

Improving grammar does not have to be a demanding task. In fact, if the GCT were wired into the curriculum for all SU students, writing grammatically correct sentences would come naturally, which would not only benefit students, but also benefit the university and its reputation as a whole. Grammar competency is a skill that will benefit you both occupationally and academically, and will set you apart from your peers and colleagues as a valuable asset.

Lila Paton is a freshman magazine, news and digital journalism and business management major. Her column appears bi-weekly. She can be reached at lgpaton@syr.edu.

Published on September 30, 2024 at 9:41 pm