The CUNY-ACT reading test is composed of reading passages followed by questions about each passage. These 24 questions ask you to find the main idea, details and inferred points of the passages. A score of 70 means that you have fulfilled the basic reading requirement.

For the CUNY Assessment Test of Writing (CATW), you must read a short passage and summarize its main points. Then you must develop a thesis statement and support it by using information from the passage. To pass the CATW, you must score a 56 which means your essay must show that you understand the reading and that you can develop your ideas with reasons and examples. Your sentences and grammar must be clear as well. For more information about the CATW, go to http://www.cuny.edu/academics/testing/cuny-assessment-tests/CATWInformationforStudentsandpracticeweb.pdf.

If you pass CSE099 (Basic Reading) but fail the CUNY-ACT reading test, you must register to take CSZ099 -- a 48-hour course to help you pass the CUNY-ACT reading test. This course gives you intensive practice with the kind of reading you will find on the ACT reading test, and we offer a special section of it for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. You will have two opportunities to take the test. If you fail the test, you must re-take CSZ099 until you pass the test.

If you fail the CATW after taking Basic Writing (ENA099), you might have the option of taking either a 48-hour special course (ENZ099) or a week-long intensive to prepare you to retake the test. The special course or intensive will be just for Deaf students.