Section 4 Grading Questions

[Alexandra Hossfeld]

Hello recent section 4 writers,
I was just wondering how much of the new section 4 is based on solving grading problems? I have been reviewing a lot of *old* gradibg vignettes and reading Site Engineering for LAs and wonder if it is worth working through the grading problems. The SE has good practice problems but doesn't provide solutions. It doesn't seem like the new exam format focuses much on grading at all. Any tips would be appreciated!

[Becky Ellis]

I took the new section 4 last December and it had a fair amount of questions that would fit in the grading category. A few of the questions required basic calculations. Knowing the slope formula essential. It would also be good to know the proper placement of various types of SWM devices, contour orientation, and what the contour "shape" of different types of things looks like (ex. roads, curbs, paths, swales, berms, slabs etc.)

I studied grading using the CLARB sample exam questions, reviewing the old grading vignettes, and working through Landscape Grading by Valerie Aymer. I found the problems in Strom to be too complex for the drag and drop type questions on the exam. The CLARB sample exam is really your best resource for preparing for how the questions may be worded and graphically displayed.

[Alexandra Hossfeld]

Thanks Becky :)

[Danny Su]

Hi, Becky and Alex,

Any of you know where I can look at the CLARB sample exam questions?

[Alexandra Hossfeld]

Hi Danny. Check out a previous post called section 4 study resources etc. There's a link to google drive which has a practice exam.

[Kellie]

Hi all,

Passed section 4 in December. Really found using the Strom book with the accompanying workbook really helpful.

See my ad and let me know if you're interested.

Cheers!

Kellie

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-textbooks/city-of-toronto/study-books-for-lare-exam-engineer-reference-2-for-1/1236456162?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

[ADMIN]

I agree with Kellie, I really can't overemphasize the importance of reading Strom for Section 4.  It's absolutely essential.

[Alexandra Hossfeld]

Thanks for the tips. Does anyone know of any practice exams other than the CLARB one or Shake and Bake?

[Sophie S]

Hi Alexandra,

Like Becky mentioned above, I'm working through Landscape Grading by Valerie Aymer. I find it accessible in a way that Strom is not. It may be just a matter of preference of style. 

I will also be using the old PPI Section E vignettes just to walk through the problems and put me in test taking mode. LAREPREP now has section 4 mock test available, but I have not tried their tests for other sections so can't weigh in. 

Good luck - Sophie

[Kirsten Radomski]

Yes, there is most definitely grading on the new section 4!  Both the short, look at and figure out questions and the painstaking work out multiple spots and inverts questions.  I passed Sec 4 in April, and I would definitely recommend the Landscape Grading - Aymer book and Site engineering with the workbook.  The Aymer book especially does a good job of laying out the process step by step for grading questions and is formatted similar to what you would find on the exam.  I didn't have any luck with practice tests, in fact I quit the shake and bake one half way through because I got frustrated with the logic of it.  For me, the most helpful practice tests were the Clarb tests for 3 & 4 and the real section 3 if you have taken it.   Being able to quickly identify natural drainage patterns, like "place a basin in watershed A," or where will the water go? which I had seen on Section 3 came up on Section 4 as well..