A method and computer-readable storage medium for practicing the method of allowing students to practice a component of an exercise before completing a graded component. At least one parameter is associated with an exercise, which includes a practice component and a graded component. A request is received for the exercise. A determination is made whether the student must work on the practice component before working on the graded component. If so, the student must pass the practice component before being allowed to attempt the graded component. The exercise is then presented to the student and is conducted according to the parameter(s) set for the exercise. Attempts to work on the graded component may be earned upon successful completion of the practice component.