Accuplacer Testing Accuplacer Testing For English as a Second For English as a Second

Language:Language:

Some GuidelinesSome Guidelines

Placement Test GuidelinesPlacement Test Guidelines

►You must take the placement exam for You must take the placement exam for English as a Second Language if:English as a Second Language if:

►English is not your first language ANDEnglish is not your first language AND

►you do not have a degree from an accredited you do not have a degree from an accredited American universityAmerican university

Placement CriteriaPlacement Criteria The three tests (reading, listening, and language use) The three tests (reading, listening, and language use)

determine if your English skills are adequate for determine if your English skills are adequate for credit-level courses.credit-level courses.

If you score a Level 1, you will be directed to other If you score a Level 1, you will be directed to other agencies in the area that offer ESL instruction.agencies in the area that offer ESL instruction.

You must achieve a Level 2 placement to be eligible You must achieve a Level 2 placement to be eligible for English as a Second Language (ESL) non-credit for English as a Second Language (ESL) non-credit courses at the college. courses at the college.

You must achieve a Level 3 to exempt ESL You must achieve a Level 3 to exempt ESL coursework in an area. When you have achieved a coursework in an area. When you have achieved a Level 3 in all three areas, you will be eligible for the Level 3 in all three areas, you will be eligible for the credit-level assessment.credit-level assessment.

Accuplacer Test FeaturesAccuplacer Test Features► You should be able to point and click with a You should be able to point and click with a

computer mouse. You may practice this skill computer mouse. You may practice this skill before you begin a test.before you begin a test.

► You will not be timed on any test.You will not be timed on any test.

► Each test contains 20 questions. However, the Each test contains 20 questions. However, the level of difficulty will vary throughout your test level of difficulty will vary throughout your test depending on the answers you provide.depending on the answers you provide.

► You may not skip any question. If you are unsure of You may not skip any question. If you are unsure of an answer, select your best guess and move to the an answer, select your best guess and move to the next question.next question.

Features of Features of ESL Reading Skills TestESL Reading Skills Test

► This test uses short passages from six content areas to This test uses short passages from six content areas to evaluate your reading skills. The six areas include:evaluate your reading skills. The six areas include: ScienceScience History/Social ScienceHistory/Social Science Arts/HumanitiesArts/Humanities NarrativeNarrative Psychology/Human RelationsPsychology/Human Relations Practical SituationsPractical Situations

► Half of the questions test your ability to find details, Half of the questions test your ability to find details, identify an accurate paraphrase, or determine pronoun identify an accurate paraphrase, or determine pronoun reference. reference.

► The other half tests your ability to draw conclusions from The other half tests your ability to draw conclusions from what you have read.what you have read.

Features of ESL Listening Features of ESL Listening TestTest

► This test evaluates your ability to understand This test evaluates your ability to understand conversations in which one person or more people are conversations in which one person or more people are speaking. The situations involve everyday events.speaking. The situations involve everyday events.

► You will look at pictures of the speakers as you listen to You will look at pictures of the speakers as you listen to the conversation. You will then hear a question the conversation. You will then hear a question followed by four possible answers.followed by four possible answers.

► You may click on the You may click on the PlayPlay button to hear a conversation button to hear a conversation again, but you are limited to two additional times after again, but you are limited to two additional times after you have listened to the conversation the first time.you have listened to the conversation the first time.

Features of Features of ESL Language Use TestESL Language Use Test

► This test measures your understanding of correct This test measures your understanding of correct grammar in English. The following areas are grammar in English. The following areas are tested:tested: Nouns, pronouns, pronoun caseNouns, pronouns, pronoun case Sentence structureSentence structure Subject-verb agreementSubject-verb agreement Adverbs, adjectives, verbsAdverbs, adjectives, verbs Subordination and coordinationSubordination and coordination

► Two formats are used. Some questions will ask you Two formats are used. Some questions will ask you to fill in the blank from the choices provided. to fill in the blank from the choices provided. Others will ask you to select the sentence that does Others will ask you to select the sentence that does the best job of combining two elements.the best job of combining two elements.

Resources and Restrictions Resources and Restrictions During TestingDuring Testing

ResourcesResources►Scrap paper is available on the computer towers. Pen Scrap paper is available on the computer towers. Pen or pencil may be used. The proctor will collect all scrap or pencil may be used. The proctor will collect all scrap paper at the end of the session.paper at the end of the session.

RestrictionsRestrictions►Electronic devices or pocket dictionaries are NOT Electronic devices or pocket dictionaries are NOT allowed.allowed.►Notes cannot be taken Notes cannot be taken intointo the testing session. the testing session.►Bathroom breaks may be taken between, but not Bathroom breaks may be taken between, but not during, any of the three tests.during, any of the three tests.►You may not leave the room unless you have been You may not leave the room unless you have been given permission by the testing proctor.given permission by the testing proctor.

Doing Your BestDoing Your Best► PRACTICE using the web resources on Wor-Wic’s web PRACTICE using the web resources on Wor-Wic’s web

site found under site found under Diagnostic TestingDiagnostic Testing from either the from either the “Quick Links” or “Future Students” option. “Quick Links” or “Future Students” option.

► Visit the ACCUPLACER website Visit the ACCUPLACER website (http://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students)(http://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students)

and PRACTICE using the sample questions provided. and PRACTICE using the sample questions provided. ► Make sure you are well-rested and come in with a Make sure you are well-rested and come in with a

positive attitude.positive attitude.

► Take your time and read each set of directions Take your time and read each set of directions carefully.carefully.

Retesting OptionsRetesting Options

► You are allowed to retest You are allowed to retest oneone time only on any or all time only on any or all parts of the test after a 24-hour waiting period.parts of the test after a 24-hour waiting period.

► When you opt to retest, your first score is discarded When you opt to retest, your first score is discarded and the retest score determines placement. and the retest score determines placement.

► If you still are not pleased with your retest results, If you still are not pleased with your retest results, you may retest a second time, but you must wait 30 you may retest a second time, but you must wait 30 days from your first retest. After that, you may retest days from your first retest. After that, you may retest once each semester.once each semester.

► SIGNIFICANT review is recommended before any SIGNIFICANT review is recommended before any retest.retest.

Closing ThoughtsClosing Thoughts Completing additional practice before taking the Completing additional practice before taking the

tests is the best way to assure the most accurate tests is the best way to assure the most accurate placement for your college courses.placement for your college courses.

When you exit this PowerPoint presentation, you When you exit this PowerPoint presentation, you should look at the list of practice site links should look at the list of practice site links provided for you. Click on the links that relate to provided for you. Click on the links that relate to the test or tests you are scheduled to take.the test or tests you are scheduled to take.

When you feel you are ready to take the When you feel you are ready to take the placement tests, return to the Admissions office placement tests, return to the Admissions office at the College to pick up your testing referral at the College to pick up your testing referral form.form.