ESL EXIT TEST
WRITING WORKSHOP
100 and 200 Levels
ESL EXIT TEST
 Proficiency Test: “ACT Compass English as a Second
Language Placement Test”
 Created by ACT, Inc.
 3 Sections:
1. Writing
2. Listening
3. Reading
Let’s Begin!
Writing Section: Basics
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1st Part
Two Topics-Choose 1
60 minutes (15 minute & 5 minute Time Warning)
Hand-Written
No dictionary or cell phones
Writing Topic: Opinion, Agree/Disagree,
Compare/Contrast, Preference
• Analysis of:
• Development
• Language use
• Organization
• Focus
• Mechanics
Development
• The reasons, examples, and details that are used to support
the stated or implied position.
• Beginning Level: The topic is developed using very few examples,
which may be general and somewhat repetitious, but they are
usually relevant to the topic.
• Intermediate Level: The topic is developed using reasons
supported by a few examples and details.
• Very important: Demonstrates Proficiency
Language Use
Variety and correctness of sentence structures and word
choices, and control of grammar and usage (e.g., word order,
word forms, verb tense and agreement)
• Beginning Level: Sentence structure is simple, with some errors
evident in word order. Word choice is usually accurate but simple.
Language control is inconsistent or weak, with many errors in
grammar and usage, often making understanding difficult.
• Intermediate Level: Most sentences are complete although some
may not be correct or clear. Word choice is sometimes appropriate.
Although a few errors may impede understanding, basic language
control is evident and meaning is sometimes clear.
• Very important: Demonstrates Proficiency
Organization
The clear, logical sequencing of ideas and the use of
effective transitional devices to show relationships among
ideas
• Beginning Level: Writing is composed of sentences which
relate to one another; however, there is minimal evidence of a
beginning, middle and end to the paragraph.
• Intermediate Level: Simplified paragraph form is used with a
topic sentence, supporting details, and a conclusion.
Transitions, if used, are generally simple and predictable.
Focus
The clarity and consistency with which the main idea(s) or point
of view is maintained
• Beginning Level: Focus may be difficult to judge due to the brevity of the response;
any digressions generally do not lead back to the task.
• Intermediate Level: Focus is usually maintained on the main idea(s); any
digressions usually lead back to the task.
Mechanics
Errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation in relation to
meaning
• Beginning Level: Errors often distract and/or frequently interfere with meaning, or
mechanics may be difficult to judge due to the brevity of the response.
• Intermediate Level: Errors sometimes distract and they occasionally interfere with
meaning.
Writing Strategies:
Pre:
• Take time to understand the question and direction.
• 2-3 minute Brainstorm:
• Consider all possible main ideas/reasons
• Think of details/examples
• Eliminate weak ideas and details
• 2-3 minute outline
• Words/phrases
• Think about organization and structure
During:
• Watch your time!
• Try to leave time to go back and edit.
• Keep the question in your mind—don’t stray from topic!
• Try to be creative-using interesting/unique ideas and details
Practice: Take approximately 5 minutes to:
1. Understand topic
2. Brainstorm
3. Outline
Question 1: Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in
a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and
details to support your answer.
Question 2: It is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big
city. Do you agree or disagree? Use specific reasons and examples to develop
your essay.
Question 3: It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in
books.” Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with
knowledge gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more
important? Why?
Helpful Websites
http://www.act.org/compass/student/tips-essay.html
General Strategies: http://www.act.org/compass/student/tips.html
On Test Day Bring:
1. Photo ID
2. Student ID Number
3. Pen or Pencil