Accuplacer Testing For
English as a Second
Language:
Some Guidelines
Placement Test Guidelines
► You
must take the placement exam for
English as a Second Language if:
►English
►you
is not your first language AND
do not have a degree from an accredited
American university
Placement Criteria
 The three tests (reading, listening, and language use)
determine if your English skills are adequate for credit-level
courses.
 If you score a Level 1, you will be directed to other agencies
in the area that offer ESL instruction.
 You must achieve a Level 2 placement to be eligible for
English as a Second Language (ESL) non-credit courses at
the college.
 You must achieve a Level 3 to exempt ESL coursework in an
area. When you have achieved a Level 3 in all three areas,
you will be eligible for the credit-level assessment.
Accuplacer Test Features
►
You should be able to point and click with a computer
mouse. You may practice this skill before you begin a
test.
►
You will not be timed on any test.
►
Each test contains 20 questions. However, the level of
difficulty will vary throughout your test depending on the
answers you provide.
►
You may not skip any question. If you are unsure of an
answer, select your best guess and move to the next
question.
Features of
ESL Reading Skills Test
►
This test uses short passages from six content areas to evaluate
your reading skills. The six areas include:






Science
History/Social Science
Arts/Humanities
Narrative
Psychology/Human Relations
Practical Situations
►
Half of the questions test your ability to find details, identify an
accurate paraphrase, or determine pronoun reference.
►
The other half tests your ability to draw conclusions from what
you have read.
Features of ESL Listening Test
►
This test evaluates your ability to understand conversations
in which one person or more people are speaking. The
situations involve everyday events.
►
You will look at pictures of the speakers as you listen to
the conversation. You will then hear a question followed
by four possible answers.
►
You may click on the Play button to hear a conversation
again, but you are limited to two additional times after you
have listened to the conversation the first time.
Features of
ESL Language Use Test
►
This test measures your understanding of correct grammar
in English. The following areas are tested:





►
Nouns, pronouns, pronoun case
Sentence structure
Subject-verb agreement
Adverbs, adjectives, verbs
Subordination and coordination
Two formats are used. Some questions will ask you to fill
in the blank from the choices provided. Others will ask you
to select the sentence that does the best job of combining
two elements.
Resources and Restrictions
During Testing
Resources
►
Scrap paper is available on the computer towers. Pen or
pencil may be used. The proctor will collect all scrap paper
at the end of the session.
Restrictions
►
►
►
►
Electronic devices or pocket dictionaries are NOT allowed.
Notes cannot be taken into the testing session.
Bathroom breaks may be taken between, but not during,
any of the three tests.
You may not leave the room unless you have been given
permission by the testing proctor.
Doing Your Best
►
PRACTICE using the web resources on Wor-Wic’s web site
found under Diagnostic Testing from either the “Quick
Links” or “Future Students” option.
►
Visit the ACCUPLACER website
(http://accuplacer.collegeboard.org/students)
and PRACTICE using the sample questions provided.
►
Make sure you are well-rested and come in with a positive
attitude.
►
Take your time and read each set of directions carefully.
Retesting Options
►
You are allowed to retest one time only on any or all parts
of the test after a 24-hour waiting period.
►
When you opt to retest, your first score is discarded and
the retest score determines placement.
►
If you still are not pleased with your retest results, you
may retest a second time, but you must wait 30 days from
your first retest. After that, you may retest once each
semester.
►
SIGNIFICANT review is recommended before any retest.
Closing Thoughts
 Completing additional practice before taking the tests is
the best way to assure the most accurate placement for
your college courses.
 When you exit this PowerPoint presentation, you should
look at the list of practice site links provided for you.
Click on the links that relate to the test or tests you are
scheduled to take.
 When you feel you are ready to take the placement
tests, return to the Admissions office at the College to
pick up your testing referral form.