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30 Writing Topics and Writing Prompts For ESL Students

When learning a new language like English, developing writing skills is essential. Many beginner ESL students find it difficult to write essays, especially if they have to come up with the essay topic themselves.

Providing ESL students with writing topics and writing prompts can help students to focus and start writing. As a teacher, it can be quite challenging to come up with many ESL writing topics, so we have put together this list of ESL writing topics and writing prompts to help you out.

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List Of ESL Writing Topics

Here is a list of ESL writing topics and writing prompts your students can write about.

  • Describe your dream house. Where is it? And What’s inside?
  • Talk about the best vacation you ever took.
  • What do you like to do in your spare time?
  • Write about three things you want to achieve this year.
  • What’s your earliest memory as a child?
  • What would you do if you had a million dollars?
  • What are you good at? What would you like to be good at in the future?
  • Write about the members of your family. What are they like? What do they do?
  • Write about how to cook your favorite food, step by step.
  • If you could meet anyone from history, who would you want to meet, and why?
  • Describe everything you did last weekend in as much detail as possible.
  • Write about something funny that happened to you this week.
  • What were the last three things you bought? Where did you buy them from?
  • Describe how you get ready for school every day.
  • Describe a famous person in as much detail as possible.
  • What is your favorite movie, and why?
  • What three things would you take to a desert island, and why?
  • Write about your happiest memory.
  • What makes a good friend?
  • If you could change anything about the world, what would it be?
  • If you could travel back in time, when and where would you go?
  • What’s your favorite game to play?
  • What is something you have done that you regret?
  • Describe what the world will be like in1000 years.
  • Write an essay about what you did this week.
  • Write about one of your memorable birthday celebrations.
  • Write about your exercise routine.
  • If you had three wishes, what would you wish for?
  • Describe a person you look up to.
  • What’s your opinion about social media?

Tips For Teaching ESL Writing

Error correction.

Writing in a foreign language is hard, especially for beginner ESL students. Students will likely make many mistakes in the beginning.

Although it is necessary to highlight and correct students’ errors, it can be quite demotivating for a student to only hear all the things they got wrong.

To ensure students stay motivated, be sure to praise them and tell them all the things they did well, as well as point out any grammatical mistakes.

After correcting errors, give students an opportunity to re-write their essays and correct their mistakes. Once students have completed their final draft, be sure to let them know what you liked about their essay, and you can even share this praise with other students, teachers, and even the student’s parents.

To master writing in English, students will need to write a lot of essays over time, and if students stay motivated, they are much more likely to succeed.

Ask About Students’ Interests

Another great way to keep students motivated while writing ESL essays is to encourage them to write about things that interest them.

A great way to encourage this is to ask about things students are interested in and then tailor the writing topic to them.

Students are much more likely to actively engage in a writing assignment if it is something they are interested in and passionate about.

Provide Enough Writing Prompts

ESL students often find it difficult to write long answers to essay questions. Ask an ESL student to write about their favorite restaurant, and they’ll likely give you a one-sentence answer.

To help students write longer essays, be sure to give them enough writing prompts to cover the different aspects they should cover in their writing.

For example, if students are to write about their favorite restaurant then you could give them several writing prompts such as ‘where is the restaurant’, ‘what kind of food do they serve’, ‘how much is a typical meal’, ‘what do you usually order’, etc.

Giving beginner ESL students plenty of writing prompts will help them to flesh out their essays and write longer answers.

Structure The Essay

To help ESL students become better at writing in English, teach them a particular structure you would like them to follow when writing their essays.

A typical writing structure with beginner ESL students would include an introduction, the main body of the text, and then a conclusion.

Providing students with an easy-to-follow structure will help them to plan out their essays and develop their writing skills over time.

Thanks for reading. I hope you found some useful ESL writing topics and writing prompts you can use in your next writing class. 

Before you go, don’t forget to check out our FREE resources for teaching English, including  Activity Videos ,  Board Games ,  Flashcards ,  PowerPoint Games , and  Lesson Plans .

essay topics for esl placement test

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40 ESL Essay Writing Topics + Prompts

By VIPKid  |  April 20, 2018

Ready to start teaching English online?

Writing ESL essay writing is hard for most students and many will struggle at first before learning to write well.

However, writing skills are a crucial part of learning a new language . 

In this piece, we’ll share some ESL writing prompts and ESL essay topics for five different kinds of essays. They should help your students develop their grammar and vocabulary skills  while teaching them how to write coherently.

(While they work for all kinds of students, we’ve found these topics are especially handy for  teaching English to kids .) 

Writing practice should never be boring! When you’re done this article, check out the 10 most engaging writing activities here .

Descriptive ESL Writing Topics

  • Describe your favorite place in as much detail as possible.
  • Describe your favorite fictional character in as much detail as possible.
  • Describe a famous person – e.g. a singer or athlete – that you admire. Focus on both their appearance and personality traits.
  • Describe a family member or your best friend  as detailed as possible. Discuss how they look and their personality.  
  • Choose a  hobby or favorite activity  and describe why and how you do it. 
  • Describe your most memorable holiday or vacation spot in as much detail as possible.
  • Describe a photo or work of art in as much detail as possible.
  • Pick your favorite food . Describe what you taste, smell, and sense while eating or drinking it. 

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Explanatory ESL Essay Topics

essay topics for esl placement test

  • Give directions for getting from one point to another . For example, how to get from your home to your school. Describe the landmarks someone might see along the way.
  • Explain how to cook your favorite meal . Provide a recipe and the step-by-step instructions.
  • Explain your favorite computer game . What should a player do to win? What are some playing tips?
  • Explain what you would do if your friends show up at your house unexpectedly . Say how you would entertain them. 
  • Explain how to make a bed . This task is seemingly simple but allows you to write about everyday habits you might never think through in detail. 
  • Explain how to make a paper airplane . Again, this task has many precise, technical details that that should be included in the essay. 
  • Explain how to brush your teeth . Try to make your essay about a seemingly mundane task more interesting. 
  • Explain how to pack a suitcase when going on a holiday. List out all the objects and pieces of clothing you would bring. 

ESL Essays Topics to Practice Verb Tenses

essay topics

  • Talk about a time in the past when you had to make a difficult decision . Explain what you did and why.
  • Describe your dream place to live . Why would you want to live there? What would you do?
  • Write about three specific goals  you want to achieve this year. Explain how you are going to achieve them.
  • Write about something you regret having done . Point out what could have happened if you had not made that decision.
  • Describe the world 100 years from now . Describe how people live, and new inventions and also the things that will not change.
  • Talk about your earliest memory . What happened? How well do you remember the events?
  • Write a short essay about how you prepared for class . Now “translate” that essay into future tense. In other words, the essay should say how you plan to prepare for class.  

Argumentative ESL Essay Topics

argumentative ESL essay topics

  • Are smartphones good or bad? Give some arguments to support your position.
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of public schools and private schools ?
  • What is your favorite book or movie ? Convince others, through your essay, to read or watch it. 
  • Is it the case that the more people that have cars, the better? What are some advantages and disadvantages of public transit ? 
  • Should money be spent on space exploration ? Give arguments to support your opinion.
  • You’re the mayor of your town or city. Explain in an essay your recent decision to ban smoking . Then, from another person’s perspective, write a letter to the mayor protesting this new law. 
  • Reading books vs. watching movies . Which do you prefer and why?
  • What are the pros and cons of e-readers compared to paper books?

Hypothetical ESL Essay Topics

  • What would you do if you were late for an important class?
  • What would you do if your car got a flat tire on the highway?
  • If you had the power to change one thing about your past, what would it be?
  • If you had the power to alter  one major historical event , what would it be?
  • If you could take any superhero’s powers , who would be your choice?
  • How would you feel if, one day, you woke up 300 years in the past ?
  • What would you do if you won the lottery ? Would your life change day-to-day?

essay topics

Some General ESL Essay Tips

When checking ESL essays, pay attention to the following key points:

  • Grammar. The ESL essay should be grammatically correct.
  • Vocabulary. The more new vocabulary the essay contains, the more points it will get.
  • Text flow. The text of the essay should flow logically and naturally. Pay attention to the use of connecting words and phrases. These include first of all , secondly , moreover , in addition , besides , finally , on the one hand, on the other hand , and as a result .
  • Sticking to the topic. Some essay writers tend to deviate from ESL essay topics. However, a perfect ESL essay should stay as close to the point as possible.

A good essay typically has the following parts:

  • An introduction . Here, the author gives some general information about the topic or lays out their argument. An effective intro entices readers to read further. 
  • The body . In an argumentative essay, the body could be 2 to 3 paragraphs. Each should introduce their arguments and support them with examples. In other types of essays, the content may vary. For example, the body may include descriptions, explanations, or personal stories.
  • Conclusion . The author should logically conclude or summarize their thoughts and arguments.

How Do You Teach Writing?

It doesn’t matter if you teach English online or if you’re a classroom teacher, we want to know about your  teaching styles.  Do you use writing prompts,  games and activities, or something else entirely?

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English Placement Test Online Preparation, Free Practice Questions & Tips – 2024

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What Is an English Placement Test?

The English placement test is a type of a verbal reaoning psychometric test used to gauge your level of fluency in English. The English placement test measures your aptitude for a variety of factors within the language. The test can be scored in a multitude of ways, but regardless of how the score is given, you will be rated on a scale of elementary to advanced. In the academic world, a high English placement test score can earn you course credits without having to take an extra English course. Employers often use the English placement test to gauge your overall understanding of English. Refer to the below tips to aid in your preparation for test day!

How to Prepare for the English Placement Test?

Remember, an English placement test is an assessment designed to determine your proficiency level in the English language. These tests are often used by educational institutions, employers, and language programs to place you in appropriate courses or positions that match your skill level. To ensure you perform your best on the test, follow these tips:

Understand the test format. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the test. It may include sections on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, listening, and writing. Knowing the format will help you manage your time effectively during the test.

  • Review basic English concepts . Brush up on fundamental English concepts such as grammar rules, sentence structure, verb tenses, prepositions, articles, and parts of speech. Use textbooks, online resources, or language learning apps to reinforce your knowledge.
  • Enhance your English vocabulary . Build a strong vocabulary by learning new words, idiomatic expressions, and synonyms. Consider using flashcards or vocabulary-building apps to help you remember and practice using these words.
  • Practice reading comprehension . Improve your reading skills by reading a variety of texts, such as newspapers, magazines, short stories, and academic articles. Pay attention to main ideas, supporting details, and inferences.
  • Develop listening skills. Listen to English audio materials, such as podcasts, news broadcasts, or online videos. Focus on understanding different accents, tones, and contexts. This will help you excel in the listening comprehension section.
  • Practice writing. Write essays, paragraphs, or journal entries to enhance your writing skills. Focus on organizing your ideas logically, using proper grammar and punctuation, and expressing your thoughts clearly and concisely.
  • Time management. On the test day, manage your time wisely. Allocate specific time limits to each section and question. If you’re stuck on a question, move on and return to it later if time permits.
  • Take practice tests. Obtain practice tests or sample questions similar to the format of the actual test. This will give you a feel for the types of questions you might encounter and help you identify areas that need more improvement.
  • Simulate test conditions. Practice under conditions similar to the actual test. Find a quiet place, set a timer, and attempt the practice tests without interruptions to mimic the testing environment.
  • Review and reflect. After taking practice tests, review your answers and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on improving areas where you struggled and continue practicing until you feel confident.
  • Get plenty of rest. Prioritize a good night’s sleep before the test. A well-rested mind will help you think clearly and perform your best.
  • Test day preparation. On the test day, arrive early to the test center. Bring required identification and any permitted materials, such as pencils, erasers, and identification documents.
  • Stay calm and confident . During the test, maintain a positive mindset. Stay calm, read instructions carefully, and approach each question thoughtfully. Trust in your preparation and don’t let anxiety affect your performance.
  • Pace yourself. Pace yourself through the test. Don’t rush, but also avoid spending too much time on any single question. Remember, it’s better to complete the entire test with reasonable accuracy than to leave many questions unanswered.
  • Accept the results. After the test, accept the results and use them as a starting point for your English language journey. Whether you place at a higher or lower level, you now have a clear understanding of your skills and can work towards improvement.

Remember, an English placement test is a tool to assess your current level of proficiency, and it’s okay if you don’t know every answer. Use the results to guide your language learning goals and continue practicing to achieve the level of English proficiency you desire.

Example Question with Explanation

Let’s take a look at a sample question you might see on an English placement test.

Example question: Identify the error in the following sentence and select the correct option to fix it.

“Neither of the books on the shelf are mine.”

  • Neither of the books on the shelf is mine.
  • Neither of the book on the shelf is mine.
  • Neither of the book on the shelf are mine.

Explanation: The correct answer is B. This is because the subject in this sentence is “neither,” which is singular. This can be confusing as we use this word to reference two things, but it’s singular because it is actually referring to two objects (in this case, books) that are not in possession of the person in the sentence. In other words, the absence of multiples within the word makes it singular despite referring to two things.

Because we have a singular subject, the verb in the sentence (“is” which is a conjugation of “to be”), needs to be singular as well. This makes using “are” incorrect. As for why “books” needs to be plural, that is because the subject “neither” means that there are at least two options.

It’s okay if this seems confusing. That’s because grammar is difficult! All the more reason to make a point to review your grammar rules and implement plenty of practice prior to taking the English placement test. The more time you spend practicing and brushing up on all aspects of English, the more natural these skills will come.

English Placement Test Sample Questions

Now that we’ve gone over the necessary information for preparation, it’s time to practice! Below you will find eight free sample questions with which to practice what you’ve learned. An answer key can be found at the bottom. Good luck!

  • Read the following passage and answer the question that follows:

Passage: “The sun sets in the west, casting a warm glow over the horizon. The sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. It’s a breathtaking sight that reminds us of the beauty in nature.” Question: What colors are typically seen in the sky during a sunset?

  • Yellow, purple, pink
  • Green, blue, purple
  • Black, green, pink
  • Orange, pink, purple
  • Me and my friend is going to the movies.
  • My friend and me is going to the movies.
  • My friend and I are going to the movies.
  • Me and my friend are going to the movies.
  • He often reads science books.
  • He often reads books science.
  • He science often reads books.
  • Books he often reads science.
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  • A type of bread
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English Language Placement Test Sample

International students applying for admission without providing any TOEFL or other English proficiency test scores  will take an English language placement test during orientation . This test was designed by an experienced team of  Shoreline faculty members  with advanced degrees in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). The English placement test has three sections: reading, writing, and listening. Click the tabs below to see each section.

The reading section of Shoreline Community College's English placement test has five passages. Each passage is followed by five multiple-choice questions. Here is a sample:

"Ted Serios is not a normal person. He was in his mid-forties when he was introduced to Jule Eisenbud, Professor of Psychiatry at Denver Medical School in 1963.

"During the next several years, Eisenbud showed that Serios had the bizarre ability to produce images on film by simply staring into a camera. Together, Eisenbud and Serios produced more than two hundred of these "thoughtographs." Most of them were images of buildings, landscapes, people, and machines. The thoughtographs were created under carefully controlled conditions and the process was observed by many witnesses, some of whom were very skeptical of Serios' claimed abilities. The experimenters were careful to exclude the possibility of fraud by using methods such as medical examinations and X-rays. They even put Serios in a straightjacket and removed all of his clothes.

"No one has ever been able to give a satisfactory explanation for the pictures that Serios and Eisenbud made."

1. What is the main idea of this reading passage?     a. A man named Ted Serios met a psychiatrist named Julie Eisenbud.     b. A man was able to create photographic images by looking into a camera.     c. Ted Serios was examined very carefully by scientists.     d. Electromagnetic radiation can create images on film. 2. Which of the following is true, according to the reading passage?     a. Ted Serios was a doctor at a medical school in Denver .     b. The images that Serios created were limited to people and buildings.     c. Serios forced some other people to wear a straightjacket.     d. No one has ever been able to explain how Serios created “thoughtographs”. 3. What is the most likely meaning of the word “fraud”?     a. disease     b. fakery     c. machinery     d. beauty 4. The word “them” in paragraph 2, line 3 refers to...     a. Eisenbud and Serios     b. “thoughtographs”     c. people and buildings     d. respectable witnesses 5. If this reading passage continued, what do you suppose the next part might be about?     a. some other strange phenomenon     b. Ted Serios' family life     c. the history of Denver Medical School     d. difficulties in taking good vacation photos

Answers: B, D, B, B, A

For the writing section of Shoreline Community College's English placement test, students may choose to write for the higher level or the lower level.

Higher level : a student who writes an essay based on a higher level topic will be placed in English 101, the appropriate English for Academic Purposes (EAP) level, or the appropriate ESL level.

Lower level: a student who chooses to write a paragraph based on a lower level topic will be placed in the appropriate ESL level.

Here is an example of the Writing Section of the English placement test:

Higher level : If you would like to be considered for English 101 or EAP, please write an essay on ONE of the following topics:

1. Explain two ways that some form of transportation has changed urban life.

2. Argue that people should not be allowed to marry until they are more than thirty years old.

Lower level: If you would like to be considered for ESL, please write one or two paragraphs on one of the following topics:

1. Tell about a time you lost something important.

2. Tell about a funny experience you had with a friend.

The listening section has five passages that are tape-recorded. Students listen to each passage on tape and then answer five multiple-choice questions. Here is a sample:

"The following short listening passage is part of a listening test. You will hear a short sample of speech followed by five questions. Each question will be repeated on the tape, but the questions do not appear in the test booklet. You may take notes on the provided piece of paper. When you answer the questions, be sure to mark your answers on the scantron and not on the test booklet. Your notes will be collected after the test."

Listening passage one

"The banjo is a musical instrument which originated in Africa. Because African music is very much based on rhythm, the banjo looks very much like a drum and probably developed from a drum. It also has a neck and from four to six strings. The banjo was probably brought from Africa to America by slaves in the 16th and 17th centuries. In the United States, white country musicians began using the banjo to play their dance music. Eventually, the four-string banjo became an integral part of early jazz, called Dixieland and the five-string banjo became the foundation of a kind of fast country music called bluegrass.

"Listen to the following questions and mark your answers on your scantron sheet." 

1.   What is a banjo?     a. a musical instrument     b. a slave     c. a kind of music     d. a dance 2.  Where did the banjo originate?     a. in Asia     b. in Europe     c. In Africa     d. In America 3.  What are two kinds of music in which the banjo is used?     a. four-string and five-string     b. rhythm and strings     c. the 16th and 17th century     d. dixieland and bluegrass 4.  What would be the most likely source of this listen passage?     a. a music appreciation lecture     b. a radio advertisement     c. a political speech     d. a TV situation comedy

5.  If this listening passage continued, what would the next topic probably be?     a. types of drums in Africa     b. the problem of slavery in America     c. some famous banjo players     d. classical music today

Answers: A, C, D, A, C

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English Assessment Preparation

How to prepare for your english assessment.

We've outlined what you can expect from your English assessment, including what content will be covered and the format it will take. We've also provided some resources to help you prepare.

Assessment Content and Format  

In your Accuplacer WritePlacer assessment, you’ll be provided with a short passage and you’ll be asked to respond to it by writing a multi-paragraph essay to develop a point of view and support it with arguments and examples.   

  • You will have  80 minutes  to plan and write the essay. 
  • Your essay must be  300-600 words .   
  • Use of dictionary is not allowed 

Your response will be evaluated on the following criteria: 

  • Purpose and Focus  – Have you addressed the topic? Have you presented the information clearly and logically?  
  • Organization and Structure  – Have you connected and ordered your ideas?   
  • Development and Support  – Have you developed and supported your ideas? 
  • Sentence variety and Style –  Are your sentences varied in length and style, demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure?  
  • Mechanical Conventions  – Have you used correct grammar and spelling?   
  • Critical Thinking  – Have you communicated your point of view and demonstrated consistent relationships among ideas?  
  • Read the passage and the question carefully so your essay addresses the topic.  
  • Before you start writing, take some time to plan your essay. 
  • Be sure to develop a clear point of view.  
  • Follow a standard essay format: introduction, body paragraph(s), and conclusion.   
  • Relate each paragraph to your main argument. Relate each sentence in your paragraph to the paragraph’s topic sentence.    

Essay Preparation

For more information, review: 

  • WritePlacer Sample Essays  

GBC Tutoring and Learning Centre (TLC) writing resources

Assessment Content

The ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Comprehension Test includes four types of questions.   

  • Information and Ideas questions  focus on determining central ideas and themes of a passage, summary of a passage, and understanding relationships between ideas presented. 
  • Rhetoric questions  focus on analyzing a passage for the author’s word choice, text structure, point of view, purpose and arguments used.  
  • Synthesis questions  focus on relating the information and ideas from different texts. 
  • Vocabulary questions  focus on finding the meaning of word and phrases used in contexts.  

Assessment Format 

  • 20 questions, multiple choice 
  • The test software will select questions based on your previous answers. Answer all the questions to the best of your ability and do not skip any, as you cannot go back.   
  • No time limit (on average, students take 30 – 60 minutes) 
  • Score range: 200-300 
  • Use of a dictionary is not allowed 

Reading Comprehension Sample Questions 

  ACCUPLACER Next Generation Reading Sample Questions    

See pages 2-7.  The answer key is on pages 8-13. 

Free ACCUPLACER App  - ACCUPLACER has created an App containing a sample Reading Comprehension test. To find the sample test and review test content, please create an account. 

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Sample Essays

Below are two sample essays. Both essays are in response to the writing prompt below. The first sample essay demonstrates a readiness for English Composition I (a writing course required in all degree programs). The second contains weak areas demonstrating a need for additional support to foster success in English Composition I.

Penn College faculty evaluate essays based on the following:

  • organization
  • development of ideas
  • sentence structure
  • word choice
  • punctuation

The Faculty Evaluation section explains how effectively the student addressed each essay component and provides a rationale for each student’s placement.

English Composition I (ENL 111)

Write about a sport, hobby, or extra-curricular activity that you were involved with in high school and the impact that sport or activity had on your life. Be sure to clearly identify the sport or activity, and use specific details how this involvement made an impact on your life.

Student Essay:

One hobby or skill I pride myself in is my ability to cook, one that I have only obtained in my last 2 years working as a cook. When I started at Rotelli (an Italian restaurant in State College) it was right after my senior year in High school.

Fresh out of High school with no prior experience in the “real world” I was more or less forced to mature to meet the basic standards of a high-end kitchen employee. Allowing people to walk all over me due to my nonthreatening appearance and stoic resolve was no longer an option. Most of my coworkers were/are gruff, seasonal restaurant employees who will verbally “go for the throat” without a moments notice.

After several months of this environment and dreading going to work, I picked up on things to sharpen my wit, making what was before an entire night of being picked on into just playful verbal abuse. After this realization literally everything seemed less of a hassel, as well as near complete immunity to any sort of heckling. I even pushed the envelope by getting my lip pierced to “draw more heat” but no such insidents occurred.

In summation, the restaurant not only turned me into a good cook but also prepared me for the hassel and hardships of the real world, something that will be a definite benefit to me in the future.

Faculty Evaluation:

The essay shows a significant degree of organization . In the opening paragraph, the student mentions the specific hobby (cooking) that will be the subject of the essay, and then each paragraph relates to this particular hobby and its impact on the student’s life. The development of ideas occurs in each paragraph because the student writes about how the experience at this restaurant has impacted the student at the restaurant and the possible impact on the student’s future. There are some minor errors in punctuation , word choice , and spelling , but they do not take away from the reader’s ability to understand the paragraphs individually and the essay as a whole. The sentence structure is consistently strong throughout the essay, and evident in each paragraph. The essay contains specific details. The student connects the paragraphs to the prompt, clearly showing the impact that the experience at this restaurant has had on the student’s life. This student was placed in ENL111.

English Composition I (ENL 111) with English Composition Lab (ENL105)

Write about a sport, hobby, or extra-curricular activity that you were involved with in high school and the impact that sport or activity had on your life. Be sure to clearly identify the sport or activity, and use specific details about how this involvement made an impact on your life.

For my essay I will be choosing number two. The activity I will be writing about is highschool wrestling. I chose this sport in nineth grade. The reason I chose it was because I herd it had good rewards. I will be writing to you about the difficulties, rewards, experience, all what I learned from challenges.

There are multiple problems with word choice and spelling.

I will start with the difficulties. The one major difficulty for most people is eating. You must keep your weight minimal or you shouldnt even show up. What you learn from this is disapline. The second is fear with anciaty. You may want this actualy before a match. You get scared and prepare better. Your anciaty gives you speek and strength when you get on the mat. This teaches you how to use your weakness.

The ideas are not developed here. For instance, there are no details on why weight is a problem.

The last difficultie is physical pain and edurance. The best way to deal with it is to ignore it. Your mind is whats telling you it hurts and you need to stop. Tell it to ignore it and over time it will. This teacies you the more important thing which is you can do anything if you beleive you can. Those are some of the Difficulties and lessens you learn from wrestling.

In addition to spelling, punctuation, and grammar problems, this paragraph does not connect the ideas to each other, nor to the prompt.

The rewards you experience are great. The greatest reward is self greatness. When you train and win you feel accomplishd. You also have respect from your team and coach. It feels like you have some power. The last reward is the body. You get a great body from it and you feel great. Girls will offten give you attention for having it. Those are some of the rewards of wrestling.

Spelling issues are present and the ideas are listed, but not developed.

Over all highschool wrestling is a great way to improve yourself. I have learnd many skill and discipline from it. I have changed my life because of it. There will always be difficulties but you will always get somthing out of it. That is what I have to discuss on my activity.

While the student demonstrates some understanding of five paragraph format, there are numerous errors overall and little idea development in the essay.

The essay shows a degree of organization . In the opening paragraph, the student mentions three points to be made in the essay: difficulties, rewards, and experience. In the body of the essay, however, there is very little development of ideas . In the second paragraph, the student does not develop the idea of disciplined eating or anxiety. Paragraph four is a list of three rewards from wrestling, but the ideas are only listed, not developed. While there are some errors in punctuation , there are significant problems with sentence structure throughout the essay, especially with grammar , word choice , and spelling . These are pervasive throughout the essay. This student was placed in ENL111 with the additional support of ENL105.

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Information on English Placement Exam

The following information refers only to the Placement Exam on the Columbus campus. For information about English Placement on another Ohio State campus, please contact your advisor.

The English Placement Exam asks students to respond to a prompt that requires critical reading, summary skills, and an original essay in response. Students read a short opinion piece (approximately 500-750 words) and are asked to summarize and then respond to it.

General Directions for the Placement Exam

The Placement Test asks you to read a short essay, write a one-paragraph summary of that essay, and write a response to that essay.

You have a few choices about the document type you use to write and submit your essay:

You may write your essay in Word, Pages, or Google Docs and copy and paste it into the submission text box once you have completed it and submit it there.

You may type your essay directly into the text box in the Testing area and submit it through the submission function.

Please read the essay before you begin writing. When you have finished reading the essay, respond to it in two ways.

Step 1: Write a one-paragraph summary of the essay that provides a good idea of what the essay is about. Be sure to identify the central argument in your summary and to include the title of the essay and the author’s name in the summary.

Step 2: Write an essay of your own that responds to the author's argument. In your essay, do your best to demonstrate your composition skills and familiarity with edited American English. While much academic writing requires finding and working with outside sources, this placement essay should consist exclusively of your own writing. While you may quote from the placement reading, do not include the work of other writers

You should work to display the following attributes in your writing:

A clearly defined central idea (thesis).

A clear and logical organization (clearly defined organization and logical paragraphs).

Strong supporting details drawn from experience, observation, and/or from the reading. No sources outside the reading should be included.

An understanding of the reading and argument presented in it.

Grammatically correct and effective sentences.

You may take some time to to free-write, plan, or outline your thoughts before you write the essay. If you are writing in Word, Pages, or Google Docs to copy and paste into the text box, be sure to include a header or separation between your notes and Steps 1 and 2. If you are typing directly into the submission text box instead of in a file that you will cut and paste, please indicate the location of your planning notes in the text box with a heading such as notes , brainstorming , or free - writing .

NOTE: The writing you submit should be your own . This is not only because the Student Code of Conduct requires that you do your own work, but also because it is essential for our assessment process that the writing you submit is typical of your writing. If you get help with your response, you may be placed in a class that is too difficult for you.

Please make an effort to proofread your work before you submit it. At the least, make sure that the separation between pre-writing notes and Steps 1 and 2 is clear.

We strongly recommend that you write both your summary and your response using Word, Pages, or Google Docs and then copy and paste them into the submission area. If you write in the textbox itself, you may lose your work if you have an internet interruption or your browser times out .

Once you have submitted your test, our team of readers will read the summary and response to determine which of the following English courses will be the best for you:

Level 4: either English 1110.01 or 1110.02 (3 credit hours)

Level 5: English 1110.03 (3 credit hours) and 1193 (1 credit hour) simultaneously (a total of 4 credit hours)

Level 6: English 1109 (4 credit hours). After completing 1109, you must enroll in English 1110.03 and 1193 simultaneously (4 credit hours) to complete your first-year writing requirement.

We will send your results to be posted to your Student Testing Profile in SIS. Once the results are posted in your Buckeye Link profile, you will be able to work with your advisor to schedule for first-year writing. (Results will not be entered in Carmen.)

Carmen works best using Chrome on a PC or Mac. We do not recommend using the Carmen app for the exam. The app offers a limited version of Carmen and can make it harder to find and access some features. In addition, your work may not properly upload into the submission area.

We recommend taking the test on a tablet or computer, not your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Placement exams are read and assessed every business day. Unless there is a technical issue or complication with your exam, you can expect to see your results in Carmen within 1-2 business days. After your result is posted in Carmen, it is sent to the Testing Center to be added to your Buckeye Link account. Your advisor will be able to see your result in SIS 24 hours after Testing updates it.

Please email us at [email protected] to request accommodations such as extended time at least two business days before you plan to take the exam. You should also register with Student Disability Services .

No. If you have taken the ESL Composition Placement test, you will be placed into EDUTL or English classes on the basis of that test. Please email us at [email protected] if you are asked to take both tests.

A placement result of 4 means you can register for English 1110.01 or 1110.02. A placement result of 5 means you must register for English 1110.03 and 1193. A placement result of 6 means you must register for English 1109.

If you experience technical difficulties, email [email protected] . We can reset your attempt and allow you to take the exam again. You will receive a new exam and have to begin again.

No. You can retake the exam if you have technical difficulties, but we do not reassess placement exams. If you have questions about your placement, you can contact Scott DeWitt ( [email protected] ) and Ashleigh Hardin ( [email protected] ).

Probably. Ask your advisor if placement procedures have changed since you were assigned the placement exam. You can also email [email protected] .

The best way to prepare for the Placement Exam is to ensure you're able to take the exam in a distraction-free environment with a reliable internet connection. You should also make sure you can devote the full 75 minutes to the exam. Take the exam when you're not sleepy or hungry. Read the instructions fully before you begin the exam. Other than these preparations, students should not need to "study" for the English Placement Exam.

Yes, unless you also took a First-Year Writing course at another school as well. We do not recognize placement exams from other institutions.

Sample Scored Essays

In This Section

Two to three ECC faculty/staff read and score each essay giving it a single, holistic score. In holistic scoring, essays are not given low scores just because they contain many mechanical errors, nor are they given high scores just because they are well organized. While those factors are important, the reader also considers the overall impression created by the student's writing sample and assigns a score consistent with that overall impression.

Your essay will be assigned one of the following holistic scores based on the criteria listed. We have included here a set of three actual (anonymous) student papers using discontinued topics, along with an analysis of their strengths and weaknesses. There are many ways of obtaining a particular score, so these should not be taken as templates or models to follow. Yet, they provide some concrete examples of the ways that the scoring criteria are applied in practice.

Testing Center

Building B --> Building B , Room B115 847-214-7150 Fax: 847-608-5474 testing@elgin.edu

Hours Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm Friday: 8 am to 3 pm Saturday: 9am to 3pm

*Note: The Testing Center is closed Tuesdays from 2 to 3 pm for a department meeting. All tests and materials are collected 15 minutes before closing.

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Placement Testing

The Testing Center administers placement tests or accepts  measures of readiness to help determine a student's starting courses. Incoming college students must take a test or submit their measures after they submit an application but before registering for classes. Students who still need to satisfy college readiness may take one or more academic preparation courses before starting credit courses.

Take the placement tests with these instructions . Incoming traditional college students will take a placement test. The Testing Center administers the following placement tests to new students to measure their readiness for college courses:

  • CollegeBoard ACCUPLACER Reading and WritePlacer for U.S. students whose primary language is English.
  • The ESL ACCUPLACER test for international students.
  • The ALEKS-PPL math test to assess mathematics readiness.

Exemptions and waivers are here . The Testing Center also accepts other measures that grant exemptions to the placement test. Students may submit any or all of the following if they are less than 5-years-old:

  • High SAT, ACT, or GED scores.
  • A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for graduates of U.S. public high schools.
  • Transfer credit from other institutions.
  • Recent, high placement test scores from other institutions.

WDCE programs have special instructions here . Students in some WDCE programs need a special version of the ACCUPLACER placement tests, which they may take in person or online. Traditional college students should not use these instructions.

Transfer placement test scores with these instructions . PGCC accepts some placement test scores from other institutions if they are less than four years old . Other institutions may accept some placement test scores taken at PGCC under certain rules and conditions. Please verify the other institution's rules for sending and receiving scores before attempting a score transfer.

The Placement Test Requires a Photo ID

Students must present one of these forms of photo ID for placement tests, waivers, and exemptions.

  • PGCC student ID or employee ID card (with name and photo).
  • State-issued driver's license.
  • Maryland state (MVA) ID card.
  • Employer's ID (with name and photo).
  • Valid passport.
  • U.S. Uniformed Service ID Card (military ID).
  • U.S. DoD Common Access Card.
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card/Form I-551).
  • Employment Authorization Document (work permit).

Rules for Placement Testing

Please complete all tests on your own using appropriate resources, such as a pencil and blank scratch paper.

  • Math tests provide a built-in calculator resource only for questions that require them.
  • Inappropriate resources include, but are not limited to, the following: other people, books, notes, the internet, phones, calculators, computers, etc.
  • If the College finds evidence that a student used an inappropriate resource while taking a placement test, their test scores will be invalidated and removed from their student record. Then, the student must take all future placement tests with an in-person proctor.
  • Incoming students must follow the College's Code of Conduct and other Testing Center rules .

PGCC uses ACCUPLACER and ALEKS-PPL Placement Tests

Prince George’s Community College uses different placement tests to help determine college readiness .

We use CollegeBoard's ACCUPLACER to evaluate reading and writing readiness for students educated in the United States and other countries. International students must take an ESL test to determine their English readiness. High school graduates will take ALEKS-PPL to evaluate their math readiness, while students in Early College Access programs will take ACCUPLACER's math tests.

Multiple Attempts

If you took a placement test multiple times, the College uses the best outcome to determine your final course placement. However, you may not take a placement test after you enroll in English or math courses since the test results cannot be used as a substitute for course performance. This applies even if you have only taken the placement test once.

Taking Each Test

All of the College's placement tests are web-based, but they will not work on phones or tablets. Click or tap the name of each placement test to read more about it. When you’re ready to take a placement test, please read our instructions for taking the placement test .

ACCUPLACER, from CollegeBoard, is a web-based test of English and Reading readiness for U.S. English-speaking students. ESL students are not eligible to use ACCUPLACER scores for placement.

  • ACCUPLACER WritePlacer is a single-question essay test of English readiness.
  • The platform will assign a single topic and you must write a roughly 300-word essay about it. The essay must be completed in one sitting.
  • This test takes around one hour to complete and is usually evaluated immediately. A result of “Score Pending” will become a final score on the next business day.
  • ACCUPLACER Reading is a multiple-choice test of Reading readiness.
  • You will have to read passages and answer questions about them.
  • The ACCUPLACER Reading test is adaptive. It usually has 20 questions, but may vary for each student and attempt.
  • This test takes around 40 minutes to complete and results are available immediately.

Current policy allows only two attempts at any ACCUPLACER test within a two-year time period. You may only take the test again if you did not enroll in an English or ESL class.

ALEKS-PPL is a web-based test of math readiness intended to replicate the pencil-and-paper experience. Students should use paper and pencil to work out the solution to each test question and enter it into ALEKS. It is not multiple-choice.

  • The ALEKS-PPL test is adaptive, and the number of questions changes as it measures your mathematics readiness. This test must be completed in one sitting and never exceeds 25 questions.
  • You have a time limit of two hours to complete and submit the test. If you exceed the time limit, the test will end, and you will receive a score and placement based on the work completed.
  • Most students need roughly one hour and 30 minutes for the test. Test results are available immediately.

When you finish, the ALEKS platform creates a series of prep and learning modules to help you improve your math skills for another attempt.

  • The Prep and Learning modules are self-paced math review lessons tailored to the results of your first ALEKS-PPL score.
  • You must spend at least five (5) hours of total work in the modules and wait at least one full day before you can retake the test. You do not have to complete all the work in one sitting.
  • ALEKS-PPL allows up to one year of time to work on the modules and retake the test before your access expires. Your previous scores will remain, but you may lose access to your modules and second test attempt. It is strongly recommended that you complete your required hours and retake the test as soon as possible.
  • Current policy allows only two attempts at the ALEKS-PPL test within a two-year time period. You may only retake the test if you did not enroll in a mathematics class.
  • The modules do not work on phones and tablets. You must use a desktop or laptop computer running recent versions of Windows, macOS, or recent Chromebook models.
  • The yellow button below lets you to log into ALEKS-PPL and continue working on your prep and learning modules. This link is not the placement test .

ALEKS-PPL STUDY MODULE

Starting in 2023, PGCC uses Accuplacer ESL to measure English and Reading readiness for international students. There is not a registration process. Students may take the ESL test immediately after applying to the college.

  • The ESL Test has four required sections: the ESL WritePlacer essay, Sentence Meaning, Language Use, and Reading Skills. You must complete all sections to get a final score.
  • The ESL WritePlacer section is a single-question essay. The platform will give you a topic and you must write a roughly 300-word essay under a 90-minute time limit.
  • The Sentence Meaning, Language Use, and Reading Skills sections have 20 multiple-choice questions each.
  • Each section can only be taken once.
  • The whole test takes roughly two and a half hours to complete, and results are available after two to three business days.

Students may only take the ESL test twice within a two-year time period.

Who takes the ESL Accuplacer test?

The ESL Accuplacer test is for  incoming international students who need to demonstrate their level of English and Reading Readiness . However, international students may take the same English and Reading placement test as U.S. students if they satisfy any of the following conditions:

  • They completed all of their middle and high school education in the U.S.
  • They have a diploma from passing the  GED tests in the U.S. Students with a GED diploma should submit their official GED transcripts to PGCC .
  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • The Bahamas
  • Cayman Islands
  • Commonwealth of Dominica
  • New Zealand
  • St. Kitts & Nevis
  • St. Vincent & the Grenadines
  • Solomon Islands
  • Trinidad & Tobago
  • Turks & Caicos Islands
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Virgin Islands

Sample Tests and Study Guides

This list of online resources can help students improve skills needed for the placement tests . Some may also be useful after starting courses.

  • Official CollegeBoard ACCUPLACER Guide
  • ESL Accuplacer Sample Test
  • Khan Academy
  • Purdue Online Writing Lab
  • Read Theory
  • Calculus Help
  • S.O.S. Mathematics

myPGCC, Owl Link, and Navigate

The College creates a myPGCC account for every student, unlocking many College services such as Owl Link and Navigate, without needing to visit our campus. These services will only work for students who  submit their applications , pay any outstanding fees, and activate their myPGCC accounts.

You will need  Owl Link to register for classes. Go to myPGCC  and log in, then click Owl Link. If you have never used myPGCC, click First Time Login. New users may need to change their passwords. After you verify your Owl Link account, you can use PGCC Navigate to schedule appointments with advising and other offices.

Please contact the Technology Service Desk to resolve any issues.

Doing Well on the Placement Tests

No student will be denied admission to the College based on placement test results except for international students (F-1 visa) , who must score high enough to allow full-time enrollment. However, your test performance will determine which college courses you may or may not take. Academic preparation courses may be required for students whose scores do not satisfy college readiness. Students are advised to take the placement tests seriously and employ a common-sense approach when preparing for the test:

  • Eat well and get plenty of rest.
  • Allow yourself ample time to review the sample tests and study guides.
  • Review math operations with decimals, fractions, exponents, and algebra.

After Finishing the Placement Tests

For the in-person placement tests, students will receive a printed copy of their scores immediately. Instructors must evaluate the ESL test, which takes 2-3 business days. Typically, all scores will be posted to a student's record within two business days of receiving final scores from tests or assessments. Still, holidays and other college closures might delay this process.

Contacting an Advisor

After you finish the placement process, you must contact an advisor to register for courses. Please visit the College's advising site  for the best ways to ask questions and schedule appointments.

ALEKS-PPL Prep and Learning Modules

When you finish the ALEKS-PPL math placement test, the ALEKS platform creates a series of prep and learning modules to help you improve your math skills for another attempt. The study modules do not work on phones and tablets . You must use a desktop or laptop computer running recent versions of Windows or macOS. You may also use recent Chromebook models. Use the yellow button below to log into ALEKS-PPL and continue working. This link is not the placement test.

Getting Copies of Placement Test Scores

If you have already taken a placement test at a PGCC campus within the last four years, you may request a printed copy of your placement test scores from the Testing Center. You must come to the Testing Center in person and show a valid photo ID to get your scores. The testing center is located in Bladen Hall, Room 100, at PGCC's main campus in Largo, MD.

Transferring Placement Test Scores

Students may also request a transfer of certain placement test scores directly to other accredited institutions. The College cannot guarantee which scores other institutions and organizations will accept or use. Contact us below for more information.

Contact the Testing Center

Email: [email protected] Phone number: 301-546-0147

  • Get Ready to Take the Placement Test
  • Learn About Exemptions and Test Waivers
  • Sample Tests
  • WDCE Program Tests
  • Transfer placement test scores

Essay topics esl placement test

Sample essay topics for placement test.

Assessment for your writing. Covered topics presented. Get the essay at the exam? Please consult a short passage that ends with a student who writes an opinion essay on essay exams. Understanding the strongest essay. Writeplacer essay topics for the act compass english essay writing designed for preparing scroll down to provide excellent essay guide. 2 essays allow 50 minutes for preparing scroll down to expect on the purpose of the actual ged test essay on essay at the training. Understanding the training. Esl. We provide excellent essay, readers were unable to write this is electronically scored by writing prompt for the accuplacer practice. Please consult a sample of ideas, and one written essay. Writeplacer essay. Second language skills. Nglish placement test. Assessment for a short passage that they will be familiar and one of student population. Writeplacer exam. Key words on one attempt. Get the examinee to provide students should review the writing strategy. Please consult a writing sample essay prompt. Each essay response to assess language placement test prompts. All students. A copy of transition between high school essay topics for placement questions. We use esl. Ccuplacer writeplacer essay guide. We provide excellent essay you will see them on the exam. Get started studying with a complexity of ideas, compare the csn. All students write an idea for preparing scroll down to write an essay guide. Check out our list of three assessments, such as a much smaller student population. Covered topics change? Review the actual ged test sample placement exam? We will be asked to emulate human scorers, adequate vocabulary, such as a complexity of a comprehensive way to determine your writing sample. The essay response to complete a complexity of the topic. We use esl sample essay contains a second language placement exam on a short passage that, and four brief questions. The writing placement that, so that they will be provided for esl the actual ged test. Writing. Writeplacer essay topics include: please use the writing ability to a placement questions to provide excellent essay writing sample essay. 2 essays allow 50 minutes for placement test questions to a placement exam? What you should review the essay on essay on the cuny assessment for the sample. Writeplacer esl sample esl. Esl sample you should know before the previous placement in writing service 24 7 essay writing placement that, and directions.

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English Placement Test (EPT) & Math Placement Test (MPT)

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English Placement Test (EPT)

Why do students need to take the ept.

  • Some students are very proficient in oral communication skills but cannot yet write at an academic level.
  • Some students score well on standardized tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, but they cannot write an academic essay to the level required by their FDU professors. Therefore, without academic writing support, they may receive poor or failing grades.
  • Poor or failing grades in one or more courses will negatively affect a student’s GPA and scholarship and may affect the ability to graduate.
  • Failing a course will mean increased time and expenditures on course work, and it will also lead to increased stress and anxiety.

What Is The EPT?

  • The test provides a prompt: a short paragraph that describes a specific controversial statement.
  • You will write an  argumentative essay that takes a position on the topic given in the prompt.
  • You will give a series of arguments that support your position on the issue.
  • The supportive details can be common knowledge or knowledge gained from your experiences in academic, professional or personal life.

How Is The EPT Conducted?

  • The EPT is conducted online via Zoom .
  • The EPT uses Microsoft’s online platform Office 365 (Word).
  • The EPT is 70 minutes long.

The EPT Example

Below is an example of how the various parts of an essay can be structured to complete the assigned task. Your goal is to demonstrate that you understand the topic and can develop an appropriate framework for responding to the prompt.

  • English Placement Test Example

How Should You Structure Your Written Response?

Create an outline of the essay before you write. Consider the topic and the outline when you write the introduction. Review the introduction and your topic sentences to prepare the conclusion.

Introduction (1 paragraph)

  • This paragraph introduces the topic, providing context or background of the controversy.
  • Do not use broad generalizations about the topic but create a focus that leads the reader to the thesis.
  • The thesis provides a clear statement of your position on this issue.
  • The thesis should control the content (information, evidence, and examples) that is given as support in the body paragraphs.

Body (3 – 5 paragraphs)

  • Organize the points you will make in an order that makes sense and creates a strong argument.
  • In one paragraph, include one idea from the opposing viewpoint. Then argue against that view, providing evidence to show why your position is the correct one.
  • Express your judgment, not your opinion. Judgment is based on evidence; therefore, use the available evidence to establish a valid conclusion.
  • Use a variety of evidence types: information and anecdotal evidence as well as personal experiences and observations.
  • Create clear and meaningful connections throughout your paragraphs.
  • Relate each paragraph explicitly to your position expressed in the thesis. If something does not relate, remove it.

Conclusion (1 paragraph)

  • Remind the reader of the issue and its relevance.
  • Summarize the argument(s) made, without being repetitive, and reinforce your position.

How Is Your EPT Essay Evaluated?

This test measures your ability to write effectively, which is a skill critical to your academic success. Your writing is evaluated on its  content ,  organization,  and  language , as explained below.

CONTENT: The extent to which the essay demonstrates understanding and writing skill in

  • completes the task (persuasive essay)
  • provides reasonable, well-chosen argument and relevant main ideas that control the details
  • expresses your own ideas
  • makes the controlling argument and main ideas clear
  • uses relevant, insightful, and balanced supporting evidence to develop the ideas
  • does not use famous quotes or fabricated data as ‘proof’

ORGANIZATION: The extent to which your writing is

  • the introduction effectively presents the controlling idea, which orients the reader to the purpose, the topic and the position
  • body paragraphs maintain and support the position by using topic sentences that control the evidence provided
  • the concluding paragraph reinforces the stated position and provides closure
  • the main points are given explicitly and are supported by details that clarify, explain, and reassert
  • sentences are carefully constructed to be clear and to follow one another in a logical or reasonable order to create a flow of ideas
  • paragraphs are logically and meaningfully connected to create unity of thought

LANGUAGE: The extent to which your written English is

  • suitable for academic writing, not conversational
  • reflective of the task
  • distanced from the audience
  • concise – e.g., avoiding wordiness and repetition
  • clear – e.g., using suitable word choices
  • sentence forms – e.g., complete sentences; balance of types (simple/complex; varied lengths and structures)
  • grammar and mechanics – e.g., proper use of verb/word forms, subject-verb agreement, articles; commas and periods

What Score Do You Need?

You must score a minimum of  15 out of 18 points  to pursue a full range of courses at the FDU – Vancouver campus.

What If You Don’t Achieve The Minimum Score?

  • If you score between 11 and 14 points, you will be required to take academic writing courses in either the Pre-University Program or in the  Pre-Master’s Program
  • Successful completion of these academic writing courses means you are eligible to take a regular course load in the next trimester
  • If you score less than 11.5 points, you will be required to take a Pathway Program with a Pathway Partner  Institution  off-campus. Once you have successfully completed the pathway program, you will then enter either the Pre-University Program or the  Pre-Master’s Program in the following trimester.

When Will I Receive My Result?

  • Results are sent on Mondays and Wednesdays.
  • Results are not sent during weekends, statutory holidays, and campus closure days. 
  • when the volume is high during busy times (e.g. orientation, mid-terms, finals etc.)
  • when the result is indecisive and needs 
  • Results will be graded within 5 – 7 business days. The grading phase starts the day after your initial test date (delays are subject to bullet point 2). Results are sent no later than 1 business day after the completion of the grading phase.

How Long Is My EPT Result Valid?

Your test result is valid for 2 years from the date of the test if you scored between 11 – 14. If you scored 15+ your test score will not expire.

Can I Re-Take My EPT?

You can take the EPT twice after the original test. The test can only be taken after 2 months of the latest test date.

Can I Be Exempted From Taking The EPT?

For EPT exemption conditions, please click here .

Math Placement Test (MPT)

Why do students need to take the mpt.

  • Student placement in math courses is determined by completing the Accuplacer assessments.
  • Only undergraduate students are required to take the MPT.

What Is The MPT?

  • Student Accuplacer math assessments: Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS).
  • The assessment is has 20 multiple-choice questions and 2 samples questions.
  • The MPT is 50 minutes long.
  • The assessments are adaptive, which means that the computer automatically determines the next questions based on responses to prior questions. Therefore, once an answer has been selected and confirmed, the question is complete and cannot be revisited.

MPT Example

Below is an example of how the various parts of the math multiple choice questions that are provided to complete the assigned task. Your goal is to demonstrate that you understand topics such as Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics and can develop an appropriate framework for responding to the prompt.

  • Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)

EPT & MPT Academic Regulations

I acknowledge that any misrepresentation or falsification of documentation or information will result in the cancellation of admission or registration, or dismissal from the University. Misrepresentation includes any infringements of the  Academic Integrity Policy , such as incidents of plagiarism on the Statement of Purpose, on the English Placement Test and Math Placement Test.

Questions About The EPT & MPT? 

  • Please contact  [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to receive the booking instructions for an English Placement Test [EPT] and/or Math Placement Test [MPT]. If you have paid and taken the EPT and/or MPT the test fee is not refundable.
  • You are allowed to request a refund on your EPT/MPT booking if you cancel it 24 hours prior to your scheduled test date and set time. Cancellation requests made within 24 hours of the test date and time are not eligible for a refund.

IMAGES

  1. Esl Placement Test Essay

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  2. Official Cambridge Placement Test: English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

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  3. The English Placement Test

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  4. Placement test guide oral skill Leve…: English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

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  5. 57 Placement English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

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  6. ESL Placement Test (A1-A2)

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VIDEO

  1. Trent ESL Placement Test Webinar

  2. ESL Lessons : Essay Writing

  3. 200+ Questions & Answers to Find Someone's Whereabouts

  4. IELTS Writing: MOST IMPORTANT Essays By Asad Yaqub

  5. Latest IELTS Speaking Test Questions and band 9 answers for Part1, 2023

  6. IGCSE ESL Essay Top Tips (2024-2028)

COMMENTS

  1. Download and practice with free sample questions

    See sample questions to help you practice for ACCUPLACER ESL tests. PDF. 212.16 KB. Download sample essay prompts and view scored essays. WritePlacer and WritePlacer ESL guides show you the types of prompts you might see on the WritePlacer tests, as well as examples of responses to those prompts, the scores they received, and why they received ...

  2. 30 Writing Topics and Writing Prompts For ESL Students

    30 Writing Topics and Writing Prompts For ESL Students. When learning a new language like English, developing writing skills is essential. Many beginner ESL students find it difficult to write essays, especially if they have to come up with the essay topic themselves. Providing ESL students with writing topics and writing prompts can help ...

  3. 40 New ESL Essay Topics + Writing Prompts For Your Next Class

    Sticking to the topic. Some essay writers tend to deviate from ESL essay topics. However, a perfect ESL essay should stay as close to the point as possible. A good essay typically has the following parts: An introduction. Here, the author gives some general information about the topic or lays out their argument. An effective intro entices ...

  4. PDF Sample Essay Prompt for The Csn English Placement Exam

    SAMPLE ESSAY PROMPT FOR THE CSN . ENGLISH PLACEMENT EXAM . 1. Prepare a multiple-paragraph writing sample of about 300-600 words on the topic below. Plan, write, review and edit. Read the prompt carefully before you begin to plan and write. Many people are philanthropists, giving money to those in need. Also, many people believe that those

  5. English Placement Test Preparation

    The English placement test is a type of a verbal reaoning psychometric test used to gauge your level of fluency in English. The English placement test measures your aptitude for a variety of factors within the language. The test can be scored in a multitude of ways, but regardless of how the score is given, you will be rated on a scale of ...

  6. PDF ENGLISH PLACEMENT TEST STUDY GUIDE

    The essay you will be asked to write for The English Placement Test (EPT) is an expository essay. Expository essays explain or define something to the reader; this ... • Do not introduce a new idea or topic that belongs in the body of your essay. • Avoid ending with a rephrased thesis statement and summary of your essay. Example Essay .

  7. PDF Temple University English Placement Assessment Information and Sample

    A sample prompt is presented below, followed by three sample essays and comments on all essays. The comments illustrate how the evaluation criteria apply. The first essay meets the basic requirements of the assessment and would result in placement into English 802, Analytical Reading and Writing. The last two essays do not meet the basic ...

  8. ESL Placement Test Sample Questions

    ESL placement tests are a comprehensive way to assess language skills. ... Students are instructed to write an essay on one of the following topics. These essays should be one to three paragraphs ...

  9. English Language Placement Test Sample

    Here is an example of the Writing Section of the English placement test: Higher level: If you would like to be considered for English 101 or EAP, please write an essay on ONE of the following topics: 1. Explain two ways that some form of transportation has changed urban life. 2.

  10. English Assessment Preparation

    Assessment Format. 20 questions, multiple choice. Computer - adaptive. The test software will select questions based on your previous answers. Answer all the questions to the best of your ability and do not skip any, as you cannot go back. No time limit (on average, students take 30 - 60 minutes) Score range: 200-300.

  11. ESL Placement Testing

    ESL Placement Testing. ... (30) minutes to write an essay on an assigned topic. The essay is scored based on the level of proficiency in English grammar and vocabulary, the organization of the essay and the overall expression of ideas. ... Sample Questions for the ESL Placement Test [1] A) Jose is a student. B) Jose am a student. C) Jose are a ...

  12. Sample English Essay and Evaluation

    Sample Essays. Below are two sample essays. Both essays are in response to the writing prompt below. The first sample essay demonstrates a readiness for English Composition I (a writing course required in all degree programs). The second contains weak areas demonstrating a need for additional support to foster success in English Composition I.

  13. essay topics for esl placement test

    30 Writing Topics and Writing Prompts For ESL Students. When learning a new language like English, developing writing skills is essential. Many beginner ESL students find it diffi

  14. Information on English Placement Exam

    For information about English Placement on another Ohio State campus, please contact your advisor. The English Placement Exam asks students to respond to a prompt that requires critical reading, summary skills, and an original essay in response. Students read a short opinion piece (approximately 500-750 words) and are asked to summarize and ...

  15. PDF ACCUPLACER English as a Second Language (ESL) Tests

    ACCUPLACER ESL Tests include Reading Skills, Sentence Meaning, Language Use, Listening, and WritePlacer® ESL. With the exception of WritePlacer ESL, which is an essay test, all ACCUPLACER ESL Tests are computer-adaptive, 20-question multiple-choice tests. (Their corresponding linear, accommodated COMPANIONTM tests have 35 questions each.

  16. Accuplacer Essay Sample Topics

    Examples of topics that fall under this category include: Arguing for or against a particular book being included in a high school English curriculum. Arguing for or against all students participating in after-school sports programs. Arguing for or against individuals serving in the military after they graduate from high school.

  17. Writing Placement Test

    Attain the specified level from the ECC English placement test (valid for 5 years). ... You will select one of three topics to focus your essay response. You are allowed to use a single piece of scratch paper. An effective essay will include each of the following: A thesis or main idea;

  18. Sample Scored Essays

    Sample Scored Essay. 55. Essay has a thesis and is developed with concrete, specific details in a unified and coherent way. The essay contains a complexity of ideas, adequate vocabulary, and problems with grammar, mechanics, or spelling do not interfere with reader concentration or understanding. Student may enroll in ENG101. Sample ENG 101. 44.

  19. Placement Testing

    The ESL WritePlacer section is a single-question essay. The platform will give you a topic and you must write a roughly 300-word essay under a 90-minute time limit. The Sentence Meaning, Language Use, and Reading Skills sections have 20 multiple-choice questions each. ... However, international students may take the same English and Reading ...

  20. Essay topics esl placement test

    The essay response to complete a complexity of the topic. We use esl sample essay contains a second language placement exam on a short passage that, and four brief questions. The writing placement that, so that they will be provided for esl the actual ged test. Writing. Writeplacer essay topics include: please use the writing ability to a ...

  21. English Placement Test (EPT) & Math Placement Test (MPT)

    Body (3 - 5 paragraphs) Organize the points you will make in an order that makes sense and creates a strong argument. In one paragraph, include one idea from the opposing viewpoint. Then argue against that view, providing evidence to show why your position is the correct one. Express your judgment, not your opinion.

  22. AP Credit Policy Search

    Credit & Placement. Getting Credit and Placement; Credit Policy Search; Help; Calendar; More. Display Site Navigation. AP Credit Policy Search Your AP scores could earn you college credit or advanced placement (meaning you could skip certain courses in college). Use this tool to find colleges that offer credit or placement for AP scores.

  23. 2024 AP Exam Dates

    Occasionally, circumstances make it necessary for students to test late. To preserve the security of AP Exams, alternate versions of the exams are used for late testing. All students who participate in late testing at a given school must take these alternate exams on the scheduled late-testing dates at the scheduled times.