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

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  • English Placement Tests
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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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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

esl placement test essay topics

  • 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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College Placement Test

Free Math and English Online Practice Exams

English Placement Test Essay Examples

You will find English placement test essay examples for your college entrance exam on this page.

In the writing section of the test, you will see literary nonfiction, essays, and informational passages.

The passages are around 300 words in length and there are five questions on each one.

Our free study guide will help you learn all of the grammar rules that are covered on the test.

Here is a free sample from our writing test PDF download :

Instructions: Read the first of our English placement test essay examples below and answer the questions that follow.

(1) The Department of Education in our state recently stated that more discipline is needed in the classroom. (2) Can you believe it? (3) It comes a bit late – I’m sure you’ll agree – but then the employee’s at the Department have had a great deal to think about over the years. (4) I don’t generally put much stock in the Department of Education’s opinions. (5) For several years, I’ve seen bad behavior in some schools and nothing serious being done about it. (6) In the meantime, the Department of Education has insinuated through its silence that everything was just great. (7) Evidently, however, now it’s not.

(8) Consider for instance, one of the children in my gifted class. (9) Since the school is discontinuing the program, he has to move back into the main school, understandably, he’s told me that he doesn’t want to go. (10) He wants to stay where there are very high standards of behavior and work. (11) He’s done so well. (12) His parents can’t believe the high level he achieves. (13) How great is that?

1. What is the best version of the underlined portion of sentence 3, reproduced below?

It comes a bit late – I’m sure you’ll agree – but then the employee’s at the Department have had a great deal to think about over the years.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. employees C. employees’ D. employees’s

2. What is the best decision regarding the underlined portion of sentence 7, reproduced below?

Evidently, however, now it’s not.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. Remove the comma after “Evidently” C. Remove the comma after “however” D. Delete “Evidently,” from the beginning of the sentence

3. What is the best decision regarding the underlined portion of sentence 9, reproduced below?

Since the school is discontinuing the program, he has to move back into the main school, understandably, he’s told me that he doesn’t want to go.

A. Leave it as it is now. B. Place a period after “school” and begin a new sentence with “Understandably,” C. Use a dash after “school” instead of a comma D. Use a colon after “school” instead of a comma

English Placement Test Essay Examples – Answers

1. The correct answer is B. The word “employees” forms the grammatical subject of the sentence. The writer is speaking about all of the workers at the Department of Education, so we need to use the plural form. An apostrophe is not required since we do not need the possessive form.

2. The correct answer is A. The sentence is best as it is written in the original essay. A comma needs to be placed after “evidently” as it is a transition word used at the beginning of the sentence. A comma also needs to be used after “however, because it is used within the sentence. The use of both words in this sentence serves as a logical connector to the previous argument that the writer is making.

3. The correct answer is B. We have two complete sentences here since each has its own grammatical subject and verb. So, a period should be used after “school” and a new sentence should be made starting with the next word.

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English Placement Essay

Instructions.

  • This essay will help determine which English course best suits your ability.
  • This placement will be mandatory, so you should write as well as you can. Use the full 1/2 hour allotted for the writing so that you can produce a clear well-developed essay.
  • Write a composition on one of the topics below.
  • Develop a workable central idea.
  • Use specific details to support the central idea.
  • Clearly organize the information in a series of paragraphs
  • Be certain that all the information relates to the topic.
  • After writing your composition, check it for correct punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
  • The time limit is 30 minutes, please choose a topic and proceed to the exam form below.

Choose either Topic A or B, not both.

Topic A: Select one of the following sayings and explain what it means to you and how you have seen it play out in your life or in the life of someone you know.

  • "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it."
  • "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
  • "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Topic B: Describe a career you think you would hate and explain why you think you would hate it.

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Writing Placement Test

To demonstrate college-ready writing skills, review the  testing scores summary  to determine if you need to take placement testing.

Writing Placement Test FAQ

Rather than taking two semesters to complete ENG-098 and ENG-101, if you're placed into ENG-098 can take both classes in just one semester. Some ENG-098 students take the ENG-101 course, with students placed directly into ENG-101. The ENG-098 class meets immediately following their ENG-101 class for additional support.

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All new degree-seeking students are required to demonstrate initial placement levels in English upon entry to the College in order to register for their first semester.

Additionally, any student wishing to register for courses may also need to demonstrate specific placement levels in order to satisfy a particular course prerequisite.

  • 19 or higher on the English portion of the ACT; or 480 on SAT or PSAT reading and writing; valid for 5 years; or
  • 4 or higher on the PARCC reading and writing assessment; or
  • Successful completion with a C or better of ENG 098 or LTC 099 at ECC or an equivalent course at a regionally accredited college (official transcripts required); or
  • Successful completion with a C or better in college-level courses at another college/university (official transcripts required); or
  • High school cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on an unweighted 4.0 scale; or
  • GED score of 165 or higher or HiSet score of 15 or higher plus essay score of 4; or
  • A minimum score on AP, CLEP, or IB exam .
  • Attain the specified level from the ECC English placement test (valid for 5 years).

Using a computer, you will write an essay of approximately 2 pages in length. 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;
  • Several paragraphs of sufficient, relevant, and specific detail or examples related to the topic selected based on your experience, observations, or readings;
  • Good organization, including an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion;
  • Correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Before you submit your essay, you should proofread (reread and correct) your essay. You can use spell-check and scratch paper. 

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by reviewing the sample scored essays .

Placement test results will be available within 7 business days.

We strongly recommend that you take a few steps to get ready before taking your Writing placement essay test. Students who review first typically do much better than those who do not. You can prepare by:

  • Review  the sample scored essays  

Writing placement test results will be available within 7 business days. Please plan accordingly to have the Writing placement test results completed prior to registration. You can view all placement test results on the  accessECC portal .

If your writing placement test score is:

  • 00 Prepare to retake the placement test.
  • 22, 23, 33 Developmental course required. Enroll in LTC-099 (College Literacy)
  • 44 Developmental courses required. Enroll in ENG-098 and ENG-101 (Accelerated Learning Program (ALP))
  • 55 No developmental course required. Enroll in college-ready courses, including ENG-101.

If you are not happy with your first attempt, you may retake the placement tests twice, providing you have not started a reading or English course. Once you have completed a reading or English class at ECC, you may retest with the approval of the placement coordinator. Your reading and writing placement results are valid for five years.

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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Reimagining BMCC

Monitoring and Reporting Positive Cases

  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement
  • CUNY Assessment for English and Math Proficiency
  • Ability to Benefit (ATB) Test

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Students who meet CUNY’s English proficiency requirements may move forward with steps to enroll .

Potential English as a second language (ESL) students are identified via the CUNY Admissions process . ESL students who do not meet CUNY’s English proficiency requirements may be assessed for English/ESL course placement. Students required to complete English/ESL assessment will be notified via email to schedule the Accuplacer ESL test once the student accepts the offer of Admission . Students only need to take the test once . The results of the test will be available to all CUNY colleges. Students who completed the ESL Diagnostic (ESLD) may be asked to take the Accuplacer ESL test.

For more information about the Accuplacer ESL test please review CUNY’s Testing FAQ section to find answers to questions like:

  • “How will English as a Second Language (ESL) applicants be assessed for placement into courses?”
  • “Can the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, DUOLINGO, and other similar exams be used to satisfy CUNY’s English proficiency requirement?”

ESL Assessment Test Preparation

The Accuplacer ESL test consists of the following five test sections:

  • WritePlacer ESL
  • ESL Reading Skills
  • ESL Language Use
  • ESL Listening
  • ESL Sentence Meaning
  • Prepare for the Accuplacer ESL test for free on their Accuplacer Practice page . Register, sign-in, and click on English as Second Language (ESL) to access interactive practice tests with answer explanations.
  • Review the WritePlacer ESL Guide and the ESL Test Sample Questions .
  • Watch test taking tutorials to learn how to use test features before your test.

The Testing Office requires that students review CUNY’s Academic Integrity policy which prohibits all forms of academic dishonesty with penalties including suspension or expulsion from CUNY. For questions please email [email protected]

After Completing the Test

  • Request a copy of your score report (for institution select: City University of New York-Central)
  • Continue with next steps to enroll . For international students please review after you’re accepted steps .

Office of Testing

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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IMAGES

  1. Placement Test (A1-A2) general gramm…: English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

    esl placement test essay topics

  2. Sample English Placement Test

    esl placement test essay topics

  3. Placement test Oral skill for A2 pic…: English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

    esl placement test essay topics

  4. ESL Placement Test

    esl placement test essay topics

  5. The English Placement Test

    esl placement test essay topics

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

    esl placement test essay topics

VIDEO

  1. Frequently Asked Vocabulary || All Competitive Exams ||

  2. Write English essay on A Day Before Examination || English Paragraph A Day Before Examination

  3. what are placement test

  4. Pre-Test Writing Presentation By A. Ghafsi

  5. TEST YOURSELF || CAN YOU SCORE 5/5 || SENTENCE IMPROVEMENT || ENGLISH GRAMMAR || EDUPLEX ACADEMY#SSC

  6. Advanced vocabulary/Words to describe tastes that you can use in your creative writing

COMMENTS

  1. Download and practice with free sample questions

    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 those scores. Download.

  2. PDF WritePlacer

    the issue in question. Scores on WritePlacer range from 1 to 8. Essays shorter than the recommended minimum of 300 words may not fully meet the requirements of the writing task. An essay that is too short to be evaluated, written on a topic other than the one presented, or written in a language other than English will be given a zero.

  3. PDF Accuplacer-WritePlacer-ESL Sample Essays

    WritePlacer® ESL provides a direct measure of the writing skills of students who identify as English language learners. Students taking WritePlacer ESL are presented with a prompt and asked to write an essay of approximately 300 to 600 words. WritePlacer ESL prompts are carefully designed to be culturally accessible to English language learners.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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

  7. 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 ...

  8. 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 .

  9. 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 ...

  10. How to Prepare for ESL Testing

    The placement test consists of: ACCUPLACER WritePlacer ESL Essay Test (60 minutes long) ACCUPLACER ESL Reading Skills Test; A short, in person interview with a member from the ESL, Language, and Cultures Department; You will not be allowed to have any electronic devices (e.g., cell phone, smart watch, hand held calculator, iPod, PDA, etc.) with ...

  11. 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 ...

  12. PDF English as a Second Language (ESL) Tests

    The ESL Reading Skills Test measures your ability to read passages written in English. Specifically, it assesses your comprehension of short passages of 50 or fewer words and moderate-length passages of 51 to 90 words. Passages cover a range of contexts: science, history/social science, arts/humanities, narratives, psychology/human relations ...

  13. 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.

  14. English Placement Test Essay Examples

    English Placement Test Essay Examples - Answers. 1. The correct answer is B. The word "employees" forms the grammatical subject of the sentence. The writer is speaking about all of the workers at the Department of Education, so we need to use the plural form. An apostrophe is not required since we do not need the possessive form.

  15. 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 ...

  16. English Placement Essay

    This essay will help determine which English course best suits your ability. This placement will be mandatory, so you should write as well as you can. Use the full 1/2 hour allotted for the writing so that you can produce a clear well-developed essay. Write a composition on one of the topics below. Plan your writing: Develop a workable central ...

  17. PDF Writing Placement Test Student Preparation Information

    What is the Reading Placement Test (and not the Writing Test)? The Placement Test in Reading is an un-timed, multiple-choice, computer-based test called the COMPASS exam. The COMPASS differs from other placement tests in that it is computerized and adaptive. An adaptive test generates questions based upon the individual responses of the students

  18. 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 ...

  19. 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.

  20. Sample Scored Essays

    Fax: 847-608-5474. [email protected]. Exam Registration. 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.

  21. Writing Placement Test

    Fax: 847-608-5474. [email protected]. Exam Registration. 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.

  22. English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement

    Continue with next steps to enroll. For international students please review after you're accepted steps. 199 Chambers Street, Room S-103. New York, NY 10007. Phone: (212) 220-8085. Email: [email protected].

  23. Free ACCUPLACER Practice Resources

    Download and practice with free sample questions. There are free sample questions available for download with all ACCUPLACER tests, including the ESL tests with essays. Download Samples. We offer free practice tests and learning resources to help students prepare to succeed on each of the ACCUPLACER tests.

  24. TOEFL TestReady

    No other English language test provider has a prep offering like this — designed for you, with you. TOEFL ® TestReady ™ combines the best TOEFL iBT prep offerings with exclusive features and deeper insights to enhance your English communication skills. All feedback, recommendations, personalized insights and tips are developed by the same teams that write and produce the TOEFL iBT test.