What is the ACCUPLACER Test?
The ACCUPLACER is a test put out by the College Board which evaluates a students’ math, reading, and writing skills. The ACCUPLACER is primarily used as a placement exam but also for admissions purposes. The test is delivered on the computer and it primarily consists of adaptive multiple-choice questions. As an adaptive test, the test changes its level of difficulty based on the student’s response. There is no time limit while taking the exam, and it can be anywhere from 12 to 40 questions in length. While there is no passing or failing this exam, the results are extremely important. Your score on the exam dictates program placement, course level, and course exemptions.
What’s Included on the ACCUPLACER Math Test?
The ACCUPLACER Math test includes three parts: Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, and College-Level Math.
Arithmetic
The Arithmetic portion consists of 17 questions which measure a student’s ability to use basic mathematical operations.
Elementary Algebra
The Elementary Algebra portion consists of 12 questions and measures a student’s ability to solve problems using algebraic concepts.
College-Level Math
The College-Level Math portion consists of 20 questions and measures a student’s understanding of college-level mathematics.
Prepare for the ACCUPLACER Math Placement Tests
What’s Included on the ACCUPLACER English Test?
The ACCUPLACER English test includes three parts: Sentence Skills, Reading Comprehension, and an Essay.
Sentence Skills
The Sentence Skills section of the ACCUPLACER English test consists of 20 questions which assess a student’s understanding of English grammar and English sentence structure. There are two types of questions on this test. the first involves correcting English sentences and choosing the most appropriate substitution. The second asks a student to rewrite a sentence based on a certain criterion and maintaining the same meaning.
Reading Comprehension
The reading comprehension section of the ACCUPLACER English test consists of 20 questions which assess your ability to understand and draw conclusions about written materials. There are two kinds of questions. The first type introduces passages and asks you to answer questions based on the passage. The second presents pairs of sentences followed by questions analyzing the relationship between the two statements.
WritePlacer Essay
On the essay section of the ACCUPLACER test, you will be presented with a written assignment which will measure your ability to communicate your ideas in writing.
Prepare for the ACCUPLACER English Placement Tests
Make sure you are prepared for the three English sections; Sentence Skills, Reading Comprehension, and the WritePlacer essay with this comprehensive preparation pack. By practicing in advance, you can learn the mechanics of the WritePlacer Essay, recognize the rules for Sentence Skills, and learn how to understand and analyze written text. Get access to an ACCUPLACER grammar guide, and additional English grammar exercises. Access over 320 practice questions with detailed explanations and a personalized score report. The preparation pack also includes essay assignments similar to those you will face on the test. It includes guidance on how to successfully write an essay. Learn where your strengths and weaknesses lie.
What’s Included on the ACCUPLACER ESL Test?
This is a shorter 20 question version of the ACCUPLACER designated for those with English as a second language (ESL). Many colleges use this tool to evaluate ESL students to ensure they have an effective academic experience. The ACCUPLACER ESL test can be administered alone or with combined with the other ACCUPLACER tests. The ACCUPLACER ESL results are used to place ESL students in English immersion programs, developmental classes, or college-level classes. Many colleges use the ACCUPLACER ESL because it ensures that they will retain a higher number of students through accurate course placement.
ESL Reading Skills
The ESL Reading Skills test consists of 20 questions and measures an individual’s literal comprehension and ability to draw an inference when reading a passage. The test has short passages with 50 words or less and slightly longer passages with 50 to 90 words.
ESL Sentence Meaning
The ESL Sentence Meaning test consists of 20 questions and evaluates how well an individual understands English sentences. It tests your knowledge of word meaning and overall sentence comprehension.
ESL Language Usage
The ESL Language Use test consists of 20 questions and evaluates an individual’s ability to use correct grammar within a sentence. Ensure you brush up on your understanding of subject-verb agreement, subordination, and coordination.
ESL Listening
The ESL Listening test consists of 20 questions and evaluates the ability of a non-native English speaker to listen to and understand one or more native English speakers speaking in English. The test measures both literal comprehension and implied meaning.
Why is it Important to Prepare for the ACCUPLACER Placement Exam?
The ACCUPLACER test can be an added stress when you begin college or university. Save both time and money and prepare for the test in advance. Ensure you are placed in accurate courses and transitional programs. Unfortunately, college and university tuition is extremely pricey and you don’t want to spend unnecessary extra money. Reduce some of the stress associated with beginning college and lessen your future work load by preparing in advance. Check out this ACCUPLACER premium preparation pack. Practice today with over 1,000 practice questions!
The premium pack includes:
- Three practice ACCUPLACER math tests
- Three practice ACCUPLACER English tests
- Additional Grammar exercises
- Additional Math exercises (385 questions)
- Additional English exercises
- Detailed Score Reports
- Immediate 24/7 online access
This article was contributed by Jennifer Feldman. Jennifer is a speech and language expert and blogger at TestPrep-online. She specializes in writing about test preparation.