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This is a continuation of the information and instructions for ESL (English as a Second Language) Test at North Seattle Community College. Please begin by reading over the ESL Test page. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is on the ESL placement test? A: The ESL placement test has 3 parts. Listening Test: The first part is a listening test. You will receive a test booklet with 23 multiple-choice questions. You will hear each question twice from a tape recorder. You should be able to read the multiple-choice question and optional answers in your booklet and mark the best answer on your test sheet. Once you hear a question twice and answer the question, you will hear a new question. This part of the test takes about 25 minutes. Reading Test: The second part is a reading test. It is also a multiple-choice test. You will continue using the same test booklet and answer sheet. You will be asked to read a question or look at a picture and choose the correct answer from 4 options (A, B, C or D). The reading test has 20 questions and takes 25 minutes to complete. Writing Sample: The last part of the test is a short writing sample. Testing staff will give you a sheet of lined paper with a topic sentence at the top. The sentence at the top of the sheet is your topic, or what you need to write about. You need to complete at least 4 or 5 sentences even if it is difficult for you to write, or you may write a full page. You have up to one hour to complete this section. Q: What is the difference between the COMPASS English test and the ESL test? A: The ESL test finds the best English as a Second Language level and class for a non-native English speaker who has beginning or intermediate English language skills. This is a paper and pencil test. There is no fee for this test. If you place very high on the ESL test your printed placement result will tell you to take the COMPASS English Test. Most students will be placed in an ESL class. When you complete the top level ESL classes, you will take the COMPASS English Test, with your class. The COMPASS English Placement Test is for native English speakers and advanced speakers of English as a Second Language. This test places students into college level classes to develop reading and writing skills. The test is all computerized. The COMPASS test is not appropriate for students in ESL classes or for non-native speakers with beginning or intermediate English language skills. There is a fee to take the COMPASS English Test. The current cost is available from the fees page. Q: Is there a study guide? A: There is not an official study guide for the ESL test. You can prepare for the test by reading, writing, speaking, and listening to English as often as you can, before you come to test. If you have just arrived from another country, you may want to take some time hearing and using English on a daily basis before coming to test.
Q: How long does the ESL test take? A: The test has three parts: listening, reading, and a short writing sample. The complete test takes 2 to 3 hours. Q: What if I can't finish in one session? A: You should plan your day so that you have at least 2–2½ hours to test. The ESL test must be completed in one session. You will be able to retest in six months. Q: Who can help me if I have a disability and require an academic adjustment or accommodation? A: If you have a disability and require an academic adjustment or accommodation for the test (such as extra time, a reader, a private room or a scribe) contact the Disability Services office for information. Disability Services can also help you make arrangements for academic adjustments or accommodations that will help you be successful in your ESL classes. Q: When will my scores be ready? How do I get my scores? A: Your results will be ready 3–5 days after you take the test. We do not give out scores over the phone. You must pick them up in person during office hours. Bring picture identification (such as a Washington State Driver's License or Washington State ID card, a green card, or a passport) when you come to get your scores. Q: Does North accept placement tests from other schools? A: No. ESL placement scores or ESL courses from other colleges and universities are not accepted at North. You will need to take the ESL test here if you are planning to attend North. |
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