Sample Test Questions
ENGLISH
The English test is divided into three parts: a comprehensive reading exam, where you will answer multiple-choice
questions; an objective writing exam, which is a multiple-choice grammar and sentence
structure exam; and a written essay. A topic will be provided for the essay at the
test. Plan your essay before you begin to write. Your essay should be well-organized,
include specific examples, and be readable. Students receive two placements from the
English Assessment: one for Reading and one for Writing. Please consult the English Flow Chart for clarification. It is important to do your best on the exam so you will be placed
into the highest courses possible.
Review the English sample test.
Note: The English test is for native English speakers or very advanced second language
students whose English proficiency is at a near-native level. All other students should
take the English as a Second Language Test.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
The ESL Assessment is divided into two parts: a 45-minute multiple choice exam and
a 20-minute essay on a topic or subject that will be given to you at the test. Review
the ESL sample test. For more information about ESL assessment and orientation dates, visit the ESL Assessment page.
MATH
You will need to choose which one of the four math tests is most appropriate for you:
Download and work through the sample test questions for Test #1, #2, #3 or #4. Then choose to take the highest numbered test you feel comfortable with based on
your math background and current skills. Each test is designed for placement into
different levels of math: please consult the Math Flow Chart for clarification. It is important to make a careful decision about which math test
you take. If you choose a test below your skill level you will be placed in a math
class that is too easy for you. If you choose a test above your skill level you may
be asked to come back to Assessment and take a lower level math test in order to receive
a math placement. Since calculators may not be used at assessment it is best to review
without the aid of a calculator. Scratch paper will be provided at the test. Note:
If the questions on Test #1 are too difficult, you may elect to begin at the Math
1 level without testing. You must notify Assessment if this is your choice.
Read the following information and review the sample math tests. More extensive study packets may be purchased from the College Bookstore.
Test #1 Assesses your arithmetic and pre-algebra skills for placement into Math 1 (Basic
Math), Math 4 (Pre-Algebra), or Math 100 (Elementary Algebra, first-year high school
algebra). Note: If the questions on Test #1 are too difficult, you may elect to begin
at the Math 1 level without testing. You must notify Assessment if this is your choice.
Test #2 Assesses your elementary algebra skills for placement into Math 107 and/or Math 111
(Intermediate Algebra, second-year high school algebra). You should have completed
at least one year of high school algebra to take this test.
Test #3 Assesses your intermediate algebra skills for placement into Math 117 (Elementary
Statistics), Psych 150 (Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences), Math 120 (College
Algebra), Math 130 (Calculus for Life Science, Social Science and Business), or Math
137 (Precalculus I, College Algebra & Functions). You should have completed one or
two years of high school algebra plus one year of geometry to take this test.
Test #4 Assesses your precalculus skills for placement into Math 138 (Precalculus II, College
Algebra & Trigonometry), or Math 150 (Calculus). You should have completed two years
of high school algebra, one year of geometry and trigonometry, or 4 years of high
school math including trigonometry, analytical geometry, or advanced topics to take
this test.
It is important to review before you take your math test so that you will place in the highest course possible: Extensive study packets for each of the four tests are available for purchase at the
College Bookstore.
Online practice exams for Test #3 and #4 are also available.
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