Questions and Answers About the ESL Placement Test
» WHY IS THE ESL TEST IMPORTANT?
The many programs at Passaic County Community College require a high
degree of skill in English to succeed. You as the entering student must take a
proficiency test to determine your appropriate level of
language competency in skill areas such as Speaking, Writing and Grammar.
The results of the test will be used to determine what ESL course(s) you
are required to take.
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» WHAT DOES THE ESL PROGRAM CONSIST OF?
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program consists of five levels of
language proficiency ranging from beginning to advanced. Most levels are
comprised of skill -based courses in Writing (W), Reading (R) and Grammar
(G). There are also courses in Pronunciation that are offered to all
students. For more information about the college's ESL Program go to
www.pccc.edu/esl
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» WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE TEST?
The first part of the test consists of a five or six question interview
with one of our ESL instructors. This quick interview process is used to
assess how well you speak and understand spoken English.
Once the interview has been completed, you will be given twenty (20)
minutes to write an essay on a topic that we assign. The essay is scored
based on the level of English grammar, vocabulary and speech that you use
and how well you express your ideas in general.
Then, you will be given instructions on how to use the computer to
complete a grammar test. This
computerized test consists of 50 multiple choice questions. You
will have thirty minutes to finish this section.
After the grammar portion of the test, you will take a basic a
basic arithmetic and possibly a basic algebra test. Those students who speak
Spanish may request to take the tests in Spanish. Those students who do
not speak Spanish and do not speak English fluently may postpone taking
the math tests until they attain an adequate level of English. Those who
feel comfortable in English will take the college's regular mathematics
placement test.
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» WHEN AND WHERE WILL BE THE TEST BE GIVEN AND HOW MUCH
DOES IT COST?
We offer a wide variety of test dates and times to fit most schedules and
insist that you make every effort to keep your appointment. Not showing up
for your scheduled test date takes away an opportunity from some one else.
Obviously, it also causes delays and problems in rescheduling more often
than not at a less convenient and busier times. The test generally takes 2½
-3 hours to complete. PLEASE DO NOT BRING CHILDREN WITH YOU TO THE TESTING
SESSION!!
The testing lab room number is printed on your test appointment flyer.
Most times, the test will be in Room E215 which is located on the second
floor (nearest the Broadway entrance) across from the Center for Student
Success. On the day of your scheduled test please bring your Social
Security number, a photo-ID, and a blue or black ballpoint pen. Student
IDs are checked at the door before the test begins. The placement test is
free of charge to all incoming students.
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» WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER THE TEST?
Test results will be mailed to you after a review by members of our ESL
staff. Often, a letter or postcard will accompany the results telling when
and where you need to report in order to select and register for classes.
A counselor/advisor will explain what the scores mean and help place you
into the appropriate ESL classes.
Please bring your test results with you to registration.
Occasionally, there are times when the results are handed to the
student upon the completion of the test. In that case, report to the
assigned room given to you by the test proctor.
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» WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
We welcome any questions you may have, feel free to contact either the
Admissions Office (684-6868) or the Testing Office (684-5582) for
additional information. If you would like to know more about the ESL
Program, go to www.pccc.edu/esl
Sample Grammar Test Questions.
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