THE SAT TEST

ELPT (English Language Proficiency Test)

ELPT, or English Language Proficiency Test, assesses both your
understanding of spoken and written standard English and how well you will
function in a classroom where English is spoken. ELPT is primarily aimed at
students who attend American high schools and:

who are not native speakers of English and have completed two to four
years of English language instruction in an English-as-a-SecondLanguage program or in English enrichment courses and/or
whose first language is not English and/or who usually speak a
language other than English at home or at work.

The test is offered at many test centres in November and January, and at
participating high schools in April.
Most colleges in the U.S. require that students submit scores from
standardized tests as part of their application packages. The most commonly
accepted tests are SAT I, and SAT II.
The SAT Tests

SAT I: Reasoning. The SAT I is a three-hour test that measures a students

ability rather than knowledge. It is split into sections that cover verbal and
mathematical reasoning skills. Most of the questions are multiple-choice.
SAT II: Subject Tests. The SAT II subject tests measure knowledge in
specific subjects. SAT II subject tests are primarily multiple-choice, and each
lasts one hour.
SAT / ELPT Tests are Recommended for:

Students whose first language is not English.

Students who attend U.S. high schools, or who have studied in an
international school where courses are taught in English.

Students who have completed two to four years of English language

instruction in an English as a Second Language program or in English
enrichment courses.

Students who speak a language other than English at home or work.

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What is SAT?
At the beginning, SAT stands for Scholastic Aptitude Test. In 1993, the SAT was renamed as the
SAT Reasoning Test (or known as SAT I). Meanwhile, the former Scholastic Achievement Test
was renamed as the SAT Subject Tests (or known as SAT II).
SAT Structure
Each edition of the SAT includes a Verbal and Math section, with a specific number of questions
related to content. The question types and number of questions in each section are listed below.
The Verbal Section
The verbal section of the SAT focuses on critical reading with more than half of the verbal test
devoted to passage-based reading questions. The verbal test also includes analogies and sentence
completions, which emphasize logical relationship, vocabulary, and how words relate.
Content
Vocabulary in Context
Literal Comprehension
Extended Reasoning
Other Verbal Questions
Humanities
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences

Number of
Questions
4-7
4-5
28-32
8-12
8-12
8-12

Time
Two 30-minute sections plus one 15minute section

Human Relationships
Total

8-12
78

75 minutes

The Math Section

The math section measures mathematical problem solving and covers arithmetic, algebra, and
geometry using student-produced responses (grid-ins), quantitative comparison questions, and
multiple choice questions.
Content
Arithmetic Reasoning
Algebraic Reasoning
Geometric Reasoning
Miscellaneous Reasoning
Total

Number of
Questions
18-19
17-19
16-18
6-7
60

Time
Two 30-minute sections plus one 15minute section
75 minutes

The Unscored Section

In addition, there is one 30-minute unscored section, known as the variable or equating section.
This unscored section may be either a verbal or math section. This section does not count toward
the final score, but is used to try out new questions for future editions of the SAT and to ensure
that scores on new editions of the SAT are comparable to scores on earlier editions of the test.

GRE Test Preparation

The GRE, which stands for Graduate Record Examinations, is administrated by
Educational Testing Services (or ETS). Since established, GRE has been used by more than
thousands of U.S. graduate schools as an academic indicator for graduate admission. Currently,
the GRE exam consists of three parts: verbal, quantitative and writing. The GRE General Test is
very similar in format to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) which you took in high school,
except that in addition to the verbal and quantitative sections, there is also an analytical section.
Just like the SAT, each section can vary from 200 (the lowest possible score) to 800 (the highest
possible score). Therefore, the overall score on the GRE General Test (which has three sections)
can range from 600-2400. NOTE: Now, the analytic portion of the GRE General Test is no
longer included and the total scores ranges from 400 to1600.
In addition to the GRE General Test, some programs also require that you submit a score on the
GRE Subject Test. Obviously if you are applying to programs in psychology, you will be taking
the GRE Subject Test in Psychology. If you intend to apply to programs outside of psychology,
realize that there are 15 other subjects tests for various types of graduate programs. If you have
heard that there is a new computerized version of the GRE, you are right. Currently, Educational
Testing Services, (ETS) offers the GRE General Test in paper and pencil format as well as

computerized format. (Selected computerized Subject Tests are on their way.) The major
advantage of the computerized version is timing. You can schedule to take the computerized
version and have it sent to a graduate program within a couple of weeks. The pencil and paper
version, on the other hand, only occurs on certain test dates throughout the year and it takes
longer to have your scores sent out. The major disadvantage of the computer version is that it
costs almost twice as much.
As of 1994-95, the pencil and paper version of the GRE will be administered in
October, December, April and June. For each of these dates, you can take both
the GRE General and Subject Tests, except for the June date (only the General
Test is administered in June.) You can also take the General Test and the Subject Test separately
on two different dates.
Whatever you do, don't wait until the last minute to get more information about the test. Contact
the address below a couple of months before you intend to take the test and ask for more
information on the different formats, the registration deadlines and the test dates. The brochures
and booklets they send you are free and very informative. You do not have to register to receive
the information.
GRE Overview
Here, you can learn about what is GRE, GRE percentile scores, how to register
GRE, when to take GRE, and more information.
GRE Study Guides
This site covers GRE test taking strategies, including GRE Math, GRE Verbal,
and GRE Analytical Writing. In each section, you will find sample questions, how to answer and
answers with explanations.
GRE Preparation
We offer a full sample verbal test - 6 sentence completion questions, 8 reading
comprehension questions, 7 analogy questions, and 9 antonym questions: GRE
Practice Tests. Also check out our sample essay for GRE AWA Issue Questions,
and GRE AWA Argument Questions.
Partners: GRE Preparation Courses with Sample GRE Tests

GMAT Guide: Preparation Tips and Sample

Questions
Most business schools require you to take the GMAT or Graduate Management
Admission Test. The GMAT is now a three-and-a-half-hour computer adaptive test (CAT) with

multiple-choice math and verbal sections. It also features an analytical writing assessment
section, which is comprised of two essays on business-related topics. It's the kind of test you hate
to take and schools love to require.
Why is the GMAT required? B-schools believe it measures your verbal and quantitative skills
and predicts success in the MBA program. Some think this is a bunch of hooey, but most schools
weigh your GMAT scores heavily in the admissions decision. If nothing else, it gives the school
a quantitative tool to compare you with other applicants.
Most people feel they have no control over the GMAT. They dread it as the potential bomb in
their application. But you have more control than you think. You can take a test-preparation
course to review the math and verbal material, learn test-taking strategies, and build your
confidence. Test-prep courses can be highly effective. The Princeton Review offers what we
think is the best GMAT course available. Another option is to take a look at Kaplan GMAT prep
courses.
How many times should you take the GMAT? More than once, if you didn't ace
it on the first try. But watch out: Multiple scores that fall in the same range
make you look unprepared. Don't take the test more than once if you don't
expect a decent increase, and don't even think of taking it the first time without
serious preparation. Two tries is best. Three, if there were unusual
circumstances or if you really need another shot at it. If you take it more than
three times, the admissions committee will think you have an unhealthy
obsession with filling in dots. A final note: if you submit more than once score, most schools will
take the highest.
If you don't have math course on your college transcript or numbers-oriented work experience,
it's especially important to get a solid score on the quantitative section. There's a lot of math
between you and the MBA.
GMAT Basics
Here, you will learn about what is GMAT, the average GMAT score, and the
difference between GMAT and GRE. We also cover introduction to Problem
Solving, Data Proficiency, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, and
Critical Reasoning.
GMAT Study Guides
This site covers GMAT test taking strategies, including GMAT Math, GMAT
Verbal, and GMAT Analytical Writing. In each section, you will find sample
questions, how to answer and answers with explanations.
GMAT Preparation

We offer a full sample verbal test - 6 sentence completion questions, 8 reading comprehension
questions, 7 analogy questions, and 9 antonym questions: GMAT Practice Tests (Sample Reading
Comprehension Questions, Sample GMAT Sentence Correction Questions, and Sample GMAT
Critical Reasoning Questions).
Also check out our sample essay for GMAT AWA Issue Questions, and GMAT AWA Argument
Questions.
GMAT Books and Software
Includes a comprehensive review of online preparation courses, GMAT prep books, GMAT
Official Guide, and Onsite GMAT Class..

Test Preparation

Schools & Programs Letter & Writing

(by State)

Career

LSAT Test Preparation

LSAT EXAM
First of all, you will learn basic information about what is LSAT or Law School Admission Test,
how schools use LSAT score (and LSAT score chart) to evaluate your candidacy.
LSAT Preparation Guides
Furthermore, you will learn to best skills, tips to obtain highest possible score on LSAT test.
Specially, you will find how to tackle Logical Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Reading
Comprehension, and LSAT Writing.
Testing Resource
In addition, we offer LSAT practice tests for your practices. You can download with absolutely
no cost.
LSAT Registration
We provide the updated information for you to register the LSAT test, including LSAT Test
Dates, and LSAT Test Locations.
Others

Content of the LSAT

Scoring of the LSAT

LSAT Writing Sample

What Does the LSAT Test?

Preparation for the LSAT

What Does the LSAT Test?

The Law School Admission Test, or LSAT, is a standardized test given four times a
year at various locations around the country. All ABA approved law schools require the LSAT for
admission. It is given by an organization called the Law School Admission Council (often
referred to as Law Services). Law Services claims that there is a positive correlation between
LSAT scores and success as a first year law student. In other words, according to Law Services,
the better you do on the LSAT, the better you are likely to do in your first year of law school.
Whether this is true is debatable. What is not debatable, though, is that law schools rely heavily
on the LSAT in making admission decisions.
As is true with most standardized tests, horror stories about the LSAT are abundant. Many
students are scared silly over the prospect of having to take it. The LSAT is nothing more than a
test. True, it is an important test. But if you understand something about it and you prepare for it,
your anxiety level should decrease.
The LSAT is not designed to test your knowledge of the law or any other subject in particular.
Instead, it measures your reading comprehension, analytical skills, and reasoning skills. The test
consists of 101 questions. It is divided into five 35-minute multiple choice sections, and a 30minute essay to provide a writing sample. Each section contains between 24 and 28 questions. Of
the five multiple choice sections, only four (two logical reasoning sections, one analytical
reasoning section, and one reading comprehension section) actually count as part of your score.
The fifth section is used for administrative purposes only, but you have no way of telling, when
you take the test, which four sections count and which one does not. The essay, which always
comes last, is not graded and does not count toward your LSAT score.
Most students take the LSAT in June after their junior year of college. The June test is given on a
Monday; the other three test dates are Saturdays in late September or early October, December,
and February. Appendix B contains information about this year's test dates, costs, and registration
procedures. The October test date is used by students who, for whatever reason, don't get around
to taking the June test. October is also popular with students who took the test in June but who
were not happy with their scores, and want to retake it. The December test date has a couple of
disadvantages. First, it is close to the end of the fall semester when you are busy with other
things. Second, by December you should already have applied to law schools, and you must ask
them to hold your application until your December test score is available. The February test date
is not very popular. For students who hope to go to law school that same fall, it is usually a lastditch hope to improve earlier poor LSAT scores.

TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign

Language
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. This test is designed to
measure understanding of spoken and written standard American English and to assess how well
a student will function in a classroom where English is spoken. This test is designed for students
whose best language is not English or who normally speak a language other than English at
home or at work. The Listening and Structure are computer adaptive. The Reading section, on
the other hand, is not adaptive. Every question is worth the same. Furthermore, you don't have to
answer a question to be able to move on to the next, so you can skip around if you want. The
Writing section can either be done by hand or typed into the computer using an American
keyboard. To learn more about the TOEFL, please follow the links below.
TOEFL EXAM
First of all, you will learn basic information about what is TOEFL or Test of
English as a foreign language, including Listening Comprehension, Structure and
Written Expression, and Reading Comprehension. how schools use TOEFL score
to evaluate your candidacy, how to register TOEFL, when to take TOEFL, and
FAQs concerning TOEFL exam.
New TOEFL
You can find the latest information and preparation techniques for the new
TOEFL or TOEFL iBT (including Test Format and Test Location), and the TOEFL Score Table.
TOEFL Prep
Furthermore, you will learn to best skills, tips to obtain highest possible score on TOEFL test.
Specially, you will find how to tackle Listening Comprehension, TOEFL Grammar, Reading
Comprehension, Essential TOEFL Words, and TWE (including TOEFL Essay Writing Skills and
Free TOEFL Sample Essays).
Testing Resource
In addition, we offer several practice tests (TOEFL Volume 2 Practice Tests) for
your practices. You can download with absolutely no cost. >> TOEFL Exercises

IELTS: International English Language

Testing System
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is a test of English
language proficiency, developed by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.
There are two different IELTS tests that you can take: Academic and General. The former is used
for university entrance in English Speaking countries.
IELTS is not a test that you can pass or fail. Your assessment will be reported according to a
scale from bands one to nine. Band one indicates that you have virtually no English at all. Band
nine is native speaker proficiency. Universities in Australia typically require a band score of
between 6 and 7.
For which band you need to obtain, you will have to contact the university you wish to enter to
find out the IELTS score they require for entry into your chosen course.
The IELTS does not test any specific knowledge. Rather, the test questions have been designed to
reflect the general interests of people from an educated background.
Candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All
candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice
between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules.
The total time needed to complete the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The first
three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing - must be completed in one day.
The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days
before or after the other Modules.

Educational Testing Service

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

Educational Testing Service

Type

501(c)(3)

Founded

1947

Headquart 660 Rosedale Rd,

ers

Lawrenceville NJ 08648

TOEFL and TOEIC tests, GRE General

Products

and Subject Tests and Praxis Series

assessments

Services

Website

Testing, assessments and research

for educational use
ets.org

Welcome sign at entrance to ETS headquarters in Lawrence Township

Messick Hall, one of the many buildings at ETS headquarters

Lord Hall, another building at ETS headquarters

Behind Messick and Lord Halls is a lake with fountains in the middle of it

Educational Testing Service (or ETS), founded in 1947, located just outside Princeton, NJ, US,
is the world's largest private educational testing and assessment nonprofit organization.
ETS develops various standardized tests primarily in the United States for K12 and higher
education, and it also administers international tests including the TOEFL (Test of English as a
Foreign Language), TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication), GRE (Graduate
Record Examination) General and Subject Tests, and The Praxis Series assessments in more
than 180 countries, and at over 9,000 locations worldwide. Many of the assessments it develops
are associated with entry to US tertiary (undergraduate) and quaternary education (graduate)
institutions, but it also develops K12 statewide assessments used for accountability testing in
many states, including California, Texas, Tennessee and Virginia. Via its five regional offices,
ETS annually administers 20 million exams in the United States and in 180 other countries.

About ETS
At nonprofit ETS, we advance quality and equity in education for people worldwide by creating
assessments based on rigorous research.
Founded in 1947, ETS develops, administers and scores more than 50 million tests annually
including the TOEFL and TOEIC tests, the GRE General and Subject Tests and The Praxis
Series assessments in more than 180 countries, and at over 9,000 locations worldwide.
In addition to assessments, we conduct educational research, analysis and policy studies, and we
develop a variety of customized services and products for

teacher certification
English-language learning

elementary, secondary and post-secondary education

ETS serves individual students, their parents, educational institutions and government agencies.
We help teachers teach, students learn, and parents measure the educational and intellectual
progress of their children by

Listening to educators, parents and critics

Learning what students and their institutions need

Leading in the development of new and innovative products and services

Learn about our heritage. Watch our video, "Positioning Educational Assessment for the 21st
Century" (Flash, 12:09/58.4MB)
Read our report, "What Does It Mean to be an Educational Measurement Organization in the
21st Century?"
Our Mission: To advance quality and equity in education by providing fair and valid
assessments, research and related services. Our products and services measure knowledge and
skills, promote learning and educational performance, and support education and professional
development for all people worldwide.
Our Vision: To be recognized as the global leader in providing fair and valid assessments,
research and related products and services to help individuals, parents, teachers, educational
institutions, businesses, governments, countries, states and school districts, as well as
measurement specialists and researchers.
Our Values: Social responsibility, equity, opportunity, and quality. We practice these values
by listening to educators, parents and critics. We learn what students and the institutions they
attend need. We lead in the development of products and services to help teachers teach, students
learn and parents measure the intellectual progress of their children.
See also:
ETS President's Message

BCMS 540821
ETS has been certified by the British Standards Institution (BSI) for its Business Continuity
Management System. The BCMS program safeguards ETS's critical operations and systems as
well as the integrity of information entrusted to the organization. ETS is one of only four U.S.
companies receiving this certification.

UCLES
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This article is about an assessment agency. For the UCL chelle Spectrograph, see
Anglo-Australian Telescope.
This article does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced
material may be challenged and removed. (September 2008)

Cambridge Assessment is the brand name of the University of Cambridge Local

Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), a non-teaching department of the University of Cambridge.
Cambridge Assessment is a not-for-profit organisation.

Cambridge Assessment is Europe's largest assessment agency and is responsible for setting and
marking a large number of examinations, both in the United Kingdom and internationally.
Cambridge Assessment is not responsible for internal examinations at the University of
Cambridge.
It is one of the largest international assessment agencies recognised by governments around the
world. It has units that focus on research (including the Cambridge Psychometrics Centre),
expanding e-assessment capabilities and delivering university entrance tests as well as three
examining bodies:

OCR, is one of the three UK-wide awarding bodies. OCR offers GCSEs, A levels
and a wide range of vocational qualifications to learners of all ages through
13,000 schools, colleges and other institutions;
University of Cambridge International Examinations (Cambridge
International Examinations) (CIE) that provides assessment services to many
governments and supplies International GCSEs, A and AS levels and business
qualifications worldwide;
University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages
(University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations) operates in 135 countries
worldwide. Each year over 1.75 million people take a Cambridge ESOL
qualification;

The Cambridge Assessment Network is a virtual centre of excellence that has been created to
help professionals in assessment share experiences and increase their knowledge and expertise. It
delivers a programme of Professional Development in assessment and related issues. Launched
in 2005, the Cambridge Assessment Network is a virtual centre of excellence for professionals in
assessment to develop and share their knowledge and expertise. It provides a programme of
professional development in assessment and related issues, and is building an international
community committed to high-quality assessment that enhances learning. Every year over
30,000 people work with Cambridge Assessment by either attending conferences or by taking
part in topical debates from their desk top.
UCLES was established in 1858 to administer examinations for persons who were not members
of the University of Cambridge and to inspect schools, with the aim of raising standards in
education. The Syndicate began examining overseas in 1863 and this aspect of its work grew
quickly. In 1888, the Syndicate was empowered to hold examinations for commercial
certificates. The Certificate of Proficiency in English, the Syndicate's first examination in the
field of English as a foreign language, was introduced in 1913.
In 1873, the universities of Oxford and Cambridge created the Oxford and Cambridge Schools
Examination Board which became part of UCLES in 1995. The UCLES Group absorbed several
other examination boards, including the Southern Universities Joint Board in 1987, the Midland
Examining Group and the RSA Examinations and Assessment Foundation, both in 1998.
Cambridge Assessment celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2008.
What is TSE?
The Test of Spoken English is a standardized test that measures the ability of nonnative
speakers of English to communicate orally in North American English.
Adult immigrants at the Intermediate to Advanced speaking level who are preparing for an
oral interview or other oral exams or those who simply seek to improve their communication
skills will find this course of great value. The course will also help professionals such as
physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and veterinarians to pass the Test of
Spoken English conducted by universities in Canada and the USA.
The Test of Spoken English
The Test of Spoken English (TSE) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to
communicate orally in English. The test is approximately 20 minutes long and includes nine
questions.
Your performance on the TSE indicates how your oral language ability might affect your
ability to communicate successfully in an academic or professional environment. TSE scores
are used by many North American institutions of higher education to select international
teaching assistants, sometimes called ITAs. The scores also are used for selecting and
certifying health professionals, such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists,
and veterinarians.
The test requires you to demonstrate your ability to communicate in English by responding
orally under timed conditions to a variety of printed and recorded information.

On the day of the Test of Spoken English, a recorded interviewer will ask you questions.
Some of the questions will be printed in the test book, and the time you will have to answer
each one is printed in parentheses after the questions.
While most of the questions on the test may not appear to be directly related to your
academic or professional field, each question is designed to tell the raters how well you
communicate in English.
Although the TSE test is given at some TOEFL test locations, it is NOT YET administered as
part of the TOEFL test. It is administered separately.
The test is approximately 20 minutes long and is delivered via audio-recording equipment
and a test book. A recorded interviewerer leads the examinee through the test and the
examinee's responses are recorded. A sample test is available for review.
How are Test of Spoken English scores used?
TSE scores are used by many intensive English programs and North American institutions of
higher education to select international teaching assistants. The scores also are used for
selecting and certifying education professionals, such as bilingual teachers and overseas
beginning teachers of English, as well as health professionals, such as physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, physical therapists, and veterinarians.
Where is the test given?
The test is administered 12 times a year at centers around the world under strict,
standardized procedures deigned to protect the security of the test. The test can be taken
once a month on either Friday or Saturday. Check the test center list to see where the test
is being given. Every test center is open to every properly registered person regardless of
race, color, creed, or national origin.

TSE Overview
What is the TSE?

The Test of Spoken English (TSE), the most widely used assessment of spoken English
worldwide, measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to communicate effectively.
The test is used for employment, graduate assistantships, licensure and certification purposes.
Who takes the TSE?

If you are a student or working professional with English as your second language, you may be
asked to take the test to demonstrate how well you can speak in English.
Where and when do people take the TSE?

The original TOEFL iBT test introduction schedule stated that the TSE would be
discontinued as a stand-alone test as of July 2006. However, because TOEFL PBT will
continue to be administered to supplement the TOEFL iBT testing network, ETS will administer

the TSE test to examinees who need a speaking score. Check the 2009 10 Information and
Registration Bulletin (PDF) for information about registering for the TSE test. View testing
locations and dates. This list will change as additional administration locations are established
during the year.
Who accepts TSE scores?

Academic institutions, corporations, government agencies, health care systems and other
organizations use TSE scores to guide their decisions regarding graduate assistantships in
teaching and research, employment, licensing and certification.
What is the TSE test format?

The TSE uses speech activities such as narrating, recommending, persuading, and giving and
supporting an opinion to measure your ability to speak in English. You will be asked to tell a
story, describe a graph and answer questions. The session will be recorded and trained raters will
determine your overall test score.

The English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) is offered by the College Board as an SAT II
subject test. It is a 1-hr multiple choice test, designed to evaluate the understanding of spoken
and written standard American English and use it in the classroom and daily interactions. A
student whose native language was not English could have chosen to take this test instead of or
in addition to TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for college entrance depending
upon requirements of the schools in which the student was planning to apply.
A lot of colleges use the ELPT to help them place entering students in appropriate English and
developmental classes. The target testing group comprises students who attend U.S. high
schools, whose best language is not English, and who have finished two to four years of English
language instruction in English as a Second Language program or students who have studied in
an international school where courses are taught in English. Look through the following articles
for more information about ELPT.
ELPT Proficiency Ratings
Find out the information regarding the listening and reading proficiency levels and their
descriptions for the English Language Proficiency Test.

What is the ESLPT?

The ESLPT (English as a Second Language Placement Test) is SFSU's

placement test for non-native speakers of English who wish or need to take
composition classes in the Composition for Multilingual Students (CMS)
Program. The purpose of the test is to diagnose the English skills of non-native
speakers. A student must take the test in order to enroll in any CMS class.
Taking the test, however, does not ensure admittance to the CMS program.
Students are placed into CMS classes according to their scores on the test.
EXCEPTION: Students who attended U.S. high schools and who are first-time
freshmen at SFSU. These students should contact the CMS Program in
Humanities Room 112 or phone (415) 338-1320 or email esl@sfsu.edu for
course registration information.

Table of Contents | Testing Home Page | Testing Calendar | Online Registration |

.
ELSPT

What kind of a test is the ESLPT?

The test has three parts: for Part I, students read a short article
and then write a summary of the essay. For Part II, students
write a composition in response to the article. Part III is multiple
choice; students read an essay and identify grammar errors in
the essay.
The test is approximately three hours long. The best
preparation for the test is a good night's sleep.

Table of Contents | Testing Home Page | Testing Calendar | Online

Registration |

ELSPT

Who must take the ESLPT?

A. All non-native speakers of English who have been predominantly

educated in a language other than English, both undergraduates and
graduate students.
Note: Graduate students should contact their graduate advisor to
confirm written English testing requirements.
B. Non-native speakers of English who were enrolled in CMS classes
(non-native speaker English classes) at the last school they attended in
this country.
C. Non-native speakers of English who believe they would benefit from
studying with a teacher experienced in teaching composition to nonnative speakers of English, even though they may have taken an English
class for native speakers.
D. Students with bilingual backgrounds who wish to substitute English
.

410 for English 414.

Description of the TWE test

TWE stands for Test of Written English. This test measures your English writing
skills. You will write an essay on a given topic for 30 minutes. The scale for the TWE
score is 1 to 6 (1=lowest and 6=highest). You will be asked to write either an
opinion or argumentative essay. You do not have to take this test. However, if a
college or university wants you to take it, make sure you register promptly. The test
is offered only five times a year with the TOEFL test in August, October, December,

February, and May. You do not pay an additional fee for TWE. Your TWE test score is
reported separately.

Your score will be based on the following criteria.

1. Organization -- Do the ideas follow each other logically?
2. Development -- Are the ideas supported by adequate and relevant
examples, reasons, facts, and so forth?
3. Language usage -- Are the sentences free of grammatical errors? Do they
have varied sentence structures and vocabulary?

Outline
Before writing an essay, write down your ideas in outline form. This outline serves as a detailed
plan for your composition. Indent the major and minor ideas. The most crucial factor is to let the
ideas flow. Later, you can add or delete any unnecessary or unwanted point. The purpose of
writing an outline is two-fold. First, you can see if you are on the right track and writing about
the topic that you are asked to write about. Second, you can see if your ideas relate to each other
and if they are arranged logically.
Essay
An essay has three components: An introduction, body paragraph(s) and a conclusion. In the
introduction, the writer introduces the topic and states the thesis statement (main idea) of the
essay. In the body paragraph(s), the writer supports the main idea with relevant evidence. The
number of the body paragraphs depends on how much support the writer gives for the point(s)
he/she has advanced. In the conclusion, the writer restates the thesis statement and summarizes
the points supported in the body paragraphs.
Guidelines for an essay
You will be writing a multiparagraph opinion or persuasive essay for TWE. Within the 30-minute
time limit, a-four-or five-paragraph essay will be sufficient. There are many different ways to
develop an essay. It is best to use a format that is rather straightforward and easy to follow. Every
paragraph within the essay should have a topic sentence which is generally the first sentence of
the paragraph. For example, the traditional workplace has gone through changes in recent
years. The topic sentence basically controls the way a paragraph is developed. Now, the topic
sentence has to be logically supported by examples and specific reasons. First, rather than
commuting to the office, many employees work at home. Second, many workers no longer
follow a nine-to-five day work schedule. The more specific your supports, the more interesting
your essay will be. The supports should prove the point that the topic sentence makes. Also, use
transitions between sentences and paragraphs to help the smooth progression of the ideas. Here,
transitions first and second serve this purpose well.
Look at another example.

Topic sentence: Earning a graduate degree has several advantages over an undergraduate degree.
Supporting ideas: A person with a graduate degree
1. has better job opportunities.
2. has a more financially secure future.
3. is more likely to be promoted.
Organization of a paragraph

Topic sentence: _________________________________________

Supporting details:
1. ____________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________
You have only 30 minutes to write your essay. Use this time wisely.
Spend 3 to 5 minutes for the outline.
Spend 17-20 minutes for the developmental paragraphs.
Spend 3 to 5 minutes for proofreading.
Helpful Suggestions:

Write ONLY on the topic you are assigned to write about; otherwise, your
essay will not be graded.
Make sure your handwriting is legible.

Write clearly. Use appropriate letter size, neither too small nor too large.

Correct any grammatical errors. Specifically watch for subject-verb

agreement, tense shift, faulty pronouns and antecedents.

Check your spelling.

Stop writing when the 30 minutes are up; otherwise, it will be considered
cheating.

Strive for a well-thought-out, logically organized essay. Make sure to check your essay against
all the items on the TWE Essay checklist when you proofread it.

I. What is the TWE? II. How is it scored? III.

TWE Sample Six Essays
I. What is the TWE?
The Test of Written English (TWE) is a required component of the Computer-Based TOEFL and
is designed to give you a chance to compose an essay under a thirty minute time constraint. It is
an opportunity for you to demonstrate academic writing proficiency in the following areas:
1. To generate and organize ideas on paper.
2. To support those ideas with evidence or examples.
3. To use the conventions of standard written English.
The purpose of the TWE, which was introduced in July 1986, is to give you, a nonnative speaker
whose first language is not English, an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to express ideas
in acceptable written English in response to an assigned task and topic.
TWE test results can assist institutions in evaluating your academic writing proficiency and in
placing you in appropriate writing courses.

II. How is it scored?

Educational Testing Service gives the following information about the scoring procedures for the
TWE:
All Test of Written English (TWE) essay readings are conducted in a central location under
standardized procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the essay scores. Readers for
the TWE test are primarily English and English as a second language (ESL) writing specialists
affiliated with accredited colleges, universities, and secondary schools in the United States and
Canada. In order to be invited to serve as a reader, an individual must have read successfully for
at least one other ETS program or must qualify at a TWE reader training session. Each essay is
scored by two readers working independently. The score assigned to an essay is derived by
averaging the two independent ratings or, in the case of a discrepancy of more than one point, by
the adjudication of the score by a reading manager. For example, if the first reader assigns a
score of 5 to an essay and the second reader also assigns it a score of 5, 5 is the score reported for
that essay. If the first reader assigns a score of 5 and the second reader assigns a score of 4, the
two scores are averaged and a score of 4.5 is reported. However, if the first reader assigns a score

of 5 to an essay and the second reader assigns it a 3, the scores are considered discrepant. In this
case, a third reader scores the essay to adjudicate the score.
To date, more than 2,800,000 TWE essays have been scored, resulting in some 5,600,000
readings. Discrepancy rates for the TWE readings have been extremely low, usually ranging
from 1 to 2 percent per reading. Educational Testing Service. http://www.TOEFL.org May 8,
2002. Princeton, New Jersey.
TWE Scores
Six levels of writing proficiency are reported for the TWE test, the scores ranging from 6 to 1. A
score between two points on the scale (5.5, 4.5, 3.5, 2.5, 1.5) can also be reported. The following
codes and explanations may also appear on your TWE score report:
1NR Examinee did not write an essay.
OFF Examinee did not write on the assigned topic.
* TWE not offered on this test date.
** TWE score not available.
Readers will assign scores based on the following scoring guide. Though you might be asked to
write on a specific topic, parts of the topic may be treated by implication. Readers should focus
on what you do well.
WHAT DOES A TWE SCORE INDICATE?

III. TWE Sample Six Essays

Below are 10 TWE essay prompts, followed by a discussion as to what is needed in order to
score a 6.0. Click on the list to see an essay for each rated 6.0.

1. Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some
of the important qualities of a good roommate? Use specific reasons and examples to explain why
these qualities are important.
General criteria for this essay:
To score a "6," an essay will be a well organized one that accomplishes the three requirements of
the assignment. First, the writer must give at least two qualities which make someone a good
roommate. Second, the writer must adequately support the qualities of a good roommate with
specific reasons and examples. Third, through the specific reasons and examples given in the
essay, the writer should show why the qualities are important. The writer may do this either

explicitly or implicitly. The essay will have a high degree of grammatical correctness and
syntactic variety but may have slight flaws in writing, consistent with timed, first draft prose.

2. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Dancing plays an important role in a
culture. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
General criteria for this essay:
To score a "6," an essay will have a very well organized argument supported by specific reasons
and examples to show whether or not dancing plays an important role in a culture. Not waffling
on the issue, the writer should take a position. The argument should be logical and plausible and
cause the reader to reconsider his point of view if he is in disagreement or cause the reader to
further bolster his position if he is in agreement. The writer should give two or more reasons to
support his argument. The essay will have a high level of polish but may have minor errors in
writing, consistent with timed, first draft prose.

3. Some people think governments should spend as much money as possible exploring outer space
(for example, traveling to the Moon and to other planets). Other people disagree and think
governments should spend this money for our basic needs on Earth. Which of these two opinions
do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
General criteria for this essay:
To score a "6," an essay will have a well organized argument supported by specific reasons and
examples to show which position the writer agrees with. The argument should be logical and
plausible and cause the reader to reconsider his point of view if he is in disagreement or cause the
reader to further bolster his position if he is in agreement. The writer may acknowledge the
opposing position, but he will refute it with well chosen examples and apt reasons. The essay will
have a high level of polish but may have minor errors in writing, consistent with timed, first draft
prose.

4. People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read;
some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing
stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer.
General criteria for this essay:
To score a "6," the essay will be a well organized one that accomplishes the two requirements of
the assignment. First, the writer must give at least two ways to reduce stress. Second, the writer
must show with specific reasons and examples how the two ways will be effective in reducing the
stresses of modern life. The essay will have a high degree of grammatical correctness and
syntactic variety but may have slight flaws in writing, consistent with timed, first draft prose.

5. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Teachers should be paid according to
how much their students learn. Give specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
General criteria for this essay:
To score a "6," an essay will have a well organized argument supported by specific reasons and
examples to show whether or not teachers should be paid according to how much their students
learn. Not waffling on the issue, the writer should take a position. The argument should be logical
and plausible and cause the reader to reconsider his point of view if he is in disagreement or cause
the reader to further bolster his position if he is in agreement. The writer should give two or more
reasons to support his argument. The essay will have a high level of polish but may have minor
errors in writing, consistent with timed, first draft prose.

6. In your opinion, what is the most important characteristic (for example, honesty, intelligence, a
sense of humor) that a person can have to be successful in life? Use specific reasons and examples
from your experience to explain your answer. When you write your answer, you are not limited to
the examples listed in the question.
To score a "6," the essay will be a well organized one that accomplishes the two requirements of
the assignment. First, focusing on a singular idea, the writer must identify an important
characteristic for success. The characteristic chosen could be honesty, intelligence, or a sense of
humor, or it may be a topic of the writer's preference. Second, the writer must use specific reasons
and examples from his experience in explaining why the characteristic is important in helping a
person be successful. The essay will have a high degree of grammatical correctness and syntactic
variety but may have slight flaws in writing, consistent with timed, first draft prose.

7. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its members. Compare the
contributions of artists to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Which type of
contribution do you think is valued more by society? Give specific reasons to support your
answer.
To score a "6," the essay will be a well organized one that accomplishes the three requirements of
the assignment. First, the writer must compare (i.e., show similarities) the contributions of artists
to society with the contributions of scientists to society. Second, not waffling on the issue, the
writer should take a position by choosing either the artist or the scientist as the one who makes the
most important contributions to society. The argument should be logical and plausible and cause
the reader to reconsider his point of view if he is in disagreement or cause the reader to further
bolster his position if he is in agreement. Third, the writer should give two or more reasons to
support his argument. The essay will have a high degree of grammatical correctness and syntactic
variety but may have slight flaws in writing, consistent with timed, first draft prose.

8. Students at universities often have a choice of places to live. They may choose to live in
university dormitories, or they may choose to live in apartments in the community. Compare the
advantages of living in university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the
community. Where would you prefer to live? Give reasons for your preference.
To score a "6," the essay will be a well organized one that accomplishes the three requirements of
the assignment. First, the writer must compare (i.e., show similarities) the advantages of living in
university housing with the advantages of living in an apartment in the community. Second, not
waffling on the issue, the writer should take a position by choosing which place he prefers to live.
The argument should be logical and plausible and cause the reader to reconsider his point of view
if he is in disagreement or cause the reader to further bolster his position if he is in agreement.
Third, the writer should give two or more reasons to support his argument. The essay will have a
high degree of grammatical correctness and syntactic variety but may have slight flaws in writing,
consistent with timed, first draft prose.
9. You need to travel from your home to a place 40 miles (64 kilometers) away. Compare the
different kinds of transportation you could use. Tell which method of travel you would choose.
Give specific reasons for your choice.
To score a "6," the essay will be a well organized one that accomplishes the three requirements of
the assignment. First, the writer must compare (i.e., show similarities) different kinds of
transportation he could use. This implies that the writer discuss at least two or more differing
transportation methods. Second, not waffling on the issue, the writer should take a position by
identifying which method of transportation he would use. The argument should be logical and
plausible and cause the reader to reconsider his point of view if he is in disagreement or cause the
reader to further bolster his position if he is in agreement. Third, the writer should give two or
more reasons to show why he would choose this method of transportation. The essay will have a
high degree of grammatical correctness and syntactic variety but may have slight flaws in writing,
consistent with timed, first draft prose.

10. Some people believe that a college or university education should be available to all students.
Others believe that higher education should be available only to good students. Discuss these
views. Which view do you agree with? Explain why.
To score a "6," the essay will be a well organized one that accomplishes the four requirements of
the assignment. First, the writer must OBJECTIVELY discuss why a college or university
education should be available to all students. Second, the writer must OBJECTIVELY discuss
why a higher education should be available only to good students Third, not waffling on the issue,
the writer should take a position by choosing which view he is in agreement with. The argument
should be logical and plausible and cause the reader to reconsider his point of view if he is in
disagreement or cause the reader to further bolster his position if he is in agreement. Fourth, the
writer should give two or more reasons to show why he agrees with one of the viewpoints. The
essay will have a high degree of grammatical correctness and syntactic variety but may have
slight flaws in writing, consistent with timed, first draft prose.

continue with today's lesson

Guaranteed Education Tuition Program

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

The Guaranteed Education Tuition Program, or GET Program, is a 529 savings plan
administered by the U.S. state of Washington for residents of the state. As with any 529 plan,
account owners invest in the program on behalf of a beneficiary typically the owner's child or
grandchild in order to prepay for expenses associated with the beneficiary attending a higher
education institution.

Contents
[hide]

1 Overview
2 See also

3 External links

4 References

[edit] Overview
The GET Program is a prepaid 529 plan, and accounts may only be opened by, or on behalf of,
residents of the state of Washington. The value of an account is dictated by the quantity of
"units" purchased. Units have a purchase value and a payout value which are subject to increase
twice yearly. The U.S. dollar payout value of one unit is always equal to one percent of the
annual full-time, undergraduate, in-state tuition and state-mandated fees at the most expensive
public university in the state either the University of Washington or Washington State
University. The purchase price of one unit is slightly higher than the payout value.
Use of the funds invested in GET are restricted to tuition and other expenses associated with
higher education (e.g., room and board, books, mandatory fees). Units purchased must be
retained for a minimum of two years before they can be used. Investments are not tax-deductible;
however, the increase in account value over time, as well as disbursements to pay for highereducation expenses, are both tax-free. Disbursements for purposes other than to pay for highereducation expenses are subject to income taxes and/or penalties imposed by both the program
and the Internal Revenue Service; exceptions are made for certain circumstances such as the
death of the beneficiary or the beneficiary receiving a scholarship, in which case income tax is
still imposed but penalties are not.
Accounts may only be opened by, or on behalf of, Washington residents; however, disbursements
from the program may be made to any higher education institution in the United States, as well

as some foreign institutions, that participate in financial aid programs through the United States
Department of Education.
Investments in the program are backed by the state; i.e., the state assumes all investment risk and
guarantees that returns on investments will keep pace with inflation and increases in college
tuition over time. The program currently does not receive any appropriations from the state;
however, per state law RCW 28B.95.050,[1] the state is required to provide funding in the event
that the program's available funds are insufficient to cover its payout obligations.

How GET Works

How does GET Work?
GET is Washington's 529 Prepaid College Tuition plan that helps families save for college. It
works on a "unit" system, where 100 units represent one year of tuition and state-mandated fees.
Likewise, 400 units represent four years.
The unit cost is based on the unit price in effect today when you purchase them.
The unit value will be the real cost of tuition and state mandated fees of the highest
priced Washington public university (UW or WSU) for each academic year whenever
your child attends college. GET is GUARANTEED by the state of Washington to match
rising tuition costs, even if they double or triple.

You can use your units at nearly any public or private university, community college or
vocational school in the country.

The monetary value remains the same, so if your school costs more than UW or WSU,
you pay the difference. If it costs less, you can use extra units to pay for room and board,
books or other higher education costs.

How does the guarantee work? Is GET safe and secure?

Click here to read more about the GET guarantee.
How much does it cost?

To get started, complete an enrollment form and include a one-time $50 enrollment fee,
then choose your plan. Each student you're saving for needs an individual account.
The current unit price is $101, and you can purchase any number of units, from one to
500 units per student. You can save through either the Lump Sum Plan (make
contributions whenever you want) or the Custom Monthly Plan (contribute a specified
amount each month). Or, you can choose a combination of both. The cost of units
increases once or twice a year. When you purchase Lump Sum units, you pay whatever
unit price is in effect at the time of purchase. On a Custom Monthly Plan, you can "lock
in" whatever is the current price and save for the number of units you want over time.
GET is a self-sustaining program so Lump Sum units include a premium and the Custom
Monthly Plan contains a finance charge. You need to hold your units for at least two

years before using them, and will need to hold them for four years before you realize a
gain.
Why should I save for college with GET?
Your GET account is guaranteed to increase in value at the same rate of tuition increases
at UW or WSU. Your savings are not subject to the ups and downs of the stock market.
As a 529 plan, GET offers tax-free growth and withdrawals for your savings

GET is flexible and easy to use. Relatives and friends can contribute to your account.
Plans can be adjusted if your financial or personal circumstances change. If your child
gets a scholarship or doesn't attend college, you can transfer your account to another
family member or request a refund.

How do I get started?

First, open a GET account online and name the student as the beneficiary.
Second, choose what payment or savings plan works best for you and your family.

Third, make your contributions based on the plan you've chosen.

Finally, when your student is ready to attend college, tell GET to either pay the college
directly or reimburse you for eligible expenses you've paid out of pocket.

Watch your savings grow! GET offers families the chance to provide for a child's future college
expenses by putting money away today. The earlier you start saving, the greater the increased
value of your GET account.