ESL Placement Test (ACCUPLACER ESL) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Mrs. Farrah is aware that giving Mark encouraging feedback on his speaking and listening will benefit him in the following ways:

Boost your speaking capacity
Boost your speaking and listening skills (Correct answer)
Overcome monotonous speech
Amplify listening comprehension

Correct answer: Boost your speaking and listening skills

Providing encouraging feedback on a student's speaking and listening directly targets and enhances these specific language modalities. Positive reinforcement helps build confidence, motivates the student to continue practicing, and guides them in refining their pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary use, and comprehension strategies. This focused feedback is essential for developing overall oral communication proficiency.

Question 2: Which question is an open-ended question that encourages a longer, more detailed response?

What did you think about the class? (Correct answer)
Is the class over?
Was the class on Monday?
Did you like the class?

Correct answer: What did you think about the class?

Open-ended questions starting with 'what,' 'why,' or 'how' cannot be answered with just yes or no.

Question 3: In the sentence 'I didn't DO it,' which word receives the most emphasis, and why?

'DO' — to contrast the action being denied (Correct answer)
'I' — because the subject is always stressed
'it' — because it ends the sentence
'didn't' — because negatives are always stressed

Correct answer: 'DO' — to contrast the action being denied

Stressing 'DO' creates contrastive emphasis, implying the speaker is strongly denying performing the action.

Question 4: Why is Writing & Composition important for language learners?

It is crucial for enhancing speaking, writing, and reading skills. (Correct answer)
It is only useful for academic writing.
It is not essential for everyday conversations.
It is necessary for improving writing skills only.

Correct answer: It is crucial for enhancing speaking, writing, and reading skills.

Writing and composition are not isolated skills but rather interconnected with other language domains. The process of writing improves grammar and vocabulary, which in turn enhances speaking fluency and accuracy. Furthermore, understanding how texts are constructed through writing can significantly improve reading comprehension, making it a holistic skill builder for language learners.

Question 5: In the United States, when someone sneezes, the customary thing to say is:

Bless you. (Correct answer)
Excuse me.
Stop that!
Are you sick?

Correct answer: Bless you.

Saying 'Bless you' after someone sneezes is a common social custom in the United States.

Question 6: Choose the correct sentence.

She don’t like coffee.
She doesn’t like coffee. (Correct answer)
She doesn’t likes coffee.
She don’t likes coffee.

Correct answer: She doesn’t like coffee.

In English grammar, for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it), the auxiliary verb 'do' becomes 'does' in negative sentences. The main verb that follows 'does not' (doesn't) should be in its base form, without the 's' ending. Therefore, 'She doesn't like coffee' is the grammatically correct construction.

Question 7: Which word best describes a 'hostile' attitude?

Peaceful and neutral.
Aggressive and unfriendly. (Correct answer)
Carefree and laid-back.
Friendly and welcoming.

Correct answer: Aggressive and unfriendly.

A 'hostile' attitude is characterized by antagonism, unfriendliness, and aggression. It indicates opposition or resistance, often with an intent to harm or dominate. This behavior is the opposite of being friendly, peaceful, or welcoming, and it creates an unwelcoming or threatening atmosphere.

Question 8: The word 'eloquent' describes someone who is:

loud and rude
confused and nervous
shy and quiet
able to express ideas clearly and persuasively (Correct answer)

Correct answer: able to express ideas clearly and persuasively

Eloquent means fluent and persuasive in speaking or writing.

Question 9: You overhear: 'He bit off more than he could chew with that project.' What does the speaker mean?

He ate too much at the project lunch
He chewed on a project document
He took on more responsibility than he can handle (Correct answer)
He refused to work on the project

Correct answer: He took on more responsibility than he can handle

This idiom means someone has taken on a task that is too difficult or too large for them to manage.

Question 10: When asking for directions and the person speaks too quickly, which strategy is most effective?

Politely ask them to slow down and repeat the key steps. (Correct answer)
Write nothing down.
Pretend you understood and walk away.
Interrupt them frequently.

Correct answer: Politely ask them to slow down and repeat the key steps.

Asking someone to slow down and repeat information is an effective communication repair strategy for ESL learners.

Question 11: Which sentence correctly joins two independent clauses?

It was raining; therefore, we stayed inside. (Correct answer)
It was raining, we stayed inside.
It was raining therefore we stayed inside.
It was raining, therefore we stayed inside.

Correct answer: It was raining; therefore, we stayed inside.

A semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb like 'therefore' and a comma correctly joins two independent clauses.

Question 12: What does the word 'transparent' mean in this sentence: 'The company was transparent about its financial problems.'?

complicated
secretive and hidden
clear like glass
open and honest (Correct answer)

Correct answer: open and honest

In this context, transparent means open, honest, and not hiding information.

Question 13: Read the sentence: 'After the storm, the streets were littered with branches, leaves, and broken glass.' What does 'littered with' mean?

Carefully arranged with
Covered with scattered pieces of (Correct answer)
Cleaned up after
Blocked completely by

Correct answer: Covered with scattered pieces of

'Littered with' means scattered or covered with messy items, describing the storm's aftermath.

Question 14: Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?

He wants to travel, to learn, and to grow. (Correct answer)
They enjoy dancing, to cook, and running.
She likes hiking, to swim, and biking.
I prefer reading, cook, and sleep.

Correct answer: He wants to travel, to learn, and to grow.

Parallel structure requires all items in a series to use the same grammatical form; here all use the infinitive 'to + verb.'

Question 15: Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Between you and me, this is difficult. (Correct answer)
Between you and I, this is difficult.
Between you and myself, this is difficult.
Between I and you, this is difficult.

Correct answer: Between you and me, this is difficult.

Prepositions like 'between' require object pronouns, so 'me' is correct, not 'I' or 'myself.'

Question 16: In sociocultural theory, 'private speech' (talking to oneself) during language tasks is best interpreted as:

An early stage of the Silent Period
A cognitive tool for self-regulation during difficult tasks (Correct answer)
A sign of language delay or deficit
Evidence of fossilization in the interlanguage

Correct answer: A cognitive tool for self-regulation during difficult tasks

Vygotsky viewed private speech as an important cognitive self-regulation tool that helps learners manage complex tasks before internalizing skills.

Question 17: Identify the sentence with the correct word order:

She is always late for work. (Correct answer)
She always is late for work.
Always she is late for work.
Is always late for work she.

Correct answer: She is always late for work.

Adverbs of frequency, such as "always," are typically placed after the verb "to be" (is, am, are, was, were) in a sentence. In this case, "is" is the main verb, so "always" correctly follows it. This standard word order ensures clarity and grammatical correctness in English.

Question 18: Choose the sentence with correct use of 'fewer' vs. 'less.'

She has fewer patience than he does.
There are less cars on the road today.
I have fewer errors on this test. (Correct answer)
We need less chairs for the meeting.

Correct answer: I have fewer errors on this test.

'Fewer' is used with countable nouns like 'errors,' while 'less' is used with uncountable nouns.

Question 19: What is the purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?

To list all the evidence that will be used
To state the main argument or point of the essay (Correct answer)
To summarize the entire essay in detail
To provide background information on the topic

Correct answer: To state the main argument or point of the essay

A thesis statement presents the central claim or argument that the essay will develop and support.

Question 20: Which citation style is most commonly used in social science academic papers in the US?

MLA
Turabian
Chicago
APA (Correct answer)

Correct answer: APA

APA (American Psychological Association) style is the standard for social science academic papers in the US.

Question 21: Which word contains a suffix meaning 'full of' or 'having the quality of'?

unkind
hopeful (Correct answer)
preview
disagree

Correct answer: hopeful

The suffix '-ful' means full of or characterized by, so hopeful means full of hope.

Question 22: What is the purpose of a text written to 'persuade'?

To describe a place or object
To convince the reader to agree with an opinion (Correct answer)
To explain how something works
To tell an entertaining story

Correct answer: To convince the reader to agree with an opinion

Persuasive texts use arguments and evidence to change the reader's opinion or motivate action.

Question 23: In business English, what does "KPI" stand for?

Keep People Informed
Known Process Improvement
Knowledge and Professional Intelligence
Key Performance Indicator (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Key Performance Indicator

KPI stands for Key Performance Indicator, a measurable value used to evaluate success in meeting business objectives.

Question 24: A friend says: 'I've been meaning to call you, but I've just been swamped lately.' What does 'swamped' mean in this context?

Lost in a swamp
Out of town
Very busy (Correct answer)
Feeling sick

Correct answer: Very busy

'Swamped' is an informal word meaning overwhelmed with work or tasks.

Question 25: Select the correct meaning of the word 'cautious':

happy and excited
careful to avoid danger or mistakes (Correct answer)
loud and aggressive
careless and reckless

Correct answer: careful to avoid danger or mistakes

'Cautious' describes someone who acts carefully to avoid problems or danger.

Question 26: Which revision strategy involves reading your work aloud?

Checking citation format
Listening for awkward phrasing and rhythm (Correct answer)
Proofreading for spelling
Peer review

Correct answer: Listening for awkward phrasing and rhythm

Reading aloud helps writers hear awkward sentences, unclear phrasing, and rhythm problems that silent reading may miss.

Question 27: You are meeting an American colleague for the first time. After introducing yourself, they say 'Nice to meet you.' What is the most natural reply?

I have heard nothing about you.
It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, indeed.
Likewise, and also good day to you.
Nice to meet you too! (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Nice to meet you too!

'Nice to meet you too!' is the natural, standard mirrored response to this common greeting.

Question 28: Fill in the blank with the correct article: "I saw ___ apple on the table."

an (Correct answer)
the
no article
a

Correct answer: an

The indefinite article "an" is used before singular nouns that begin with a vowel sound. Since "apple" starts with the vowel sound /æ/, "an" is the appropriate article to use. "A" is used before consonant sounds, and "the" is a definite article used for specific items.

Question 29: What is the importance of Writing & Composition in ESL?

It only applies in formal settings.
It only applies to advanced learners.
It is essential for improving language skills and communication. (Correct answer)
It is not necessary for beginners.

Correct answer: It is essential for improving language skills and communication.

Writing and composition are fundamental pillars of language acquisition in ESL, as they require learners to actively apply grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. This practice solidifies their understanding of English rules and conventions, leading to more precise and effective communication across all modalities. Developing strong writing skills directly translates to improved overall language proficiency.

Question 30: Which of the following is an example of a compound sentence?

She passed the exam she studied for.
Because she studied, she passed.
Studying hard every night.
She studied, and she passed the exam. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: She studied, and she passed the exam.

A compound sentence joins two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction like 'and,' 'but,' or 'or.'

Question 31: Which greeting is most appropriate in a formal setting?

Good morning. How are you? (Correct answer)
Yo! How's it going?
What's happening?
Hey, what's up?

Correct answer: Good morning. How are you?

'Good morning. How are you?' uses polite, standard language appropriate for formal situations.

Question 32: Which word correctly completes: 'He insisted that she _____ the report by noon.'

submits
submit (Correct answer)
will submit
submitted

Correct answer: submit

After verbs like 'insist' in a 'that' clause, the subjunctive mood uses the base form of the verb.

Question 33: Which sentence is correct?

The cat drinks the milk. (Correct answer)
The cat drinking the milk.
The cat drink the milk.
The cat drank the milk every day.

Correct answer: The cat drinks the milk.

This sentence requires subject-verb agreement in the simple present tense. "The cat" is a third-person singular subject, so the verb "drink" must take an "-s" ending to become "drinks." This form correctly expresses a general truth or habitual action.

Question 34: In an academic essay, what is the purpose of a topic sentence?

To introduce the main idea of a paragraph (Correct answer)
To end the paragraph with a summary
To list all supporting examples
To cite sources at the start

Correct answer: To introduce the main idea of a paragraph

A topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph and guides the reader through its content.

Question 35: In the writing process, what happens during the 'revision' stage?

You choose your topic and gather ideas
You correct only spelling and punctuation mistakes
You write your first draft without stopping
You rethink and improve content, organization, and clarity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: You rethink and improve content, organization, and clarity

Revision involves reconsidering and improving the substance, structure, and clarity of your draft — not just fixing surface errors.

Question 36: An ESL teacher, Mr. Chen, notices that his intermediate student, Maria, often says things like, 'I goed to the store yesterday.' Although she has been taught the correct past tense of 'go,' she consistently uses the '-ed' suffix, a common pattern for regular past tense verbs in English. This is an example of which concept in second language acquisition?

Language transfer
The silent period
Overgeneralization (Correct answer)
Fossilization

Correct answer: Overgeneralization

Overgeneralization occurs when a learner applies a grammatical rule in cases where it doesn't apply. Maria is applying the regular past tense '-ed' rule to an irregular verb ('go'). This is a natural and common phase in language development.

Question 37: A customer service representative says: 'Your order has been processed and will ship within three to five business days.' What does 'business days' mean?

Days when the business is open 24 hours
Holidays and special dates
Any day of the week
Only weekdays, not weekends or holidays (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only weekdays, not weekends or holidays

Business days refer to standard working days—Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Question 38: Read the sentence: 'Despite the heavy rain, hundreds of fans waited outside the stadium.' What does 'despite' tell you?

The fans waited even though it was raining (Correct answer)
The rain stopped before the fans arrived
The fans left because of the rain
The fans brought umbrellas

Correct answer: The fans waited even though it was raining

'Despite' means 'in spite of,' indicating the fans waited regardless of the bad weather.

Question 39: Identify the sentence with the correct subject-verb agreement:

The team is practicing for the match. (Correct answer)
The team practicing for the match.
The team are practicing for the match.
The team has practicing for the match.

Correct answer: The team is practicing for the match.

"Team" is a collective noun, which refers to a group of individuals but is often treated as a singular unit in English, especially in American English. Therefore, it requires a singular verb, "is," for subject-verb agreement. "Are" would be used if the sentence emphasized the individual members of the team acting separately.

Question 40: Which greeting is most appropriate for a formal business email in the US?

"Hey there!"
"What's up?"
"To whoever,"
"Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]," (Correct answer)

Correct answer: "Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],"

"Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]" is the standard formal greeting for professional business emails.

Question 41: Chomsky's Universal Grammar (UG) theory proposes that humans acquire language quickly because:

They imitate adults with high frequency
Social interaction provides all necessary input
Early childhood is simply a better time for memorization
They are born with an innate linguistic knowledge system (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They are born with an innate linguistic knowledge system

Chomsky argued that children possess an inborn Language Acquisition Device (LAD) containing universal grammatical principles, which explains how they acquire complex grammar despite limited input.

Question 42: Read the paragraph: 'Deforestation destroys habitats. As a result, many species lose their homes and food sources. This leads to a decline in biodiversity.' What organizational pattern is used?

Compare and contrast
Description
Cause and effect (Correct answer)
Chronological order

Correct answer: Cause and effect

Signal phrases 'as a result' and 'this leads to' show a chain of cause-and-effect relationships.

Question 43: The root word 'aud' means 'to hear.' Which word comes from this root?

audit
auditorium (Correct answer)
automatic
automobile

Correct answer: auditorium

An auditorium is a place designed for an audience to hear performances, coming from the root aud- (hear).

Question 44: You hear: 'He tends to talk around the issue instead of addressing it directly.' What does 'talk around' mean?

Speak to people around the room
Explain something clearly
Repeat the same point several times
Avoid the main topic (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Avoid the main topic

'Talk around' an issue means to discuss surrounding topics without confronting the main problem directly.

Question 45: Which word is a synonym for 'generous'?

charitable (Correct answer)
greedy
stingy
selfish

Correct answer: charitable

'Charitable' means willing to give money, time, or help to others, which is the same as generous.

Question 46: According to Stephen Krashen's Monitor Model, which of the following conditions is necessary for a learner to use the 'Monitor' to self-correct their speech?

The learner must receive comprehensible input that is slightly above their current level.
The learner must be in the 'preproduction' stage of language acquisition.
The learner must have a low affective filter.
The learner must have sufficient time, focus on form, and know the rule. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The learner must have sufficient time, focus on form, and know the rule.

Krashen's Monitor Hypothesis posits that for the learned system (the 'Monitor') to edit the output of the acquired system, three specific conditions must be met: the learner needs enough time to think, they must be focused on grammatical correctness (form), and they must know the explicit rule.

Question 47: Which phrase correctly expresses agreement with enthusiasm in informal American English?

I do not oppose this.
Your idea is acceptable.
I concur with your statement entirely.
Absolutely! That's exactly what I was thinking. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Absolutely! That's exactly what I was thinking.

'Absolutely!' is a common, enthusiastic informal expression of strong agreement in American English.

Question 48: Which of the following is the correct meaning of the word 'innovative'?

Traditional and old-fashioned.
Introducing new ideas or methods. (Correct answer)
Uncreative and predictable.
Simple and straightforward.

Correct answer: Introducing new ideas or methods.

'Innovative' describes something that features new methods, ideas, or products; it is original and creative. It implies a departure from traditional approaches and the introduction of novel solutions or concepts. This word is often associated with progress, ingenuity, and forward-thinking development.

Question 49: Choose the sentence with the correctly placed only.

All of the above can be correct depending on meaning. (Correct answer)
I told only her the secret.
Only I told her the secret.
I only told her the secret.

Correct answer: All of the above can be correct depending on meaning.

The placement of 'only' changes the meaning of the sentence, and each version is grammatically correct for a different emphasis.

Question 50: Choose the sentence with correct subject-verb agreement.

Neither the students nor the teacher are ready.
The committee have made their decision.
Each of the boxes are heavy.
Neither the teacher nor the students are ready. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Neither the teacher nor the students are ready.

When 'neither/nor' joins subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it.

Question 51: Which sentence uses the word 'distinct' correctly?

She had a distinct smell of flowers. (Correct answer)
She distinct the two colors.
The book distinct her from her work.
He was distinct to arrive late.

Correct answer: She had a distinct smell of flowers.

'Distinct' is an adjective meaning clearly different or noticeable, as in a noticeable smell.

Question 52: Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) in language learning refers to:

The gap between what a learner can do alone and with expert guidance (Correct answer)
Skills a learner can perform independently
The total vocabulary a learner has acquired
A learner's native language interference zone

Correct answer: The gap between what a learner can do alone and with expert guidance

The ZPD is the distance between a learner's independent ability and what they can achieve with skilled assistance, making it a key concept in social interactionist theory.

Question 53: What is the function of a concluding paragraph in an essay?

To introduce a new argument not covered in the body
To provide additional evidence for the main claim
To list all sources used in the essay
To restate the thesis and summarize key points (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To restate the thesis and summarize key points

A conclusion restates the thesis, summarizes the main points, and provides a sense of closure.

Question 54: What does 'inevitable' mean?

easy to prevent
unlikely to happen
impossible to predict
unable to be avoided (Correct answer)

Correct answer: unable to be avoided

Inevitable means certain to happen and impossible to prevent or avoid.

Question 55: Choose the correct form: 'Neither the students nor the teacher ___ ready.'

were
are
be
was (Correct answer)

Correct answer: was

When 'neither/nor' joins two subjects, the verb agrees with the subject closest to it; 'teacher' is singular, so use 'was'.

Question 56: Which sentence correctly uses an apostrophe?

Its a beautiful day today.
The children's toys were scattered everywhere. (Correct answer)
The dog's are barking outside.
The company's policy's are strict.

Correct answer: The children's toys were scattered everywhere.

An apostrophe + s after a plural noun ending in a consonant (children) shows possession correctly.

Question 57: At a grocery store, the cashier asks 'Will that be all?' What is the most appropriate response?

Yes, I want more things.
No, I'm fine, thanks.
That's everything, thank you. (Correct answer)
I don't understand the question.

Correct answer: That's everything, thank you.

'That's everything, thank you' directly confirms you are done shopping and is polite.

Question 58: Which of the following correctly uses a semicolon?

I like tea; and coffee.
She studied all night; she passed the exam. (Correct answer)
He went to the store; to buy bread.
They played outside; because it was sunny.

Correct answer: She studied all night; she passed the exam.

A semicolon correctly joins two closely related independent clauses, as in 'She studied all night; she passed the exam.'

Question 59: Which of the following best describes 'Dutch treat' in American culture?

A dessert from the Netherlands
One person pays for everyone
A special discount at restaurants
Each person pays for their own meal (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Each person pays for their own meal

'Going Dutch' or 'Dutch treat' means each person pays their own share of the bill.

Question 60: Which phrase is the most academic way to express disagreement with a source in writing?

"There is no way this is true."
"I don't think so at all."
"However, the evidence suggests otherwise." (Correct answer)
"That's totally wrong."

Correct answer: "However, the evidence suggests otherwise."

"However, the evidence suggests otherwise" is appropriately formal and objective for academic writing.

Question 61: You hear a manager say: 'Going forward, please CC me on all client emails.' What does 'going forward' mean?

During meetings only
In the past
When traveling
In the future / from now on (Correct answer)

Correct answer: In the future / from now on

'Going forward' is a business phrase meaning from this point on or in the future.

Question 62: Choose the sentence with the correct conditional form.

If they had study, they would passed.
If I will study harder, I pass.
If he studies, he would have passed.
If she studied harder, she would pass. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: If she studied harder, she would pass.

The second conditional uses 'if + simple past' in the condition clause and 'would + base verb' in the result clause.

Question 63: Which sentence uses the correct verb tense?

I am studying for the test yesterday.
I studies for the test yesterday.
I studied for the test yesterday. (Correct answer)
I will studying for the test yesterday.

Correct answer: I studied for the test yesterday.

The word "yesterday" clearly indicates that the action of studying happened in the past and is now completed. Therefore, the simple past tense verb "studied" is the correct choice to match this past time marker. Options A, C, and D use incorrect tenses (present continuous, future, and simple present respectively) for an action that occurred yesterday.

Question 64: Choose the word that best completes the sentence: 'The scientist made a remarkable ______ that changed medicine forever.'

recover
discovery (Correct answer)
discoverer
discover

Correct answer: discovery

'Discovery' is the noun form needed here to name what the scientist made.

Question 65: How does Cultural Context & Idiomatic Expressions aid in academic success for ESL learners?

It only applies to spoken English.
It is only important for research projects.
It enhances learners' ability to write essays, participate in discussions, and understand lectures. (Correct answer)
It has no effect on academic success.

Correct answer: It enhances learners' ability to write essays, participate in discussions, and understand lectures.

Academic success for ESL learners heavily relies on their ability to interpret complex academic texts and express nuanced ideas. Understanding cultural context and idiomatic expressions enhances their comprehension of lectures and readings, and improves their ability to write sophisticated essays and participate meaningfully in discussions. This comprehensive understanding is key to excelling in an academic setting.

Question 66: You hear two people talking. Person A says: 'Did you finish the report?' Person B replies: 'I'm almost done—just a few more pages.' What does Person B mean?

The report has not been started
The report will take several more hours
The report is nearly complete (Correct answer)
The report is finished

Correct answer: The report is nearly complete

'Almost done' and 'just a few more pages' both indicate the report is very close to completion.

Question 67: How does Cultural Context & Idiomatic Expressions improve understanding of cultural context?

It is only relevant for business communication.
It is only important for writing skills.
It has no impact on cultural understanding.
It helps learners understand idiomatic expressions and cultural contexts better. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It helps learners understand idiomatic expressions and cultural contexts better.

Cultural context and idiomatic expressions are deeply intertwined; understanding one often illuminates the other. By learning idioms, learners gain insight into the cultural values, beliefs, and history that shaped those expressions. This reciprocal relationship significantly enhances their overall comprehension of both the language and the culture it represents.

Question 68: What does 'small talk' refer to in English conversation?

Speaking very quietly so others cannot hear
Talking only with children
A short speech given at a small event
Light, casual conversation about unimportant topics (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Light, casual conversation about unimportant topics

Small talk is casual, friendly conversation about neutral topics like weather, sports, or weekend plans.

Question 69: Which of the following best describes an 'expository' essay?

An essay that explains or informs about a topic objectively (Correct answer)
An essay that tells a personal story
An essay that argues a controversial position
An essay that describes a place or person vividly

Correct answer: An essay that explains or informs about a topic objectively

An expository essay explains, informs, or analyzes a topic in a clear, objective manner without expressing a personal opinion.

Question 70: How does Reading Fluency & Speed impact learning English as a second language?

It applies only to writing skills.
It is only necessary for academic English.
It is not important for non-native speakers.
It plays a vital role in enhancing communication and language comprehension. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It plays a vital role in enhancing communication and language comprehension.

Developing reading fluency and speed allows ESL learners to absorb more information from texts quickly and effortlessly, which significantly enhances their overall language comprehension. This improved understanding of written material directly contributes to better vocabulary acquisition, grammatical understanding, and the ability to process complex ideas, all of which are crucial for effective communication in English.

Question 71: When Americans say someone 'has the floor,' it means that person:

Has fallen to the floor
Controls the room's temperature
Is allowed to speak in a group setting (Correct answer)
Owns the building's flooring

Correct answer: Is allowed to speak in a group setting

'Having the floor' means being given permission or recognition to speak in a meeting or discussion.

Question 72: Parents of ELL children enrolled in the programs at each school receive reports on their child's progress from Santa Fe ISD at least __________________.

Semi-annually
Weekly
Annually (Correct answer)
Monthly

Correct answer: Annually

In Texas, school districts are required to provide parents of English Language Learner (ELL) students with an annual report on their child's academic and linguistic progress. This annual report, often generated by the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC), informs parents about their child's English language proficiency levels, academic achievement, and the effectiveness of the bilingual or ESL program. This ensures transparency and parental involvement in the student's educational journey.

Question 73: Which is an example of a complex sentence?

She studied hard; she passed the exam.
She studied, and she passed.
She studied hard.
Because she studied hard, she passed the exam. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause introduced by a subordinating conjunction like 'because.'

Question 74: Which preposition correctly completes the sentence: 'The meeting is ___ Monday morning'?

on (Correct answer)
at
by
in

Correct answer: on

Use 'on' with specific days of the week and dates.

Question 75: In American English, words ending in '-tion' (like 'nation' or 'action') are typically pronounced how?

/ʃən/ — as 'shun' with unstressed schwa (Correct answer)
/tiˈɒn/ — two distinct syllables with stress on 'ti'
/tɪon/ — with a clear /t/ and /i/ sound
/θən/ — with a 'th' sound

Correct answer: /ʃən/ — as 'shun' with unstressed schwa

The '-tion' suffix is always pronounced /ʃən/ ('shun') in American English, never as two separate sounds.

Question 76: Which sentence uses the correct comparative form?

This book is more interesting than that one. (Correct answer)
This book is most interesting than that one.
This book is interestinger than that one.
This book is interesting than that one.

Correct answer: This book is more interesting than that one.

For adjectives that have three or more syllables, such as "interesting," the comparative form is created by placing "more" before the adjective. Adding "-er" (e.g., "interestinger") is incorrect for longer adjectives. The structure "more [adjective] than" is the correct way to compare two items with such adjectives.

Question 77: Which sentence correctly uses the word 'principal'?

The principal was very high on her loan.
She earned a lot of principal at the bank.
He had no principal reason to stay.
The principal idea of the essay was respect. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The principal idea of the essay was respect.

As an adjective, principal means main or most important, so 'principal idea' is correct.

Question 78: At a parent-teacher conference, the teacher says your child is 'doing well but could use improvement in reading.' What does this mean?

Your child's reading skills are perfect.
Your child should change schools.
Your child is performing adequately overall but needs to improve in reading. (Correct answer)
Your child is failing all subjects.

Correct answer: Your child is performing adequately overall but needs to improve in reading.

'Doing well' means performing adequately, and 'could use improvement in' is a polite phrase meaning a skill needs more development.

Question 79: Choose the word that has the OPPOSITE meaning of 'temporary':

lasting
short
permanent (Correct answer)
brief

Correct answer: permanent

Permanent means lasting forever or for a long time, which is the opposite of temporary.

Question 80: You want to ask for directions to the library. Which sentence is correct?

Where is the library at?
Library, where?
I need library direction.
Could you tell me how to get to the library? (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Could you tell me how to get to the library?

'Could you tell me how to get to...' is a polite and grammatically correct way to ask for directions.

ESL Placement Test (ACCUPLACER ESL)

The ACCUPLACER ESL test assesses English language proficiency for non-native speakers in reading, listening, language use, sentence meaning, and writing for academic placement.

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

50%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds