Next-Generation Accuplacer Tests
Description of Computerized Testing, Test Sections and Sample Test Questions
Description of Computerized Testing
Description of ESL Test Sections
DESCRIPTION OF COMPUTERIZED TESTING
You will take the test at a personal computer, using the keyboard to type your essay and the mouse to click on answers to multiple-choice questions. The testing instructions and procedures are simple, so prior computer experience is not necessary. A Test Administrator will always be present should you have any questions or problems.
Answering the Questions: The questions will appear one at a time on the computer screen. Most questions are multiple choice and all you will need to do is select the desired answer. When you have completed the question and verified your answer, a new screen will appear with your next question. Each test is untimed so that you can give each question as much thought as you wish. However, once you have verified your answer you cannot change it or return to that question. You must answer each question presented, even if you have to guess. You cannot skip questions. You will be given scratch paper to use, if you wish, during the math test(s).
Adaptive Testing: Each multiple-choice test section typically takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, you may take as long as you need to complete each multiple choice test. Except for the essay, the tests are untimed. Each test is designed using adaptive techniques. This means that the computer automatically determines which questions are presented to you based on your responses to prior questions. This technique "zeroes-in" on just the right questions to ask you without being too easy or too difficult. The greater your demonstrated skill level, the more challenging will be the questions presented to you.
Adaptive Test Sequencing: The adaptive nature of computerized testing also enables the administration of different tests to students with differing abilities. Kean University uses this feature in the administration of the math test sections. All students testing for math begin by taking the Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) section. Then, depending on their score, some students are shifted to the Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) test, while others require no additional testing beyond the Quantitative Reasoning (QAS) test.
Other Computer Issues: Although our students rarely encounter computer or internet-connection problems when testing, trained staff will always be available should you need assistance. Because your answers are automatically saved by ACCUPLACER On-Line as you progress through the tests, you do not have to worry about losing your work in the rare event that the computer you are using “freezes” or some other computer malfunction occurs. You can always resume your test in progress after we re-boot your computer or resume at another computer without losing any of your work.
DESCRIPTION OF NEXT-GENERATION TEST SECTIONS (College Board, 2018)
Essay (WritePlacer) (50 minutes) assesses the writing skills of new college students.
WritePlacer gives students an opportunity to show how effectively they can develop and express their ideas in writing. They will first read a short passage and an assignment question that are focused on an important issue. Students will then write an essay in which they develop their own point of view. Students will need to support their position with appropriate reasoning and examples. The position the student takes will not influence their score. The essay will be given a holistic score that represents how clearly and effectively they express their position. Scores on WritePlacer range from 1 to 8. An essay that is too short to be evaluated, written on a topic other than the one presented, or written in a language other than English will be given a score of zero.
The following six characteristics of writing will be considered:
- Purpose and Focus – The extent to which the writer presents information in a unified and coherent manner, clearly addressing the issue.
- Organization and Structure – The extent to which the writer orders and connects ideas.
- Development and Support – The extent to which the writer develops and supports ideas.
- Sentence Variety and Style – The extent to which the writer crafts sentences and paragraphs demonstrating control of vocabulary, voice, and structure.
- Mechanical Conventions – The extent to which the writer expresses ideas using Standard Written English.
- Critical Thinking – The extent to which the writer communicates a point of view and demonstrates reasoned relationships among ideas.
Next-Generation Reading (computer-adaptive) (untimed)
Next‐Generation Reading will be composed of 20 multiple‐choice questions. New will be the use of set‐based questions which include a longer reading passage with 4 questions. The first set will include 4 questions based on a literary passage while the second set will have 4 questions based on a pair of shorter passages. The remaining 12 questions will have individual, brief informational passages for each question or will be a single‐sentence vocabulary question.
Four broad knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Information and Ideas
- Rhetoric
- Synthesis
- Vocabulary
Next-Generation Reading Sample Questions
Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) (computer-adaptive) (untimed)
The Next-Generation QAS test consists of 20 multiple‐choice questions.
An on‐screen calculator is available to the student only on selected questions. For QAS, the student can select either a square root calculator or the 4‐function option if the question allows a choice.
The following knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Rational numbers
- Ratio and Proportional Relationships
- Exponents
- Algebraic Expressions
- Linear Equations
- Linear Applications and Graphs
- Probability Sets
- Descriptive Statistics
- Geometry Concepts
Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) Sample Questions
Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) (computer-adaptive) (untimed)
The Next-Generation AAF test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions.
An on‐screen calculator is available to the student only on selected questions. For AAF, the question may provide access to a graphing calculator if appropriate.
The following knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Linear equations
- Linear applications
- Factoring
- Quadratics
- Functions
- Radical and rational equations
- Polynomial equations
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
- Geometry concepts
- Trigonometry
Next-Generation Advanced Algebra & Functions (AAF) Sample Questions
DESCRIPTION OF ESL TEST SECTIONS (College Board, 2018)
ESL Essay (Writeplacer) (50 minutes)
This test measures your ability to write effectively, which is critical to academic success. You will type and edit your essay at the computer. You will not be able to use spelling or grammar-checking tools. Your writing sample will be scored on the basis of how effectively it communicates a whole message to the readers for the stated purpose. Your score will also be based on your ability to express, organize, and support your opinions and ideas, not the position you take on the essay topic.
The following characteristics of writing will be considered:
- Organization and Development – The extent to which the writer is able to focus on the assigned topic and to develop ideas clearly.
- Word Use – The extent to which the writer is able to use a wide range of words and phrases accurately.
- Sentence Use – The extent to which the writer is able to use a variety of sentence patterns with both independent and dependent clauses.
- Grammar– The extent to which the writer is able to express ideas using grammatically correct English.
ESL Reading Skills (20 questions)
The ESL Reading Skills test measures your ability to read English. Specifically, it assesses your comprehension of short passages. It contains brief passages of 50 words or less and moderate length passages of 50 to 90 words. Half of this test contains straightforward comprehension items (paraphrase, locating information, vocabulary on a phrase level, and pronoun reference). The other half assesses inference skills (main idea, fact versus opinion, cause/effect logic, identifying irrelevant information, author’s point of view, and applying the author’s logic to another situation).
ESL Language Use (20 questions)
The ESL Language Use test measures your proficiency in using correct grammar in English sentences. There are five content areas measured on this test:
- Nouns, Pronouns, Pronoun Case Structure
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Comparatives, Adverbs, Adjectives
- Verbs
- Subordination/Coordination
ESL Reading and Language Use Sample Questions
Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) (computer-adaptive) (untimed)
The Next-Generation QAS test consists of 20 multiple‐choice questions.
An on‐screen calculator is available to the student only on selected questions. For QAS, the student can select either a square root calculator or the 4‐function option if the question allows a choice.
The following knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Rational numbers
- Ratio and Proportional Relationships
- Exponents
- Algebraic Expressions
- Linear Equations
- Linear Applications and Graphs
- Probability Sets
- Descriptive Statistics
- Geometry Concepts
Next-Generation Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS) Sample Questions
Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) (computer-adaptive) (untimed)
The Next-Generation AAF test consists of 20 multiple-choice questions.
An on‐screen calculator is available to the student only on selected questions. For AAF, the question may provide access to a graphing calculator if appropriate.
The following knowledge and skill categories are assessed:
- Linear equations
- Linear applications
- Factoring
- Quadratics
- Functions
- Radical and rational equations
- Polynomial equations
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
- Geometry concepts
- Trigonometry
Next-Generation Advanced Algebra & Functions (AAF) Sample Questions