Accuplacer Placement Test. What’s it all about? During this workshop, we will review a number of
elements that are key to understanding the Accuplacer exam and what it means to you.
We will talk about what the exam is, why you sit for it and need to take it seriously. We will also
talk about what you will be tested on, and you’ll hear some suggestions for how to
best prepare. Incoming students take a placement exam to
determine which classes are the most appropriate for their enrollment. HACC wants you
to take classes that aren’t too difficult or, conversely, too easy and full of
material you have already mastered. To that end, HACC uses the Accuplacer exam developed
by the College Board. Accuplacer uses computer-adaptive software and presents the
next question based on your response to
previous questions. This allows you to answer fewer
questions while garnering highly reliable outcomes. You see a single question at a time.
All questions are multiple choice. The exam is untimed, but it commonly requires
two hours to complete. It is critical to know that you cannot fail the
placement exam. The scores you earn are used
to place you into classes that you have an
opportunity to be most successful in. Those cut
scores are determined by HACC faculty. Take your
ACCUPLACER test seriously. It impacts your course placement, your time, and your money. The first part of the exam most students see is
on Reading Comprehension. The Reading Comprehension exam evaluates a
variety of reading topics. In this profile, you read an excerpt and are asked to answer
questions on topics such as the main and
secondary ideas of a piece of writing. You will be required as
well to infer a topic and to determine its application. You may also be asked to evaluate
the relationship between two sentences. For example, does the second
sentence support the first sentence? Here are some of the reading skills you will be
tested on. Here is a sample question. You then select the correct answer, B, from the
list of choices based on your understanding of the
relationship between these two sentences. Here is another sample question. You then select the correct answer, D, from the
list of choices based on your understanding of the
stated or implied main idea. The English placement profile includes a required
writing sample, the Writeplacer. You will be given one topic on which to write. The
essay sample you may be required to provide is typed into a text box which will scroll
as you write. The Writeplacer evaluates writing to determine if it is holistically
sound in its development and if the ideas are communicated effectively. Writeplacer
does not evaluate your opinion, just how well-supported it is. To ensure your best
score, make sure your essay has a main idea that is strongly supported and well organized. These are the key evaluation criteria. You will see
them again at the start of the Writeplacer exam.
Purpose & Focus – Is the information presented
in a unified, coherent manner?Does it clearly
address issue/topic? Org & Structure – Is there a clear order to ideas
and is there a connection between ideas and the
topic? Dev & Support – Are ideas well developed and
supported? Sentences – Do the sentences demonstrate a control of vocabulary,
voice, and structure?
Conventions – Does the writing follow standard English conventions in
terms of grammar and syntax?
Critical thinking – Does the writing communicate
a point of view and reasoned relationships
between ideas? This is an example of a typical Writeplacer
prompt. The Math exam draws from more than 400
nationally-normed items. Accuplacer uses computer-adaptive technology, allowing you to
answer a question based on a pattern of answers to previous questions. And each
question is weighted, which allows Accuplacer to
show a test taker just 12 of them during the Elementary
Algebra profile. Placement into most HACC math classes requires completion of a
Math testing profile. Many students see just one of the placement exams – Elementary
Algebra. Some students are required to complete a second profile, which we call a
branch – either Arithmetic or College Math. If a second math exam is required, it automatically
appears as part of the exam. You will be allowed to use an electronic calculator
for SOME math questions. Only the Accuplacer pop-up calculator is permitted. It is
provided when the question doesn’t test computation skills. For example, if you need to
find the estimated value of 9.75 times 3.5, the calculator will not be provided. The
item is testing an arithmetic skill. However, if you need to find the area of a
rectangle, the calculator WILL be provided. Accuplacer is assessing your knowledge of the
formula for area as well as the application of the formula. Assessing arithmetic skills here is
not the primary objective. Within Elementary Algebra’s 12 questions, you
are required to show knowledge in a range of
topics. For example, you may see this question – If x
squared minus x minus 6 equals 0, then x is….. Using algebra skills, you should arrive at answer
A. If you are required to take the Arithmetic portion of
the test, you will be asked to show knowledge in
these specific areas. For example, you may see this question. Similarly, you may be required to complete the
College Math profile, which includes 20 questions, which will test your knowledge of
these specific areas. Here’s an example of a College Math question: If f
of x equals x cubed minus x plus 2, then f of negative x equals…. Using algebra skills, you
should arrive at answer D. As you work through a math branching profile,
remember a few keys: First, the exams are adaptive, which means the difficulty level of each
new question will be based on how you answered previous questions. It is also
untimed. Answer each question to the best of your ability. And use the scratch paper and
pencil provided to you. When you have completed Accuplacer, you will
see a screen similar to this one. You will not be able to view your scores
immediately. You will find out your course placements at your meeting with your advisor. Some students may be testing but have a
different set of conditions. If you list a language as something other than English on the
HACC application, you may take an ESL placement exam. If you would like to explore an
exam accommodation for a disability, you should speak to the campus Disability
Services coordinator prior to testing. As you begin the exam, keep in mind that most
students complete the exam in about 2 hours. Pay attention and carefully read all test
instructions and questions. If you don’t know an answer, try to eliminate one or
two of the choices you know are incorrect. If you are feeling overwhelmed during testing,
take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Take the test seriously and carefully. Maintain a
positive mindset and try your best. For more information, visit or contact the
following offices or visit these websites. Good luck on your exam!

ACCUPLACER Placement Test What’s it all about? http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Introduction ACCUPLACER Placement Test What it is Why it is so important What test sections are included How you can best prepare http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG What is ACCUPLACER? Placement test: Results are used to “place” you into classes at HACC Developed by the College Board (SAT, PSAT, etc.) Features: Internet-based Computer-adaptive Single item focus Untimed http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG General Placement Test Policies NO handheld calculators or electronic devices are permitted Scratch paper and pencils will be provided No food or drink allowed in test room Must have photo ID in order to test http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Why is it important? It is not a pass or fail test HACC uses your test results to determine appropriate course placement Take your ACCUPLACER test seriously It impacts your course placement, your time, and your money http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Reading Comprehension http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Colle gewide_2C_2.JPG Reading Comprehension 20 multiple-choice questions Sentence relationships and reading passages Measures how well students understand what they read. Adaptive: The difficulty level of new questions will be based on how you answered previous questions. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Colle gewide_2C_2.JPG Reading Comprehension continued… Specific reading skills tested: Main idea and supporting details Words in context Author’s purpose and tone Sentence relationships Facts and opinions Inferences and conclusions http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Sample: Sentence Relationships For the question that follows, two underlined sentences are followed by a question or statement. Read the sentences, then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion to the statement. The midwest is experiencing its worst drought in 15 years. Corn and soybean prices are expected to be very high this year. What does the second sentence do? It restates the idea found in the first. It states an effect. It gives an example. It analyzes the statement made in the first. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Sample: Reading Passage Read the statement or passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the statement or passage. Myths are stories, the product of fertile imaginations, sometimes simple, often containing profound truths. They are not meant to be taken too literally. Details may sometimes appear childish, but most myths express a culture's most serious beliefs about human beings, eternity, and God. The main idea of this passage is that myths are created primarily to entertain young children. are purposely written for the reader who lacks imagination. provide the reader with a means of escape from reality. illustrate the values that are considered important to a society. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Essay http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Colle gewide_2C_2.JPG Writeplacer – Essay Sample One prompt Scrolling text box You should compose a multiple-paragraph writing sample of about 300-600 words on your given topic. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Writeplacer Instructions to Students This test measures your ability to write effectively, which is critical to academic success. Your writing sample will be given a holistic score that represents how clearly and effectively you expressed your position. The following characteristics of writing will be considered: • Focus – The extent to which you present an idea or point of view. • Organization and Structure – The extent to which you structure and order ideas. • Development and Support – The extent to which you develop and support ideas. • Sentence Structure – The extent to which you create well structured sentences and paragraphs. • Mechanical Conventions – The extent to which your writing is free of grammatical and mechanical errors. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Sample Prompt Passage: Some schools require each student to participate in an organized school sport chosen by the student. People at these schools argue that athletics is an important part of the educational experience and that there should be a rule requiring participation. Others argue that students should be free to decide whether or not they wish to participate in organized school sports. Assignment: Write an essay for a classroom instructor in which you take a position on whether participation in organized school athletics should be required. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Math http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Colle gewide_2C_2.JPG Math Profile Begins with Elementary Algebra. May branch to Arithmetic OR College Math based on previous answers. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Colle gewide_2C_2.JPG Calculators Pop-up standard calculator icon will appear only for certain math problems. Aids in solving rather than in generating a solution Ensures consistency Pop-up Button Calculator http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Colle gewide_2C_2.JPG Elementary Algebra 12 multiple-choice questions Specific topics include integers and rational numbers absolute values and ordering algebraic expressions simple formulas and exponents simplifying algebraic fractions factoring solutions of equations inequalities and word problems http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Sample Elementary Algebra Question Q: If x2-x-6=0, then x is -2 or 3 -1 or 6 1 or -6 2 or -3 Answer: A http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Colle gewide_2C_2.JPG Arithmetic 17 multiple-choice questions Specific areas include whole numbers, fractions, mixed numbers decimals and percents equivalencies and estimates application and problem solving rates, measurements, basic geometry, distributions http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Sample Arithmetic Question Q: All of the following are ways to write 20 percent of N, except 0.20 N 20/100 N 1/5 N 20N Answer: D http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG College Math 20 multiple-choice questions Specific skills include Algebraic operations Equations and Inequalities Coordinate geometry Functions Trigonometry Applications and other Algebra Topics http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Sample College Math Question Q: If f(x) = x4-x+2, then f(-x)= x4-x x4+x x4-x+2 x4+x+2 x4-x-2 Answer: D http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Colle gewide_2C_2.JPG Tips for math… Remember, the test is adaptive. The test is untimed. Take your time and work each problem out to the best of your ability. Use your scratch paper. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/AlumniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG C:\Documents and Settings\dshouloo\Desktop\Individual Score Report 1.gif Additional Considerations Some students may be required to take the ESL placement test section multiple choice sentence meaning and language usage Office for Disabilities grants exam accommodations when required http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG Taking the Test Allot 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Pay attention and carefully read all test instructions and questions. If you don’t know an answer, try to eliminate one or two of the choices you know are incorrect. If you are feeling overwhelmed during testing, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Take the test seriously and carefully. Maintain a positive mindset and try your best. http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG For more information Visit the HACC Placement Testing homepage Download the College Board’s Sample Questions for Students Visit Accuplacer for more information Contact your campus Advising Office Good luck on your exam! http://www.hacc.edu/AboutUs/Alu mniAssociation/images/HACC_Collegewide_2C_2.JPG