English COMPASS Placement Test Study Guide
COMPASS Writing Skills Test
This test measures your knowledge of English grammar, sentence structure
and style. Don't panic! You're not going to be asked to diagram sentences.
In fact, all you need to perform well on this multiple-choice test
is "a
good 'feel' for what's wrong with a sentence without knowing the grammatical
term for what's wrong. The COMPASS Writing Skills test doesn't require
you to know the technical terms, just which answer is best" (North Seattle
Community College).
Web sites that might help you review sample writing skills questions,
grammar and style:
COMPASS Reading Comprehension Test
"The best way to prepare for the COMPASS Reading test is to read
often. Half an hour a day is a good minimum. If you are not someone
who reads a lot, you might start with what's fun -- read about a subject
or hobby you enjoy. Reading is part of every class you'll take in college;
cultivating a reading habit is one of the best things you can do" (
North Seattle Community College).
Web sites that might help you review sample reading
skills questions:
- Sample
COMPASS Reading Test Questions - This site provides sample reading
questions from the COMPASS English Test that will show you the format
and style of the test.
- Reading
Test Screen Shots - This document from ACT (which produces
COMPASS), gives a number of questions and will further familiarize
you with the test's layout and content.
COMPASS eWrite Essay Test The eWrite test asks students to compose a short essay in response
to a specific question. Generally the question asks you to write a
letter to a person or group (the school principal, your village council,
a newspaper, etc.) in which you defend your point of view on an issue.
A strong eWrite essay will contain the following elements:
- A first paragraph that restates the question in your own words,
then makes clear your response to that question and gives a roadmap
for the organization of your argument, briefly listing the points
you'll be making in your essay.
- Well-organized paragraphs that follow the outline you provided
in your opening paragraph.
- Four to five paragraphs total.
- A variety of sentence structures
and word choices.
- Examples and evidence to support each point you
make.
- Transitions between ideas and paragraphs (words like 'then',
'next', 'on the other hand', 'similarly', and 'however').
It's worth noting that while grammar and spelling "count" on
eWrite, they're not nearly as important as organization, transitions,
evidence, and word/sentence variety.
The best way to prepare for this test is to start reading editorials
in the newspapers and magazines you enjoy. Focus on the editorials
written by a given publication's staff, as those will frequently be
more reliable models than "letters to the editor."
You may also find it helpful to consider a local issue you're interested
in (school funding or closures, building "big-box" stores
in your neighborhood, cutting farm subsidies, etc.). Try writing a
one-sentence summary of your opinion on that issue and then coming
up with points to support that opinion. Then consider what evidence
from your experience, reading, and observations you could use to support
each point.
English Department Website
Last Modified:
February 14, 2008
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