English Placement Test (EPT) & Math Placement Test (MPT)

Create an outline of the essay before you write. Consider the topic and the outline when you write the introduction. Review the introduction and your topic sentences to prepare the conclusion.

Introduction (1 paragraph)

• This paragraph introduces the topic, providing context or background of the controversy.
• Do not use generalizations about the topic but instead create a focus that leads the reader to the thesis.
• The thesis provides a clear statement of your position on this issue.
• The thesis should control the content (information, evidence, and examples) that is given as support in the body paragraphs.

Body (3 – 5 paragraphs)

• Organize the points you will make in an order that makes sense and creates a flow that leads from one idea to the next.
• You may include one paragraph that takes a position that opposes yours and then provide evidence that shows why that position is incorrect and yours is correct.
• Make an argument; do not just express an opinion. Arguments are based on evidence, so use the evidence to come to a valid conclusion.
• Use a variety of kinds of evidence: facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions as well as well as personal observations and experiences.
• Use transition words and phrases to connect each of your ideas to the next.
• Relate each paragraph explicitly to your thesis. If something does not relate to your thesis, remove it.

Conclusion (1 paragraph)

• Remind the reader of the issue and its relevance.
• Summarize your own arguments, point by point, to reinforce your position.
• Restate your thesis in new words.

How Is Your EPT Essay Evaluated?

This test measures your ability to write effectively, which is a skill critical to your academic success. Your writing is evaluated on its content, organization, and language, as explained below.

CONTENT: The extent to which the essay demonstrates understanding and writing skill in

• Content selection
  • completes the task (persuasive essay)
  • provides reasonable, well-chosen argument and relevant main ideas that control the details
  • expresses your own ideas
• Content development
  • makes the controlling argument and main ideas clear
  • uses relevant, insightful, and balanced supporting evidence to develop the ideas
  • does not use famous quotes or fabricated data as ‘proof’

ORGANIZATION: The extent to which your writing is

• Readable (having clear structure that gives direction to the reader)
  • the introduction effectively presents the controlling idea, which orients the reader to the purpose, the topic and the position
  • body paragraphs maintain and support the position by using topic sentences that control the evidence provided
  • the concluding paragraph reinforces the stated position and provides closure
• Coherent (providing unity and fluency) 
  • the main points are given explicitly and are supported by details that clarify, explain, and reassert
  • sentences are carefully constructed to be clear and to follow one another in a logical or reasonable order to create a flow of ideas
  • paragraphs are logically and meaningfully connected to create unity of thought

LANGUAGE: The extent to which your written English is

• Appropriate
  • suitable for academic writing, not conversational
  • reflective of the task
  • distanced from the audience
• Meaningful
  • concise – e.g., avoiding wordiness and repetition
  • clear – e.g., using suitable word choices
• Accurate  
  • sentence forms – e.g., complete sentences; balance of types (simple/complex; varied lengths and structures)
  • grammar and mechanics – e.g., proper use of verb/word forms, subject-verb agreement, articles; commas and periods

What Score Do You Need?