TESL/Applied Linguistics: English Placement Test FAQ

The information provided in this FAQ is for informational purpose only.  Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for the exact ISU rules regarding non-native speakers of English.  

 

Q1. What is the English Placement Test?

A1. The English Placement Test is a test designed to assess non-native English-speaking students’ English proficiency in terms of their listening, reading, and writing abilities.  It consists of a 30-minute writing assessment (chiefly responding to an essay prompt), a reading assessment (responding to questions based on several passages), and a listening assessment (listening to short lectures and responding to questions).  The results of the test are used to determine whether non-native English speaking ISU students have met the English requirement (i.e., no further English as a Second Language instruction is required) or whether students need to take additional ESL classes.  Thus the EPT results are used to place ISU students into the respective courses, as needed. 

Q2. Who must take the English Placement Test?

A2. Generally, all non-native English speaking ISU students are required to take the English Placement Test prior to their first semester at Iowa State University.  
However, some exemption categories exist: First, students who have received a bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D. degree from a university in the U.S.A., Great Britain, New Zealand, or Australia do not have to take the EPT. Second, students with a TOEFL score of 640 or above (paper-based TOEFL), 270 or above (computer-based TOEFL), or 105 and above (internet-based TOEFL) are exempt from taking the EPT.  Third, students with a 26 or higher on the ACT-E, 550 or higher on the SAT-V, or a score of 8.0 or above on the IELTS are exempt from taking the EPT. The form to apply for the Graduate English Requirement Approval based on these exemption categories can be downloaded at http://www.grad-college.iastate.edu/forms/forms.html.

Q3.When is the English Placement Test administered?

A3. The English Placement is usually given at the following times:
In the fall semester, one EPT is given on Monday afternoon and one on Tuesday morning during the orientation week (i.e., the week before classes start). 
In the spring semester, the EPT is given on Wednesday morning the week before classes start. 
In the summer, the EPT is given on Wednesday morning before the second summer session starts.  In both fall and spring, there is typically a make-up EPT given in the evening on the first Tuesday of the semester.  No other EPTs are given.  For exact dates, times, and locations, refer to http://apling.public.iastate.edu/engl101.html.

Q4. I received a copy of my English Placement Test record sheet.  There is a check (ü) or ‘X’ mark next to a course name (for example, 101B/C/D or 99L/R) on the test result sheet.   What does it mean?

A4. It means you did not pass the English Placement Test, and that you need to take the course(s) marked on the results sheet.  You need to take your English classes in your first semester at Iowa State University.   Graduate students required to take English 101D may wait until their second semester.  Graduate students also need to refer to the policies outlined in the Graduate College Handbook.  Accordingly, graduate students who do not begin the English classes as required based on the English Placement Test within their first year will be unable to register for classes after that time.

Q5. I did not pass the English Placement Test.  Can I take the test next time again?

A5. No, you cannot.  All international students who need to take the EPT can only take the test one time.  However, students can take a diagnostic test for the course(s) they did not pass on the first day of the semester.

Q6. What is the “diagnostic” test?

A6.  A “diagnostic” test is given only on the first day of all ESL classes to provide students with another opportunity to get waived from the English requirements posed by Iowa State University, considering that many international students take the test within a couple of days of their arrival. In the writing courses (English 101B, C, and D), students will get a chance to write a 30-minute essay on a topic provided in class.  In English 099L, students complete a listening test consisting of various listening prompts followed by questions.  In English 099R, students respond to a series of questions based on a reading passage. 

Q7. What do I need to do to take the diagnostic test?

A7. All you need to do is go to first day of class in one of the sections offered for the course you are placed in. You do not need to sign up for the section to take the test. However, if you fail the diagnostic test, you are required to take the course.

Q8. How should I prepare for the diagnostic test?

A8. You do not need to prepare for the diagnostic test because it is to assess your general English ability in reading, listening, and/or writing.

Q9. I did not pass the English Placement Test.   May I take the course(s) next semester?

A9. Only graduate students who only placed into English 101D may take their required course during their second semester.  All other students must begin their English classes in their first semester.

Q10. I need to take one or more English courses (ENGL 099L/R, or 101B/C/D), but I cannot register for the course because it is full (based on information available in AccessPlus).  What should I do?

A10. Go to a section of the class you have been placed into and speak with the instructor to ask if you can add the courses.  If so, complete the necessary add form and get the required signatures.  Then bring it to the Office of Records and Registrar located in the Alumni Hall.   If the class is full, try another section of the same course.

Q11. Can I check my EPT test results online?

A11. If you created your NetID at least a day before coming to take the placement test and reported it during the test registration process, we will be able to post your test results on the Gradebook on the WebCT EPT course.  However, we cannot post your test results if you created your NetID on the test date or if your NetID has not been updated on the university system yet.

Q12. Can I see my test scores?

A12.  No.  Our current policy does not permit us to release actual scores to students.

Q13. Can I get feedback on my essay writing?

A13. Currently, we do not provide feedback on individual students’ essays because of time constraints and limited human resources.  The instructors in your courses will be able to provide you with feedback on the work you do for their course.

Q14. Do these English courses count toward graduation and my GPA?

A14. Please refer to the current course catalog (http://www.public.iastate.edu/~catalog/) for university policies. Specifically, look under the section on "Grading System". If questions remain, please contact your advisor. Instructors of Englis 099 and 101 sections do not have information on whether the grade counts toward the GPA. They simply report your grade.

Q15. I have additional questions.  Who should I contact? 

A15. If you have general questions about the English Placement Test or specific records about your placement, please e-mail englesl@iastate.edu or call Betty Baker at 294-3568.  If you have other questions, please contact Prof. Volker Hegelheimer at 294-2282.  

 

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