ACT COMPASS-ESL
Grammar/Usage and Reading Tests
Purpose: To assess English language and reading
proficiency of non-native English-speaking
postsecondary students for placement in higher
education courses or intensive English programs.
Target: Adult English language learners.
Method and format: Multiple-choice format
questions delivered through ACT's computer-adaptive
COMPASS system, running in a Windows
environment.
Content:
- Grammar/Usage: The test assesses ability in two
main areas: sentence elements, and sentence
structure and syntax. The sentence elements addressed include verbs, subjects and objects,
modifiers, function words, conventions
(punctuation, capitalization, spelling), and word
formation. The sentence structure and syntax abilities include word order, relationships between
and among clauses, and agreement, as well as how
grammar relates to communication beyond the
sentence level. Some items use a modified cloze
format, with blanks in sentences and choices to fill
in the blanks. When students click on an answer,
the program places their selection into the blank so
it can be read in context. Other items offer a
question with four options, based on a reading
passage. These items test students' understanding
of how words function within a text.
- Reading: The test assesses ability in referring
(reading explicitly stated material) and reasoning
(inferential reading). The content of each area
varies on the test according to levels of English
proficiency, with more emphasis on referring at the
lower levels and more on reasoning at the higher
levels. Most materials are passages, ranging in
length from several sentences to many paragraphs.
Most passages are authentic, although they may be
edited, especially at the lower proficiency levels.
Students also may be asked to interpret
photographs, tables, charts, or graphs, or to follow
directions using a map or other diagram.
Administration time: Depends on how the
administering institution sets up the test.
Levels and scoring: The test was designed to assess
skills from word-picture correlation to academic
inferential listening. It is effective for placement but
not comprehensive enough to assess achievement.
Reliability/validity: No information available from
publisher. |
Number of forms: One
Materials available: Package includes test
materials, proficiency descriptors, reporting/data management material
ACT
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P.O. Box 168
Iowa City, Iowa 52243-0168
319/337-1053
http://www.act.org |