TSI Reading Practice Test

The English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) test is one of three tests that comprise the TSIA2. Mathematics and Essay are the other two tests that form the TSIA2. Registration fees vary by educational facility, and the exam is computer-delivered in a testing center, usually at the campus of the future school.

This article discusses the college readiness classification (CRC) and diagnostic test portion of the ELAR test.

Q

Is there a fee for the exam?

A

There is a fee, but the fee varies from school to school. Be sure to contact your school or university to find out what the fee is.

Q

Who is exempt from taking the test?

A

The test is given to students who seem to not be fully prepared for college-level work. Those exempt from taking the TSI test include:

  • Individuals serving or served on active duty as a member of the United States Military.
  • Students who are enrolled in a certificate program.
  • Students already completing college-level English and math courses with a passing grade.
  • Those students who scored high on tests, including the SAT, ACT, and STAAR assessment may also be exempt from taking the TSI test. An individual will have needed to score a 500 in reading and math on the SAT, a 3 in writing, or a 19 for English and math on the ACT. For those taking STAAR exams, in order to be considered for exemption, you will need to score at least 2000 points in writing and reading, and 4000 points in algebra.

Q

Where can I take the TSI exam?

A

The exam can be taken at pretty much any college, university, or assessment center that administers the TSI test. The school you plan to attend may also offer the test onsite. Contact your school for additional information about where you will be taking the test.

Q

What is the format of the TSIA2 ELAR exam?

A

The TSIA2 consists of three tests: a college readiness classification (CRC) test, a diagnostic test, and a 500-600-word essay.

The ELAR CRC and Diagnostic tests contain computer-delivered, adaptive, multiple-choice questions. “Adaptive” means that the questions increase or decrease in difficulty based on your answers. There is no time limit for any of the ELAR tests, and you can start and stop during the administration of the exam, as long as you complete the exam within 14 calendar days. However, you must complete the essay test in one session.

Q

What will the TSIA2 CRC ELAR exam test me on?

A

The CRC test is the first exam. The CRC has 30 multiple-choice questions covering two content categories: reading-focused and writing-focused.

Reading-focused (15 questions)

The reading-focused questions measure your comprehension and analysis of literary, informational, and argumentative texts. Exam questions are divided into 1 four-item literary text analysis set, 2 paired argumentative passage items, and 9 informational text analysis varieties.

Writing-focused (15 questions)

The writing-focused questions measure your skills in revising and editing sentences, paragraphs, and early drafts of essays. Exam questions consist of 1 four-item essay revision and editing set and 11 sentence revision, editing, and completion items.

When you have reached the end of your CRC test, your answers are scored. If you meet the college-ready score range of the CRC (945-990), you move on to the essay test. If you score below 945, you are automatically routed to the Diagnostic test.

Q

What will the TSIA2 Diagnostic Test exam test me on?

A

The purpose of the Diagnostic test is to further examine your academic strengths and weaknesses in reading and writing. The Diagnostic test consists of 48 multiple-choice questions covering reading and writing. The test content is divided between two strands: Text Analysis and Synthesis (reading-focused) and Content Revision and Editing for Conventions (writing-focused). Reading-focused items are first, followed by writing-focused questions.

Reading questions include published and commissioned passages, literary passages, and informational passages covering content areas like humanities, social science, science, practical affairs, and human relationships. Single and paired passages consist of informative/explanatory texts, narratives, and arguments. The text and passage length varies from 40 to 400 standard words. Non-passage-based items (graphical images) may also be included.

Writing questions contain published and commissioned passages from content areas including humanities, social science, science, practical affairs, and human relationships. The passages are informative/explanatory, centering on late secondary and early postsecondary bands, and range from single sentences to prose passages up to 350 standard words.

There is no time limit for the Diagnostic test.

Text Analysis and Synthesis: Reading-focused (24 questions)

There are 3 four-item literary text analysis sets, 2 paired argumentative passages, and 10 informational text analysis questions.

Content Revision and Editing for Conventions: Writing-focused (24 questions)

There are 3 four-item essay revision and editing sets and 12 questions focusing on sentence revision, editing, and completion.

To complete the ELAR suite of exams and move on to the essay test, you need to receive a diagnostic score of 5 or 6. A score less than 5 ends your ELAR testing session.  

Q

Is there a pass/fail score on the TSI test?

A

There is no pass/fail score on the test. However, there are two ways to receive a college-ready classification. The first is by achieving a CRC test score between 945 and 990 and a 5 on the essay. The second is by attaining a CRC test score less than 945, a 5 or 6 on the Diagnostic test, and a 5 on the essay. If your score combination does not meet the benchmark scores, you are determined “not college-ready.” When you have completed your tests, you receive an Individual Score Report. The report is a valuable tool to help you and your academic advisor plan your courses or identify the steps you need to complete to become college-ready.

Q

What will the day of the exam be like?

A

You will want to arrive at your test site at least fifteen minutes early to avoid being late. You will need to have with you government-issued photo identification. Personal belongings such as cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed in the exam room with you. Check with your testing site to see if they offer storage for personal belongings.

Q

When will I receive my test results?

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Your test results will be available to you immediately upon completion of your exam. If you get a high score on the TSI exam, you may send the results to the college you plan on attending to continue the enrollment process.

Q

What if I don’t get a high score on the test?

A

If you take the test and end up getting a low score, you may take it again. There is no limit to how many times someone can take the TSI test. However, it is recommended that you take some time to study instead of immediately scheduling another testing appointment. Getting a low score on the TSI exam does not disqualify you from attending the college you want to go to, but the higher the grade you get, the lower your chances of having to take prerequisite courses.

Q

How can I study for the TSI test?

A

The best way to prepare for the TSI test is to begin studying as soon as possible. Mometrix Test Preparation offers an in-depth study guide along with a mobile-friendly online course, and flashcards specifically designed to help students prepare for the TSI test. The goal of Mometrix is to help test-takers study efficiently and effectively. Our study guide, flashcards, and online prep course not only help you study, but they also offer practice questions similar to the ones you will find on the actual exam. Mometrix helps you to apply what you learn so that on the day of your test, you will be ready to score high.


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