essay prompts tsi

TSI Essay Practice Test

Take a TSI essay practice test to help you prepare for the essay portion of your TSIA2 exam.

You will find 4 different TSI writing prompts below. Each prompt follows the style you will see on the actual exam. Start preparing for your TSI essay below!

• TSI Essay Test 1
• TSI Essay Test 2
• TSI Essay Test 3
• TSI Essay Test 4

You can prepare for other sections of the exam by visiting our TSI practice home.

TSI Essay Overview

The TSI essay is designed to test your ability to write and communicate your thoughts. You will find the essay on the ELAR portion of the TSIA2 exam.

You can expect the following:

• 300-600 Word Essay Style Response

Your essay will be graded on the following 6 characteristics:

• Purpose and Focus: Ability to present information in a clear and unified way.
• Organization and Structure: Ability to order your essay and connect thoughts.
• Development and Support: Ability to develop ideas and support them.
• Sentence Variety and Style: Ability to create sentences and paragraphs with a control over vocab, structure, and voice.
• Mechanical Conventions: Ability to express ideas with proper English and grammar.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to communicate and think in a critical manner.

You will need to score 5+ on the essay portion of the TSIA2. Remember, the essay is given along with the ELAR section.

TSI Essay FAQs

Is the tsi essay timed.

The TSI essay is not timed. You can complete it on your own time. However, it must be completed in one session (no breaks).

How long should my TSI essay be?

Your TSI essay should be between 300 and 600 words. This is also stated in the directions given to you before you start.

How is the TSI essay graded?

• Purpose and Focus
• Organization and Structure
• Development and Support
• Sentence Variety and Style
• Mechanical Conventions
• Critical Thinking

• Authored By: Dave Evangelisti
• Last Updated August 2, 2023

TSI Writing Practice Test

Here is our free TSI Writing practice test. The latest version of the TSI test has 30 questions on the English Language Arts and Reading test. We have divided this into two parts. This practice test covers the Language Arts section with 15 challenging practice questions. Question types include sentence revision and essay revision. Try our TSI Writing practice test to ensure that you are fully prepared.

For questions 1–11, select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first answer.

To swim, to jog, and spinning are my aunt’s favorite ways of maintaining her health., returning to his old job, everything there looked the same as john remembered., mount kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in tanzania, being the highest mountain in africa., i was alarmed by the noise looking through the window to see who was outside., scientists have found evidence that acid rain was a major cause of the largest extinction on earth 250 million years ago., rushing to the scene, the frightened cat was stuck high in the tree and had to be pulled down by the firemen., you should never leave your car running while filling the gas tank although it is cold., alex was given the cold shoulder to mary ann ever since he heard about her rude comments., he was sure that to kill a mockingbird was his favorite novel, but he just couldn’t explain why he loved it so much., if the roads were covered in snow and ice, so kate decided to cancel her dinner plans., the constant noise was driving the poor woman insane, she had to find some peace and quiet soon., for questions 12–15, read this early draft of an essay and then answer the questions that follow., in context, which of the following sentences would best be inserted after sentence 3, in context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 2 and 3 (reproduced below), in context, where would the following sentence best be placed, which of the following sentences from the passage could best be deleted without losing too much essential information.

Writing the TSI Essay: Strategies for Success

Writing a persuasive essay isn’t difficult, but writing an effective one does require thought and strategy. And when there’s some pressure to write that essay, like when students are writing a persuasive essay for the TSI, it can be even harder to think on the fly.

Many Texas high school students will take the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) test to evaluate their essential reading, writing, and math skills to ensure they’re prepared to succeed in freshman-level dual credit or college courses.

While writing a successful TSI essay or five-paragraph persuasive essay for English classes is much different than writing a successful personal statement, statement of purpose , or supplemental essay (the writing topics I normally cover), I thought this topic was worth discussing.

In this post, we’ll explore what the TSI persuasive essay is , how your essay is evaluated , and the strategies you can implement to achieve your desired score. I’ll also give you some links to sample TSI essays, responses, and other resources . 

About the TSI Essay

For the essay portion of the TSI, you’ll receive a random essay prompt, which consists of:

• A short passage to read that’s based on an important issue
• Instructions for picking a point of view to support and then writing a persuasive essay on that point of view

You’ll need to write a roughly 500- to 600-word persuasive essay with four to five paragraphs (an opening, a closing, and three body paragraphs). The TSI is an untimed test, so you have as much time as you need. Don’t rush. Take your time and be thoughtful about your answer, even if you’d rather be anywhere than taking the test.

The TSI doesn't expect you to have any particular knowledge to answer the prompt (e.g., the prompt won’t assume you’ve read a certain book or have detailed knowledge of an event). Instead, the topic will require you to pick a side of a debatable topic/current event and then defend that side. Keep in mind that the chosen issue doesn’t have a right or wrong answer, so you won’t be judged on the position you take. 

How You’ll Be Evaluated on the TSI Essay

Reviewers will evaluate your essay on these six factors, according to Mometrix Test Preparation :

• Purpose and focus. Is the information you're presenting unified, coherent, and cohesive? Do you address the issue and your position clearly? Do you keep with that position?
• Organization and structure. Are your ideas and paragraphs connected in an orderly, logical fashion? Does your organization result in a clear path from one point to another? 
• Development and support. Have you developed your Ideas? Do your statements support your thesis and build upon one another, leading to a clearly developed statement or call to action? Do you give examples, explanations, and definitions? Does this supporting text help convince the reader?
• Sentence variety and style. Are your sentences and paragraphs exhibiting control of vocabulary, voice, and structure? Do you use strong action verbs and a varied word choice? Are you using active voice and writing using the same person (I)?
• Mechanical conventions. Do the ideas you express show an understanding of standard English conventions (proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and more – all the things you were tested on in the Writing Test section of the TSI).
• Critical thinking. Does your point of view demonstrate an understanding of the relationship that exists between ideas? Are you expressing thoughts that are well-reasoned and supported? Do you clearly identify and support your point of view? Are your arguments logical enough to convince the reader of your position?

Scoring the TSI Essay: What You're Aiming for

You’ll receive a score of 1-8 on each of the six sections (although you’ll see only one overall 1-8 score), and a “college ready” score is 5 or higher. Essays that are too short to be evaluated against these criteria, that miss addressing the prompt completely, or that aren’t written in English will automatically receive a 0. 

Keep in mind that a computer scores these essays, so you’re just trying to show the computer you can form a logical, well-developed argument – and use solid grammar and spelling and a decent writing style.

TSI Essay Examples

Check out these TSI essay samples from the College Board , which evaluate essays scored 1-8 and explain why these sample TSI essays received the score they did and how they could’ve been improved. 

Again, you won’t be scored on your actual opinion, so don’t be concerned you’ll “lose points” if you support the less popular perspective.

Steps to Writing Your TSI Essay

Writing an effective, high-scoring essay means taking your time going through each step and really planning out your essay. While the planning portion doesn’t need to take a lot of time, but it will help you in the end by making your essay flow better and being well-thought-out.

Four important steps go into writing a great TSI essay.

1. Understand the Assignment

• Read the passage and the prompt. Read it again!
• Make sure you understand the TSI essay prompt, the issue it’s presenting, and the sides to the issue you can write about. Remember: This essay doesn’t expect you to have any technical or specific knowledge to write an effective response. Instead, you’ll use your own experiences, examples, and knowledge to defend your position.
• Consider how you’ll address the issue the passage mentions. You’ll need to pick one side of the issue to write about in your essay – even if you feel your stance on the position falls somewhere in the middle. Your score doesn't depend on which side of the issue you take; rather, it’s about how well you can support it.

2.  Make a Plan

Two of the biggest factors in a high-scoring TSI essay grade are length and clarity. As a result, you’ll want to use the scratch paper you have available to decide the position you want to take and sketch out a rough outline.

On the scratch paper:

• Decide which position of the TSI essay prompt will be easiest to write about. Making this decision could involve making a two-column table and then writing down the evidence you can think of to support each position. Usually, it will become clear which one will be easier for you to write about (hint: the column with more writing/examples in it). Once you decide your position …
• List out supporting examples. Come up with four or five examples to support your position. Bring in your personal experience and knowledge to support your response to the TSI essay prompt. The more specific, the better. Names, dates, places, conversations – these specifics will help you defend your position and earn a higher score. And they can come from anywhere – history, the news, pop culture, social media, movies/TV shows, politics, sports, entertainment, family history, quotations, personal stories, etc.. 
• Identify the three (minimum of two) strongest examples. Those will become your body paragraphs. Finally, you'll …
• Draft your thesis statement. Based on your position and examples, what is the topic of your essay, what side of the argument will you be defending, and why have you chosen that side?

3. Start Writing

With the outlining work done, you’ve done the hard part. Congratulations. But you’re just getting started. Now it’s time to put it all together into a cohesive essay. Here’s how you’ll start writing each paragraph of your TSI essay.

Introduction

Spend no more than 3-4 sentences in your opening. Even 1-2 sentences are sufficient to state your position on the assigned topic. This will be quick and to the point, letting you spend more of your time defending your position.

In your introduction:

• Introduce the reader to the topic. This may include some sort of “hook” or attention-getting sentence that highlights the issue. This could be a quote, a personal anecdote, a historical reference, or a current piece of news.
• Admission of complexity. Acknowledge that there are many sides to the issue.
• State your thesis. Clearly and definitively state your position on the matter. This should be the last sentence of the paragraph and can include mentions of the two or three pieces of supporting evidence you’ll be presenting in the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

Aim for writing three body paragraphs, but write a minimum of two. Each paragraph should have at least 4-6 sentences. Here are some other tips for writing your body paragraphs:

• Order your body paragraphs from the strongest to the weakest. Use your strongest example as your first body paragraph.
• Use transition words and phrases , like the ones below from Merriam-Webster, to signal to the reader that you're moving on to a new idea but this new paragraph is connected to the previous one. 
• Start with a topic sentence. Using a transition word or phrase, introduces your example and establish the point you’re going to make in this paragraph only.
• Next, fully describe that example. Be specific. Use the detailed examples you came up with in “Make a Plan” above. Use one example per paragraph. Be descriptive and thorough. 
• End by explaining how this example supports your thesis. This is where you’ll spend the majority of the paragraph. Use specifics and details to convince your reader how this example demonstrates the position you hold on the topic is the right one.

Much like the introduction, the conclusion will be a short (3-4 sentences, max) paragraph that sums up your position, addresses the opposing viewpoint, and leaves the reader with a closing thought.

As a result, the format might look a little like this:

• Acknowledge there’s another point of view by saying that while your position is obviously the correct one, other people believe [insert a brief summary of the opposing viewpoint].
• Briefly state why that opposing position/perspective is incorrect.
• Restate why your opinion is the right one, which may include a summary of the points you’ve made in your body paragraphs.

Note: While you are mentioning the opposing viewpoint in the closing, this is not the same as taking both sides, which I cautioned against earlier. This is mentioning the other perspective but then briefly and effectively criticizing it and showing why yours is better.

Here’s a sample conclusion from TSIPracticeTest.com that shows how you can fill in the blanks:

Although ________ is demonstrably correct, some have argued that _______, believing that ________. However, this viewpoint on the present issue is negated by ________. Rather, __________. Therefore, in the long run it is clear that _____________.

4. Proofread Your Essay

Once you think you’re done writing, you’re not. Now it’s time for editing and proofreading .

Read your essay slowly, from start to finish. Make sure your ideas make sense and support your thesis. Check that you transition from one paragraph to another. You should ensure your examples are detailed, descriptive, and support your argument. Sound good? Good. But you’re not done … yet.

Because part of your score is based on spelling, grammar, and punctuation, read the essay at least once after you think it’s done. Read it back slowly to yourself, and look for any mistakes you can correct. 

Remember: You have no time limit for writing the TSI essay, and taking your time now is better than having to take the test again because of errors you could’ve corrected.

Want More Help on the TSI Essay?

Hopefully these tips and tricks are enough to help you hit your targets when writing the TSI essay. But if you’re looking to read sample essays (and evaluations), practice with sample prompts, or learn more tips and tricks. You can find additional resources online, but some I found to be helpful are:

Sample TSI Essays and TSI Writing Resources

• Tips and Strategies for the TSI Essay
• College Board: WritePlacer Guide With Sample Essays
• Practice Test Essay
• TSI Essay Practice! – Michael Tooey (video, 01:20:36)

Support for the Full TSI

• TSI flash cards . These color-coded flash cards include study tips and cover mathematics, language arts, and reading. They also include practice questions.
• TSI Study Guide 2023-2024 (Jonathan Cox). This study guide includes 2 practice tests (one online, one in book), answers/explanations, access to online flash cards, and other study materials.
• TSI Study Guide 2023-2024 (Joshua Rueda). This study guide includes 3 practice tests, answers, and explanations; test-taking strategies; and a breakdown of each section.

Writing a college admission essay instead? The guidelines are much different. Learn how to get started with y our personal statement.

Related Posts

Related posts

Maximizing Your Chances of Admission to UT-Austin for Fall 2025

The Importance of Authentic Storytelling and Clear Communication

4 Reasons High Schoolers Should Start a Student Resume

TSIA2 Test Prep

• About the Test

TSIA Practice Test

• TSIA2 Practice Tests - Accuplacer Once you've created an account, you'll have access to TSIA2 practice tests resembling actual tests.

Chat with a Librarian

Tips and strategies.

• You will not need any outside knowledge . You will not need any technical information or understanding of specific sources.  Everything you need to answer the question will be part of the prompt.
• Select one side only .  Take a strong side on the issue you are presenting otherwise your argument will be weak.
• You will not be scored on your opinion .  Write from the view of whatever side is easiest for you to argue.  You will not receive a lower score based on personal bias.
• Don't change your position!  Keep on the same side of your argument from beginning to end.  Remember, you are allowed to request scratch paper which is a great place to write a quick outline to help you stay on topic.
• Debunk opposing arguments.   If you know the opposite side of the argument, you can argue against those points.  Just make sure you are effectively criticizing the opposite argument, otherwise your argument will appear weak.
• Your introduction and conclusion should be brief.  Keep you introduction to three or four sentences and your conclusion to one or two sentences.  The majority of your time should be spent on writing the body of your paragraphs!
• Use transition words!  This helps with the flow of your pape and makes it easier for your reader to understanding that you are moving onto another paragraph.

Essay Guidelines

The TSI essay will be evaluated on your organization, focus, development and support, sentence structure, and mechanical conventions. A simple 5 paragraph essay will help you structure your paper in an clear and concise manner.

Paragraph 1 (3-4 sentences)

• Introduce the topic.
• Express your opinion on the topic.
• Your thesis statement should be the final sentence.

Paragraph 2 (4-6 sentences)

• Provide your best point first.
• Be specific in your example.  You can pull from history, science, politics, business, entertainment, current events, personal experience, etc.
• Explain how your point supports your thesis. 

Paragraph 3 (4-6 sentences)

• Use a transition phrase in the first sentence.
• Provide a new point.  You shouldn't repeat a previously stated point.

Paragraph 4 (4-6 sentences)

Paragraph 5 (2-4 sentences).

• Reinforce how your thesis is correct.
• << Previous: Writing
• Last Updated: Feb 19, 2024 3:50 PM
• URL: https://tstc.libguides.com/tsia

TSI Practice Test

If you need help studying for the TSI test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.

Click below to take a free TSI practice test!

Subject-Specific Practice Tests

If you need some extra practice in a specific subject, click one of the subjects below to get started on a subject-specific TSI practice test.

What’s on the TSI Test?

Before we look at the specifics of the TSI test, it’s important to note that there are two different versions of the test you may have to take: the CRC test and the diagnostic test.

CRC vs. Diagnostic

The test you’re given first is called the College Readiness Classification (CRC) test. This is used to determine whether you’re ready for college-level reading, writing, and math. If you don’t perform well on a section of this test, you’ll be given that section again via a second test called the diagnostic test. This test contains slightly more detailed questions that are designed to pinpoint your specific weak points.

TSI Test Outline

The CRC version of the TSI test contains 50 questions and is split into two main parts: English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) and Mathematics.

The reading-focused questions are designed to test how well you comprehend and analyze what you read, while the writing-focused questions are designed to test how well you can revise and edit sentences, paragraphs, and essays.

In addition to these 30 multiple-choice questions, you will be asked to write an essay. The essay portion requires you to write 300-600 words in response to a given prompt. The whole point of the essay is to show how well you grasp the following qualities:

• Purpose and focus
• Organization and structure
• Development and support
• Sentence variety and style
• Mechanical conventions
• Critical thinking
• Quantitative reasoning
• Algebraic reasoning
• Geometric and spatial reasoning
• Probabilistic and statistical reasoning

It’s important to note that you will not be able to use a handheld calculator on this section of the test. A built-in calculator will pop up on the screen for some more difficult questions.

The diagnostic version of the test contains 48 multiple-choice questions per section and covers the same topics as the CRC test.

How to Register

To get started with the registration process, you’ll need to contact the college you’re planning to attend to (or the one you’re already enrolled in). Each school has its own set of requirements and processes for registration.

TSI Study Guide and Flashcards

Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.

Once you have completed the test, the hard part is over!

The multiple-choice questions for the ELAR and Math sections of the CRC test are scored on a scale of 310 to 990, and the essay is scored on a scale of 1 to 8. For the diagnostic test, all sections are scored on a scale of 1 to 6.

On your score report, which you should receive as soon as you finish the test, you’ll find one of the following three score levels:

• Basic: you need significant improvement in the subject area
• Proficient there’s some room for improvement in the content area
• Advanced you’ve shown exemplary skills in the content area

These are the college readiness benchmarks for the TSI test:

For the ELAR section, you need a CRC score between 945 and 990. You also need a score of at least 5 on the essay.

If your CRC score is below 945, you’ll need to take the diagnostic test and score at least a 5 on both the multiple-choice section and the essay.

For the Math section, you need a CRC score between 950 and 990.

If your CRC score is below 950, you’ll need to take the diagnostic test and get a score of at least 6.

Online TSI Prep Course

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers an online TSI prep course. The course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you might want while studying. The TSI course includes:

• Review Lessons Covering Every Topic
• 1,250+ TSI Practice Questions
• More than 500 Digital Flashcards
• Over 220 Instructional Videos
• Money-back Guarantee
• Free Mobile Access

The TSI prep course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their TSI exam. Click below to check it out!

What is TSI?

TSI is the Texas Success Initiative, which is a program mandated by the law to assist Texas public schools in determining whether students are ready for introductory college courses.

How many questions are on the TSI?

There are 50 multiple-choice questions on the CRC version of the TSI test. The diagnostic test contains 48 questions per section.

How can you be exempt from the TSI test?

You may be exempt from the TSI test (or just one section) if you meet other college readiness benchmarks via other standardized tests, like the ACT or SAT.

How long is the TSI test?

The TSI is actually not a timed test! Some schools recommend 2 hours for the writing questions and 1 hour for the reading and math questions.

Self-Assessment Modules

• Intermediate Math
• Advanced Mathematics
• Basic Algebra
• Intermediate Algebra
• Advanced Algebra
• Averages and Rounding
• Estimation and Sequences
• Exponents 2
• Fractions and Square Roots
• Measurement
• Percents and Ratios
• Basic Grammar
• Intermediate Grammar
• Advanced Grammar
• Reading for the Main Idea
• Basic Reading Comprehension
• Advanced Reading Comprehension
• Author's Purpose
• Reading Vocabulary
• Sentence Correction
• Sentence Flow
• Word Usage Test 1
• Word Usage Test 2
• Word Usage Test 3
• Writing Section 1
• Writing Section 2

TSI Test - ELAR (Reading/Writing) Guide

• Testing Center

Helpful Links

• Grammar Guide A guide to grammar rules.
• Writing Essays A guide to writing essays.
• Essay General Tips
• Multiple Choice General Tips
• TSI Editing Checklist
• Tips for Content
• Sample Essay Prompt and Responses
• Sample Multiple Choice Questions
• Multiple Choice Answer Key

The Writing section of the TSI is designed to evaluate a student's ability to express their thoughts and ideas in writing. It consists of two components: an essay and multiple-choice questions on editing and revising written texts . It is graded by software.

The essay component of the Writing section requires students to write an essay of 300-600 words on a given topic. The essay prompt is designed to assess the student's ability to organize and develop ideas, support arguments with evidence, and use standard written English conventions.

The multiple-choice questions component of the Writing section includes 15 items (out of 30 multiple choice) that test students' skills in revising and editing written texts. The items may include questions on sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. 

The Writing section of the TSI is important for students who plan to attend college because it helps to determine whether they are prepared for college-level writing assignments. By assessing their writing skills, the TSI can identify areas where students may need additional support and resources to succeed in college-level courses.

These are some general tips to help with the essay section.

Understand the scoring rubric: Familiarize yourself with the scoring rubric used to evaluate the essay. This will help you understand what the evaluators are looking for and how you can earn a high score.

Plan and organize your essay: Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas and create an outline for your essay. This will help you stay on track and ensure that your essay is well-organized and easy to follow.

Use specific examples and evidence: To support your arguments, use specific examples and evidence from your own experiences or from the reading materials provided.

Focus on clarity and coherence: Make sure your essay is easy to read and understand. Use transitions and topic sentences to connect ideas and create a clear flow of information.

Follow standard written English conventions: Use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling throughout your essay. Avoid slang and informal language.

Practice writing under time pressure: Set a timer and practice writing essays in a timed environment. This will help you get used to writing under time pressure and improve your time management skills.

Review and revise your work: Before submitting your essay, review and revise your work for errors, clarity, and coherence. Make sure your essay is well-structured and easy to follow.

Write at least 400 (but preferably at least 500) words.  Though the test officially only requires a 300 word minimum, students don't tend to receive the best scores by only meeting the minimum. Remember, the grading is done by a machine. Do not go over 600 words.

Read the entire sentence or passage carefully: Make sure to read the entire sentence or passage before answering the question. Sometimes, the context of the surrounding sentences can help you identify the correct answer.

Identify the error type: Identify the type of error in the sentence or passage, such as grammar, punctuation, or sentence structure. Knowing the error type can help you identify the correct answer choice.

Eliminate answer choices: Eliminate any answer choices that you know are incorrect. This can increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.

Watch for tricky answer choices: Sometimes, answer choices can be written in a tricky way to try and trip you up. Make sure to read each answer choice carefully and watch for subtle differences between them.

Pay attention to sentence structure: Sentence structure can play a big role in determining the correct answer. Look for errors such as run-on sentences, sentence fragments, and subject-verb agreement.

Review basic grammar rules: Make sure you are familiar with basic grammar rules such as verb tenses, pronoun usage, and punctuation. Reviewing these rules can help you identify errors and choose the correct answer.

Use context clues: If you are unsure of the meaning of a word or phrase, look at the surrounding context to see if you can determine its meaning. This can help you identify the correct answer choice.

Be aware of common errors: Certain types of errors, such as misplaced modifiers or faulty parallelism, are common in written texts. Being aware of these common errors can help you identify them more easily.

Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with identifying and correcting errors in written texts. Use practice tests and study materials to hone your skills and prepare for the multiple-choice writing-focused section of the TSI.

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) essay evaluates your writing skills for college-level courses. To excel in the TSI essay, effective editing is crucial. This checklist outlines key areas to focus on when editing your essay to meet the TSI requirements and maximize your chances of success. Remember to make the essay 400+ words.

I. Organization and Structure

• Is there a clear introduction that grabs the reader's attention and presents a thesis statement?
• Does each paragraph have a clear topic sentence that relates to the thesis statement?
• Are the paragraphs logically organized, with smooth transitions between ideas?
• Is there a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the thesis?

II. Development and Support

• Are the main ideas and supporting details clearly expressed and effectively developed?
• Is there sufficient evidence and examples to support your claims?
• Have you addressed counterarguments or opposing viewpoints, if applicable?
• Is the information presented in a logical and coherent manner?

III. Sentence Variety and Style

• Have you used a variety of sentence structures to enhance readability?
• Are there any repetitive or unclear sentences that need revision?
• Have you used appropriate vocabulary and avoided slang or informal language?
• Have you maintained a consistent tone and style throughout the essay?

IV. Mechanical Conventions

• Have you checked for spelling errors, typos, and word choice mistakes?
• Are capitalization, punctuation, and paragraph indentation used correctly?
• Have you used transitions effectively to connect ideas and improve the flow of your writing?
• Are sentences grammatically correct, with proper subject-verb agreement and punctuation?

V. Purpose and Focus

• Is the purpose of the essay clearly defined and effectively communicated?
• Does the essay stay focused on the main topic or argument throughout?
• Have you avoided tangents or irrelevant information that may distract from the main point?
• Is there a clear central idea or theme that guides the content and structure of the essay?
• Have you considered the target audience and adjusted your writing style and tone accordingly?
• Have you reviewed each paragraph to ensure it contributes to the overall purpose and focus of the essay?

VI. Critical Thinking

• Have you presented a well-reasoned and logical argument or analysis?
• Have you clearly stated your claims or assertions and provided sufficient evidence to support them?
• Have you used sound and reliable support for your claims? Have you avoided relying solely on personal opinions or unsupported assertions?
• Have you considered counterarguments or alternative perspectives and addressed them appropriately?
• Have you avoided logical fallacies or errors in reasoning, such as hasty generalizations or ad hominem attacks?
• Have you evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of your own arguments and made necessary revisions?

Essay Section

Multiple Choice Section

Sample Prompt

Take a look at sample essay responses from CollegeBoard .

1. Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion of the sentence.

The students are planning there upcoming field trip to the museum.

A) they are

C) they're

D) No change

2. Choose the option that best combines the following two sentences.

Sentence 1: The book was captivating.

Sentence 2: It kept me hooked until the end.

A) The book was captivating kept me hooked until the end.

B) The book, it was captivating, kept me hooked until the end.

C) The book was captivating and kept me hooked until the end.

D) The book was captivating, it kept me hooked until the end.

3. Choose the option that corrects the punctuation error in the sentence.

We went to the store, and bought some groceries, snacks, and beverages.

A) We went to the store and bought some groceries, snacks and beverages.

B) We went to the store, and bought some groceries snacks and beverages.

C) We went to the store, and bought some groceries, snacks and beverages.

1. Choose the option that corrects the underlined portion of the sentence. Correct Answer: B

This answer choice is incorrect. "They are" is a contraction that does not fit grammatically in the sentence and does not provide the necessary correction.

This answer choice is correct. "Their" is a possessive pronoun indicating ownership. In this context, it correctly indicates that the upcoming field trip belongs to the students.

This answer choice is incorrect. "They're" is a contraction of "they are" and does not fit grammatically in the sentence.

This answer choice is incorrect. The original underlined portion contains an error, as "there" is an adverb indicating a location and does not make sense in the context of the sentence.

2. Choose the option that best combines the following two sentences. Correct Answer: C

This answer is incorrect. It lacks proper punctuation or conjunction to connect the two independent clauses. It results in a sentence fragment and lacks clarity and grammatical correctness.

This answer is incorrect. It introduces unnecessary repetition with the use of the pronoun "it." It also includes unnecessary punctuation, which disrupts the flow of the sentence.

This answer is correct. It effectively combines the two independent clauses using the coordinating conjunction "and," maintaining clarity and coherence.

D) The book was captivating, it kept me hooked until the end.

This answer is incorrect. It introduces a comma splice error by using a comma to join two independent clauses. It lacks a coordinating conjunction or proper punctuation.

3. Choose the option that corrects the punctuation error in the sentence. Correct Answer: A

This answer is correct. It removes the unnecessary comma after "store" and correctly uses commas to separate the items in the list ("groceries, snacks, and beverages").

This answer is incorrect. It omits the necessary commas after "groceries" and before "snacks."

This answer is incorrect. It retains the unnecessary comma after "store" and lacks commas to separate the items in the list.

This answer is incorrect. The original sentence contains a punctuation error and requires correction.

• << Previous: Reading
• Next: Resources >>
• Last Updated: Jan 5, 2024 12:31 PM
• URL: https://odessa.libguides.com/tsielar

TSI Writing Practice Test

For more information about the TSI Assessment and how to register, visit https://www.hccs.edu/resources-for/current-students/testing-services/ or email [email protected]

Academic Affairs

Students entering UT Austin as freshmen or transfer students for Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 who do not have a qualifying score on one of the exams listed below, or who do not have transfer credit for RHE 306, may take the TSI Essay to attempt to earn credit for RHE 306 during their first two long semesters of enrollment. For information about the course RHE 306 (Rhetoric and Writing), please visit the RHE 306 FAQs page .

If a student has one of the scores listed below that qualifies them for credit for RHE 306 and has not yet sent the score to UT Austin, they should do so as soon as possible. Click here for information on how to send test scores to UT.

ACT Writing: score of 9 or higher

SAT Writing and Language: score of 33 or higher

AP English Language and Composition: score of 3 or higher

The range of scores for the essay is one through eight. Students who earn a score of seven or eight will be able to claim credit for RHE 306. If you have sent your scores to UT (or think you have had your scores sent to UT) but are unable to locate them, please contact Student Testing Services for assistance.

Where and When to Take the Test

The TSI Essay must be taken on the UT Austin campus. It will be offered on various dates throughout the Summer 2023 semester and continue monthly during the 2023-2024 academic year. Visit the Test Registration System to view and register for upcoming test dates. Because this option is only available for students during their first two long semesters of enrollment, they should take the TSI Essay as soon as they are able, as the deadline will not be extended. 

• Students entering UT Austin as freshmen or transfer students for Summer 2023 or Fall 2023 have until the end of the Spring 2024 semester to complete the exam. This includes the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 long semesters.
• Students entering UT Austin as freshmen or transfer students for Spring 2024 have until the end of the Fall 2024 semester to complete the exam. This includes the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 long semesters.

Students for Whom the Test is Recommended or Appropriate

Students who wish to attempt to earn credit for RHE 306 (Rhetoric and Writing) and do not have a qualifying score on another exam that awards credit for the course (listed below) may take the exam during their first two long semesters of enrollment. If you have one or more of the scores below, you should not take this exam, but rather send your qualifying score to UT as soon as possible:

Once received, test scores that can be used for credit by exam can be found on the Course Petitioning Page . If you have sent your scores to UT (or think you have had your scores sent to UT) but are unable to locate them, please contact Student Testing Services for assistance. If you have taken a course equivalent to RHE 306 at another institution, such as ENGL 1301, you should have your transcript showing the course sent to UT Admissions to ensure you receive credit for the course if you have not already done so.

Registration Fee: 

The total of the fees for the test is $45. When you register for a test, you will immediately be billed for the non-refundable test registration fee of $25. After you take the test, you will be billed for the test fee of $20. Payments are due within 14 days of the billing date. All fees are subject to change.

Study Aids:  

There are no multiple-choice questions on this exam. It is a single essay, and the prompt will be provided. You can learn more about the format of the test and review sample essays and scoring here (PDF Download) .

Test Results and Retakes: 

Results are typically available within 24 hours after completing the test.

You may take the TSI Essay to attempt to earn credit for RHE 306 twice . 

Testing and Evaluation Services The University of Texas at Austin Sanchez Building (SZB), Room 5.102 1912 Speedway Street Austin, TX 78712

• UT Austin Home
• Emergency Information
• Site Policies
• Web Accessibility Policy
• Web Privacy Policy
• Adobe Reader

Texas Success Initiative

Tsi tips and tricks, planning ahead, to get the best score....

To prepare for the TSIA2 test, please plan to dedicate several hours over a couple of weeks to refresh the math, reading, and writing skills that will be covered on the TSI assessment. Since many of the tested topics are taught as early as middle school, it has  probably been several years since you worked on questions like  these. Setting aside time to refresh your skills and knowledge may  help you get a higher score and ensure you are ready to begin college-level coursework. There are several TSI Assessment preparation resources available to help you prepare below.

First Step!

We w ant you to be successful in your college courses so the TSI test is an i mportant first step. The TSI test will assess your current skill levels in reading, writing, and math. Your TSI test scores will determine which courses you may enroll in at Texas Tech University. If you took the TSI assessment at your high school o r another institution, share your scores with TT U. If you did n ot share your scores with TTU, go to the Accuplacer Student Portal and download a copy of the Individual Score Report (ISR). Once you have a copy of your scores, use your TTU email and email the complete ISR as an attachment to the:

TSI Compliance Office

registrar.t [email protected]

Phone: (806) 834-4150

If you are a new student, you need to complete TSIA2 test BEFORE attending Red Raider Orientation. If you are a returning or transfer student, check with your counselor or advisor about whether or not you need to take (or retake) one or more parts of the TSI test.

Students can retake any portion of the TSIA2 test at any time. The best option is to retest BEORE you attend Red Raider Orientation if you hope to raise your score and reduce the number of TSI support courses you are required to enroll in for the semester.

Second Step! Test Taking Tutorials!

Things you need to know:.

Before you take the placement test, take time to refresh your reading, writing, and math skills so that you can do your very best on your test. You will find lots of helpful information about the placement test on our TTU TSI website . The links below are a quick reference tool if you are short on time to prepare for the TSIA2 test.

Calculator Tips on the TSIA 2 Test - 1 minute video

Highlighter Tips on TSIA 2 Test - 1 minute video

Accessibility Wizard on the TSIA 2 test - 1 minute video

What to Expect on the Math TSIA 2 Test - 4 minute video

Writing an Essay for the TSIA 2 - 15 minute video

Third Step! Take the Test!

Click here for Pre-Assessment Practice Resources

Click here to take the tsi pre-assessment activity - student login, tsia study resources, accuplacer student portal, how to prepare:.

Take advantage of free resources available to improve areas where your academic performance is not the strongest. Access free sample questions similar to those you'll see on the actual test.

Accuplacer Student Portal :

• TSIA2 Study App with practice resources and printable sample questions
• Tutorials showing you how to use the calculator and highlighter tools
• Test results and information about how to send test results to Texas public institutions of higher education
• Test Center Locator

TSIA2 Resource Library :

• Browse by subject area, level, and type of resource.
• On the right side of the page, there is a Welcome box.
• For students taking the assessment for the first time, please click the “Enter Student Site” blue button.
• Students who are retaking the assessment, please enter your Learning Locator Code (found on the diagnostic score report that you received upon completion of your test) for targeted resources based on your test performance.

Student Resources for TSI

Pearson math and elar resources and videos.

Resources to provide additional information for TSIA 2.0 Success

TSIA 2.0 Student Brochure

TSIA 2.0 English Language Arts & Reading Sample Questions

TSIA 2.0 Math Sample Questions

TSIA 2.0 Essay Test Guide

TSIA 2.0 Interpreting Your Score

TSI ELAR Crash Course - Day 1 Part 1 - TSI Reading Practice

TSI ELAR Crash Course - Day 1 Part 2 - TSI Reading Practice

TSI Writing Practice

TSI Essay Practice

TSIA 2 Math Hacks

Mometrix TSI Test Preparation Videos

TSIA 2.0 Test Blueprint and Linked Resources

Need to Schedule TSI exam? 

Texas tech academic testing services.

In order to streamline your appointment and provide a more relaxed testing experience, advanced registration is recommended. However, walk-ins are welcome.

TTU Testing Services

[email protected]

Phone: (806) 742-3671

Location: Room 214 West Hall

To take the TSI Assessment off-campus, go here for a voucher . Read the information provided and complete the Request for an Off-Campus TSI Testing Voucher.

NOTE: In order to avoid a delay in advising and class registration, it is recommended that you take the TSI assessment prior to your first day of orientation. The TSI exam is untimed and may take several hours to complete.

On the day of the exam bring these items with you to 214 West Hall:

• To schedule an appointment for the TSI exam, please contact us at 806-742-3671. You will make a $50.00 (non-refundable) payment to Texas Tech University with credit/debit card (NO CASH) through our online store. An email link will be sent to you. Payment must be made prior to your testing day.
• Appropriate photo ID is required at time of testing (driver's license, passport or other government ID with a current photo).
• Copy of your Pre-Assessment Activity Certificate of completion. Policies and Fees are subject to change.  

For more information regarding TSI Compliance, please visit the TSI Compliance Office website.

• Like Texas Success Initiative on Facebook Like Texas Success Initiative on Facebook
• Follow Texas Success Initiative on X (twitter) Follow Texas Success Initiative on X (twitter)
• Follow Texas Success Initiative on Instagram Follow Texas Success Initiative on Instagram

TSI Reading Practice Test

Prepare for your test with realistic questions.

The ELAR section of the TSI tests your foundational reading and writing abilities, focusing on reading comprehension, reading analysis, and text editing and revision. To help you prepare for this section of the TSI, this page contains everything you need to know, including what topics are covered, how many questions there are, and how you can study effectively.

Click “Start Test” above to take a free TSI ELAR practice test!

What’s on the TSI ELAR Assessment?

Tsi test online prep course.

If you want to be fully prepared, Mometrix offers a comprehensive online TSI prep course. This course is designed to provide you with any and every resource you may need while studying. The TSI course includes:

• 120 Lessons Covering Every Topic
• Over 1,250 TSI Practice Questions
• 220+ Video Tutorials
• More than 500 Electronic Flashcards
• Money-back Guarantee
• Free Mobile Access

The TSI prep course is designed to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for their TSI exam. Click below to check it out!

How many questions are on the TSI ELAR test?

The College Readiness Classification (CRC) version of the test contains 30 questions, while the Diagnostic version contains 48 questions.

How long is the TSI ELAR test?

The TSI ELAR test does not have a set time limit; you must simply complete the exam within 14 days after starting it.

What is a passing score for the TSI ELAR test?

A passing score for the TSI ELAR test is a CRC score of 945-990 plus a minimum of 5 on the Essay Test, OR a CRC score under 945 with a Diagnostic Test score of 5-6 and an Essay score of at least 5.

TSI Practice Test Home

by Mometrix Test Preparation | This Page Last Updated: February 29, 2024

On this page: