The Written Placement Tests consist of two topics each. Students choose one topic and answer the questions about it. Students use their answers to write a paragraph about the topic within a 30-minute period. There are three versions of the Written Placement Test – Form A, Form B, and Form C. For each form, the first or “easier” topic requires students to use the present of be and / or simple present tense only, while the second topic requires the use of more difficult tenses such as the simple past or future forms.

To download a Written Placement Test, click on the Download button at left.

To learn about scoring the Written Placement Tests, click on the Scoring button at left.

Sample answers are available for the Written Placement Tests. To request a set of sample answers, send your contact information to: teachersupport@cambridge.org.

A list of alternate topics is given below. These topics may be used in place of the topics in Part A of the Written Placement Tests.

Alternate Writing Topics

• Write an e-mail message to a new e-pal. Introduce yourself and ask your new friend to tell you about himself or herself.
• Compare two people in your family. How are they similar, and how are they different?
• Write about your favorite school subject. What is it, and why do you like it?
• Write about your favorite activities. What are they, and how often do you do them?
• Write about a fun time you had recently. What did you do, and why did you enjoy it?
• Write about a problem you have now or had in the past. What can you do (or what did you do) to solve the problem?

How to Give the Written Placement Test
Prepare for the test

1. Select the form of the test you will give (Form A, Form B, or Form C) or prepare your own form using one or more of the alternate writing topics above.
2. Make enough copies of the test – one for each student.

Begin the test

1. Tell students that the test will help you determine how well they write, and that their essay will be used to place them into the most appropriate level of Connect.
2. Ask students to remove all books and materials from their desks except for a pencil and scratch paper. Tell them that they will not be able to refer to dictionaries or other materials during the testing period.
3. Distribute the tests. Tell students to write their names and the date at the top of the test.

Give the test

1. Read the directions aloud as students read along. Answer any questions students may have. Make sure students know that there are two topics in Part A, but that they are to answer the questions about only one.
2. Tell students that they will have 30 minutes to complete the test.