Writing Study Guidance

The Writing test consists of 25 questions that assess how well you understand logic and structure of sentences and relationships between sentences and ideas. The test presents you with sentences to correct due to grammar, structure, or logic issues.

1. ACCUPLACER® “Inside the Test" explains the components of the test. Skip down to the description for Writing. 
2. Access the ACCUPLACER app. When finished with the practice test, you receive a summary of the results and recommended areas to study. You can revisit questions and concepts measured in the app and use the Writing Skills Resources below to study independently or with an Academic Achievement Center Instructor.
3. Another resource is a link to the “Writing Sample Questions​," which you can download, print, and use to study. Complete the practice test and review the answers. Take the guide with your answers to the Academic Achievement Center to review with an instructor.
4. The Union Test Prep site also has Writing resources and a learn-as-you-go practice test that can be used in the same fashion. Click to the Next-Generation Writing.

Writing Resources​

Agreement

• Pronoun-Agreement
  • The Blue Book, pages 30-31
  • “Using Pronouns Clearly" from the Purdue OWL
• Subject-Verb Agreement
  • The Blue Book, page 32
  • “Making Subjects and Verbs Agree" from the Purdue OWL

Modifiers

• Dangling Modifier
  • The Blue Book, pages 28-29
  • “Dangling Modifiers and How to Correct Them" from the Purdue OWL
• Misplaced Modifier
  • The Blue Book, page 29
  • “Improving Sentence Clarity" and “Sentence Clarity Presentation" from the Purdue OWL

​​Sentence Boundaries

• Sentence Fragments
  • The Blue Book, page 27
  • “Sentence Fragments" from the Purdue OWL
• Comma Splices and Run-On Sentences
  • The Blue Book, pages 27-28
  • “Run-ons - Comma Splices - Fused Sentences" from the Purdue OWL

Diction Logic and Sentence Structure

• “Parallel Structure" from the Purdue OWL
• “Avoiding Shifts" from Towson University's Online Writing Support 

When Ready, Take the Test!

Relax! ACCUPLACER is a well-designed test to help you assess your ​​readiness​ for college. The follow tips will help you do your best.

1. Get a good night's rest the night before the test. Eat a healthy breakfast and drink some water that morning to nourish your body and mind.
2. Arrive a couple of minutes early so you can gather your thoughts and locate the Testing Center.
3. Ask questions if you don't understand the process of ACCUPLACER.
4. During the test, read the questions carefully.
5. Work to answer all the questions.