LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT
TEST PREPARATION
AND
PRACTICE GUIDE
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Ameritas Educational Services, INC © | Revised 8/23/2013
Hello prospective Ameritas Hispanic Pathways Student!
We are excited that you have an interest in our program. Ameritas
Hispanic Pathways is designed so that you can use your language skills and
cultural background as an advantage in both the classroom and during your
learning experience! Before you begin your journey, you get to take an
admissions test; this test will help evaluate your English and Spanish ability.
Below we have provided preparation for the admissions test, including an outline
of how the test is set up, frequently asked questions, and sample tests for the
English speaking and Spanish speaking components, as well as reading
comprehension in English. This way you can be as prepared as possible and know
exactly what to expect- we want to help you get one step closer to becoming an
Ameritas Hispanic Pathways student!
Good Luck!
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Preparation for the Admission Test
In the DLEI program at Ameritas Hispanic
Pathways, teaching is carried out in English
mostly, but the sheltered environment
throughout the program will allow students to
make use of their Spanish to ask questions and
clarify doubts. Both languages are used for
learning and teaching content and language
with the objective of promoting both content
and language mastery to the defined levels.
Students are expected to have basic knowledge
of English and Spanish. Basic knowledge was
defined as a high A2 as per CEFR. Language
proficiencies would need to be measured upon
entry by utilizing a language test in English and
in Spanish that has been calibrated to the CEFR.
At Ameritas Hispanic Pathways, students need
to complete a placement test to identify English and Spanish proficiency. Students need to
demonstrate language proficiency in both languages to at least a high A2 level as defined by the
Common European Framework of Reference.
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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the parts of the Ameritas Language Tests?
The Ameritas Language Tests include:



Reading Comprehension Test in English
English Speaking Test
Spanish Speaking Test
2. What types of questions will be asked?
Reading Comprehension Test
The test evaluates prospective students’ English
Reading Skills in accordance with the Common
European Framework of Reference. Specific skills
evaluated are: reading correspondence, reading for
orientation, reading for information and argument, and
reading instructions.
English and Spanish Speaking Tests
The English and Spanish Speaking Tests are used to evaluate prospective students’ speaking
skills in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference. Results are used to
admit students into the Ameritas Hispanic Pathways program. Specific skills evaluated are:
repetition, answering questions, sentence building, retelling stories and answering open
questions.
3. How can I best prepare to take the Ameritas Admission Tests?
Reading Comprehension
To prepare for the Ameritas Hispanic Pathways Reading Comprehension English admissions
exam, prospective students may want to consider the following

Increase reading speed.
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
Improve reading comprehension, specifically focusing on the ability to identify main ideas and
supporting points within correspondence, orientation materials, informational and
argumentative reading, and instructions.
During the Reading Comprehension test you should demonstrate that you:


Can understand short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high
frequency every day or job-related language.
Can understand short, simple texts containing the highest frequency vocabulary, including a
proportion of shared international vocabulary items.
English and Spanish Speaking Tests
Speak as much as you can, practicing the functions that you will need to demonstrate during
the test, i.e., repeating sentences or phrases, answering short questions, stating thoughts in
complete sentences, retelling stories and answering questions that require you to provide a
description, stating and supporting opinions.
During the English and Spanish Speaking tests you should demonstrate that you:






Can understand speech that is clearly and slowly articulated and respond accordingly.
Can understand phrases and expressions that are clearly and slowly articulated related to areas
of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local
geography, employment).
Can give a simple description or presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily
routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.
Can understand with reasonable ease a structured situation and short conversation.
Can answer questions and provide ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable
everyday situations.
Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct presentation of
information on familiar and routine matters to do with work and free time.
4. How is the test structured?
The Reading Comprehension test has 20 items. You will read a short passage or look at graphics
and select an answer for each question. The Spanish and English Speaking Tests consist of 58
items each. For each part, you will listen to the exercise and provide a verbal response to the
item according to the instructions.
5. How many right answers do I need to get?
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In the English Test you will answer a total of 78 questions: 20 items for the Reading
Comprehension and 58 items for the English Speaking test. You should answer 62 questions
correctly. For the Spanish test you will answer 58 items; you will need to answer 47 questions
correctly.
6. How long will it take me to complete the Ameritas Hispanic Pathways Admissions
Tests?
The exams are not timed. The time you need to complete the test will vary from one student to
the next. Average times range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the student’s
pace.
7. Am I required to answer all the questions?
A candidate should be able to respond to every question on the tests. It is always better to give
the best response one can give than to skip a prompt altogether.
What should I do or bring with me on the day of the test?
On the Day of the Test:
1. Bring an ID with you. You will be required to show it to the
Proctor.
2. Make sure you have eaten and you don’t feel hungry. You
will not be allowed to have food in the computer lab.
3. As you start the test, remember that it is not a timed test.
So give yourself a moment to think before you answer.
4. Listen to each prompt carefully.
5. If you don’t know an answer right away, feel free to take
time to think.
6. If you need paper and pen/pencil, ask the Student Success
Specialist for it. Use the paper to draw images or jot down ideas
that boost your memory. At the end of the test, all paperwork will
be collected by the proctors.
Dean’s Office
Ameritas Hispanic Pathways of Brandman University
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Ameritas Hispanic Pathways of Brandman University
English Speaking Sample Test
In the English speaking test, you will need to complete several exercises. These are categorized in the
following areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Repetition
Questions
Building Sentences
Retelling Stories
Open Questions
The sample exercises below will be presented in English. Please note that you will listen to the prompts
and reply by recording your answer on the computer.
Repetition Exercise Samples:
You will listen to the sentences and repeat them.
English
1. The cat jumped on the bed.
2. My sister wanted to go to the movies
3. I love when my mother cooks.
Questions Exercise Samples:
You will listen to a question and you will record your answer.
Listen
Your Response should be:
1. Would you watch the radio or the TV?
I would watch the TV.
2. What can fly: an elephant or a bird?
A bird flies.
Building Sentences Exercise Samples:
You will listen to three phrases which are out of order. You will place the phrases in the correct order
and respond with a sentence.
You will hear:
You should say:
1. like
He doesn’t like apples.
he doesn’t
apples
2. I read
I read a book to my daughter.
my daughter
a book to
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Retelling Stories Exercise Samples:
Here you will listen to a set of sentences that are about one topic. Sometimes they will be conversation.
You should be able to answer questions or combine the information to re-tell the story.
You will hear:
You should reply:
1. Angela went to the supermarket. Angela
Angela went to the supermarket and purchased
purchased strawberries.
strawberries.
2. Listen to the conversation:
The woman wants to go at 6:30.
Female: Would you like to go out to dinner
tonight?
Male: Sure, what time?
Female: How about 6:30?
Or
At 6:30.
Or
When does the woman want to go to dinner?
The woman wants to go to dinner at 6:30.
Open Questions Exercise Samples:
You will be asked a question and you should respond. These questions usually require more than one
sentence.
3. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Why?
My favorite holiday tradition is caroling with my family. This happens at Christmas. I love this
tradition because I get to be with my family and we go visit all the families in the neighborhood.
I love to see their faces when they open the door and we are singing for them.
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Ameritas Hispanic Pathways of Brandman University
Spanish Speaking Sample Test
En la porción de Español, necesitará completar varios ejercicios. Estos se clasifican en las siguientes
áreas:
1. Repetición
2. Responder a Preguntas
3. Construir oraciones
4. Volver a contar historias
5. Preguntas abiertas
Los ejercicios de ejemplo se presentarán en español. Que se note que usted escuchará a las
indicaciones y responder grabando su respuesta en la computadora.
Ejercicios de Repetición:
Escuche las oraciones y repítalas.
Español
1. El gato saltó sobre la cama.
2. Mi Hermana y yo fuimos al cine anoche.
3. Me encanta la comida que hace mi madre.
Respondiendo a Preguntas:
Usted debe escuchar la pregunta y grabar su respuesta.
Usted escuchará:
1. ¿Qué puede volar: un avión o un cerdito?
2. ¿Cuál de las siguientes es una comida:
cerveza o pan?
Su respuesta debe ser:
El avión puede volar.
El pan es una comida.
Construyendo Oraciones:
Usted escuchará tres frases fuera de orden. Usted debe colocarlas en orden de modo que sea una
oración. Recuerde, no leerá nada, solo escuchará. Responda grabando su respuesta oralmente.
Usted escuchará:
Su respuesta debe ser:
1. no
las manzanas
me gustan
No me gustan las manzanas.
2. yo tengo
nueva
una computadora
Yo tengo una computadora nueva.
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Contar Historias:
En estos ejercicios usted escuchará un grupo de oraciones sobre un tema. A veces escuchará
conversaciones. Usted deberá responder a preguntas o combinar la información para resumir o contar
la historia.
Usted escuchará:
Su respuesta debe ser:
1. Ángela fue al cine. Ángela vio una película. Ángela fue al cine y vio una película.
2. Escuche la conversación:
Tiene que cambiarse de ropa.
María: Tengo que ir al supermercado.
¿Quieres acompañarme?
José: ¿Me esperas a que me cambie de
ropa?
María: Si. Como no.
José: Pues, sí. Voy contigo.
O
José tiene que cambiarse de ropa antes de ir con
María al supermercado.
¿Qué tiene que hacer José antes de acompañar a
María?
Preguntas Abiertas:
A usted se le hará una pregunta abierta. Usted deberá responder con detalles. Las preguntas
necesitarán ser de más de una oración.
3. ¿Cuál es tu color favorito? ¿Por qué?
Mi color favorito es azul. Es mi color favorito porque me recuerda del océano. Me hace pensar
en ir a la playa con mi familia en el verano. Me encanta los veranos y estar con la familia en la
playa.
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Ameritas Hispanic Pathways of Brandman University
Reading Comprehension Sample Test
(Answer key provided at the end)
Sample 1- 2
Read the post card and answer the question:
1. What time of the year is it?
A. Spring
B. Summer
C. Fall
D. Winter
2. Where is Maria?
A. Texas
B. California
C. North Carolina
D. South Carolina
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Sample 3-4:
Read the letter and answer the question.
Dear Mr. Perez,
I saw an ad on Craigslist about several items you have for sale. I am interested in seeing the piano you
have for sale; and my sister is interested in the dining table and the sofa and may be interested in a
couple of other things. Could we go tomorrow to see them? My phone number is 949-555-5555.
Thank you very much,
Marcela
1. What is Marcela’s sister’s name?
A. Maria
B. Julie
C. Kimberley
D. Does not say
2. What is Marcela interested in purchasing?
A. Piano
B. Dining room set
C. Lawnmower
D. Sofa
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Sample 5:
Read the letter and answer the question.
January 20, 2015
Anthony Suarez
CEO
Widget & Widget, LLC
25468 Montgomery Ave
Scottsdale, AZ, 85250
Dear Mr. Suarez:
It was very enjoyable to speak with you about the executive assistant position at Widget & Widget.
The job, as you presented it, seems to be a very good match for my skills and interests. The creative
approach to management that you described confirmed my desire to work with you.
In addition to my enthusiasm, I will bring to the position strong writing skills, assertiveness and the
ability to encourage others to work cooperatively with the department. My artistic background will help
me to work with artists on staff and provide me with an understanding of the visual aspects of our
work.
I understand your need for administrative support. My detail orientation and organizational skills will
help to free you to deal with larger issues. I neglected to mention during my interview that I had
worked for two summers as a temporary office worker. This experience helped me to develop my
secretarial and clerical skills.
I appreciate the time you took to interview me. I am very interested in working for you and look
forward to hearing from you about this position.
Sincerely,
Denise Luther
Denise Luther
1. What position did Denise interview for?
A. CEO
B. Executive Assistant
C. Executive Account Manager
D. Clerical Assistant
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Sample 6:
Read the conversation and answer the question.
Associate (Ann): Hi! Welcome to Rental Property Management. How may I help you?
Chris: Hi, yes. My name is Chris Cruz and I'm interested in renting a two-bedroom apartment.
Associate (Ann): My name is Ann Smith. I would like to ask you a few questions before I show
you what we have available. First, what price range were you interested in?
Chris: Somewhere between $400-$450 a month.
Ann: Okay. Did you have a specific location in mind?
Chris: Well, I would like to live somewhere near the university.
Ann: And when would you like to move in?
Chris: On the first of the month.
Ann: Okay. Are there any other amenities which you would like to have? For example, a
dishwasher, a balcony, a swimming pool or central air conditioning?
Chris: I would definitely like to have a dishwasher, and with summers like these, central air! A
balcony is not that important. Oh, yes, and two bathrooms would be nice.
Ann: Okay. Here are photos of the apartments we have available which fit your preferences.
Chris: Thank you. This one on Broadway Avenue looks nice. I would like to see that one. And the
one on Main Street.
Ann: Sure. Let me get the keys and we will go look at them.
Chris: Great! Thank you.
1. Where does the conversation take place?
A. At a rental house
B. At a rental property management office
C. At the university
D. On Broadway Avenue
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Sample 7-8:
Read the sign below and answer the question.
1. What time does the store close on Thursdays?
A. 4 PM
B. 5 PM
C. 8 PM
D. It is closed
2. What day is the store closed?
A. Thursday
B. Sunday
C. Saturday
D. Tuesday
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Sample 9-11:
Use the John’s calendar to answer the question.
1. When does John have class?
A. Wednesday, August 7 and Wednesday, August 21 at 5:00 PM
B. Wednesday, August 7 and Thursday, August 22 at 3:00 PM
C. Friday, August 16 at 6:00 PM
D. Saturday, August 25 and Monday, August 26 at 3:00 PM
2. What day does he need to go and check his car?
A. Saturday, August 18
B. Monday, August 26
C. Saturday, August 25
D. Wednesday, August 28
3. What day and what time does he have guitar lessons?
A. Friday, August 16 at 6:00 PM
B. Saturday, August 10 at 3:00 PM
C. Saturday, August 10 at 2:00 PM
D. Friday, August 16 at 3:00 PM
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Sample 12-13:
Use the class schedule to answer the question.
Day
Time
Class
Mondays
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Beginner Salsa Class
Mondays
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Intermediate Salsa Class
Wednesdays
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Intermediate Salsa Class
Wednesdays
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Advanced Salsa Class
Saturdays
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dance Social
1. What classes can you take on Wednesdays?
A. Intermediate Salsa Class and Beginner Salsa Class
B. Intermediate Salsa Class and Advanced Salsa Class
C. Only on Fridays
D. Only on Saturdays
2. It is 6:30 PM on a Monday. What class is Jan taking?
A. Advanced Salsa Class
B. Intermediate Salsa Class
C. Beginner Salsa Class
Sample 13:
1. Which sign would a person see when getting on the train?
A
C
Please do not
Enjoy your stay
walk on the
at our hotel!
grass.
B
D
Please have your
Please order
ticket ready.
food here.
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Answer Key
1. D. Summer
2. B. California
3. D. Does not say
4. A. Piano
5. B. Executive Assistant
6. B. At a rental property management office
7. C. 8 PM
8. B. Sunday
9. A. Wednesday, August 7 and Wednesday, August 21 at 5:00 PM
10. C. Saturday, August 25
11. B. Saturday, August 10 at 3:00 PM
12. B. Intermediate Salsa Class and Advanced Salsa Class
13. C. Beginner Salsa Class
14. B. Please have your ticket ready.
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