1. TSI Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
TSI Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA)

2. How do I know if I’m ready for college level courses?
Assessment is the key.

3. Before you begin….
The TSI Pre-Assessment Activity (PAA) is required of all students taking the TSI Assessment (TSIA) at The University of Texas of the Permian Basing (UTPB).
The first question on the TSIA will ask if you were provided with a PAA. If you do not complete the PAA and answer “no”, you will not be allowed to take the TSIA.
You must complete the PAA in order to take the TSIA.

4. Do I have to take the TSI Assessment?
Not all incoming students need to take the TSI Assessment. You may be exempt if you:
Have met the minimum college readiness standard on SAT, ACT or a statewide high school test;
Have successfully completed college-level English and math courses (Dual Credit);
Have enrolled in a Level-One certificate program (fewer than 43 semester credit hours);
Are not seeking a degree; or
Have been, or currently are, in the military.

5. What is the assessment test?
A test that measures your knowledge and skills in
Math
Reading
Writing

6. How much does it cost?
The cost is $50 for the full test or $20 per section (3 sections).
Note! Fees are non-refundable so be sure that you register only for the ones you need.

7. Can I prepare for the test?
Most tests offer free online practice tests.
TSI Free Study App: ?category=559&categoryName=Free%20Pro fessional%20Publications
UTPB Success Center tutors can help.
There are lots of online pre-test activities available at little or no cost. A web search can provide you with many more links than I can.

8. What is the test like?
The test is made up of multiple-choice questions with a written essay assessment.
Your responses will determine the level of difficulty for subsequent questions.
You will take the test on a computer.
The test is not timed.
Give each question as much thought as you wish before selecting your answer.
Carefully complete the entire test(s).
Note! If you need additional time, you can save and exit and come back to finish.

9. Sample Questions for Math
Directions for questions below, choose the best answer from the four choices given. You may use the paper you received as scratch paper.
If 3t – 7 = 5t, then 6t =
A. 21
B. -7
C. -21
D. -42

10. Sample Questions for Math
A group of 18 people ordered soup and sandwiches for lunch. Each person in the group had either one soup or one sandwich. The sandwiches cost $7.75 each and the soups cost $4.50 each. If the total cost of all 18 lunches was $ each, how many sandwiches were ordered?
A. 7
B. 8
C. 9
D. 10

11. Sample Questions for Reading
Directions: Read the passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

12. Reading Sample Question 1
The main authors of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are usually thought of as America’s Founding Fathers.” Other, less known personages also deserve the title, however, and Noah Webster was one of these. Through his writing, which include the still influential dictionary that bears, Webster sought to legitimize an “American English” that was independent of British spelling and pronunciation. For instance, Webster removed the “u” from “colour,” creating the distinct American version of the word.
What is the main purpose of this passage?
A. To praise the Founding Fathers
B. To present information about an important American
C. To define and explain “American English”
D. To distinguish American dictionaries from British dictionaries

13. Sample Question 2
Television has been the primary source of information and entertainment for most Americans over the last 50 years. However, with Internet use on the rise year after year, some may wonder if surfing the net will soon surpass watching television as Americans’ primary leisure activity. Indeed, some recent surveys show that time spent on the Internet is now greater than time spent in front of the television. However, this statistic may not tell the whole story, as 59% of Americans say they multitask, using the Internet and watching TV simultaneously.

14. Sample Question 2 cont…
The main idea of the passage is that television
Is only one of many information sources
May have become less popular than the Internet
Is watched by more people now than eve before
Focuses more on entertainment than on news

15. Sample Questions 2 cont…
2. The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for
A. overemphasizing the strength of the data about students’ technological literacy
B. overlooking the drawbacks of increasing the time children spend using technology
C. dismissing as unimportant the development that occurs during outdoor activities.
D. exaggerating the proportion of careers that require knowledge of science and math

16. Sample Questions for Writing
Directions: Read the following early draft of an essay and then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement.
(1) Seaweed-based fuel could one day power your car. (2) It is more than just an ingredient in a purifying face mask or a sushi roll. (3) According to new research, seaweed has the potential to become an advanced biofuel known as biobutanol.

17. Sample Writing Questions Con…
(4) in the past, U.S. scientists have looked to the possibility of algae-based biofuels, but most of these explorations have shied away from kelp and seaweed. (5) One reason why seaweed may not have taken off as a potential fuel source is the fact that it’s not a major part of American culture. (6) In contrast, in Asian countries such as Japan, there has been a long history of seaweed in the cuisine. (7) Japanese researchers are much more familiar with it and have spent decades studying its potential uses.

18. Sample Writing Questions cont..
1. In context, which of the following is the best way to revise and combine sentences 1 and 2 (reproduced below)?
Seaweed-based fuel could one day power your car. It is more than just an ingredient in a purifying face mask or a sushi roll.
Seaweed-based fuel could one day power your car, it is more than just an ingredient in a purifying face mask or a sushi roll.
Seaweed-based fuel could one day power your car because it is more than just an ingredient in a purifying face mask or a sushi roll.
Seaweed is more than just an ingredient in a purifying face mask or a sushi roll; seaweed-based fuel could one day power your car.
Fuel from seaweed could one day power your car so it is more than just an ingredient in a purifying face mask or sushi roll.

19. Sample Writing Questions con..
2. In context, where would the following sentence best be placed?
There are a number of possible reasons for this.
After sentence 2
After sentence 4
After sentence 6
After sentence 9

20. I am ready. Now what?
Go to the Testing Services & Academic Accommodations Department MB 1160 or call and schedule an appointment.
You will receive a voucher to take to the Accounting Department where you will pay for the test. You must receive a receipt for payment of the test and return to the testing center to take your TSIA.
Testing sites are available in most larger towns and cities and most college campuses.

21. What will I need on test day?
State or government issued photo ID.
Certificate of completion for this pre-assessment presentation (If applicable).
Payment for the TSIA. Call ahead of time to see if you need to pay for all sections (math, reading, and/or writing). You may be exempt in one or more areas, which means you only need to pay for those sections you are liable.

22. Before the test… Get enough sleep the night before.
Eat something before the test.
Dress comfortably.
Allow ample time to get to the testing center.

23. May I re-take the test to try for a higher score?
Yes (2 times).
Before you choose this option, be aware that:
You must pay for additional test.
The questions will not be the same.
If you do not pass the TSI on the second try, you will be required to attend one of the Summer Boot Camps, sign up for the independent study trhough TSI/MySkillsLab to help you achieve success or wait for a period of 30 days before re-testing.
External factors, such as stress or illness, can affect your performance or preparation was insufficient.

24. I’m finished; what happens now?
You will receive your scores and be referred to one of the following options:
Group advising
Individual advising

25. How can I improve my score?
If you want to improve your scores and plan to re-test, we strongly recommend additional preparation by attending a four day Boot Camp, enroll in a independent study through TSI/MySkillsLab. These options will provide individualized instruction to strengthen your skill level and build confidence in the focus areas and move forward to credit bearing courses.
For information, call or click on this link: success/developmental-education

26. Where can I find help?
Testing Services & Academic Accommodations at
Student Life at
Advisors and counselors at

27. Certificate