tsi essay examples

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.

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Analyzing TSI Essay Examples: Strategies for Success

Strategies for Success

TSI Essay Sample - 1.

Tsi essay sample - 2., final words.

As I delve into the realm of TSI essay writing, I find myself fascinated by the nuances that make an essay stand out. Through the lens of two distinct TSI essay examples, I aim to dissect the elements that contribute to their effectiveness. My journey through these examples is not just an academic exercise; it's a quest to uncover the secrets of persuasive writing within the TSI framework. I will share my observations and insights, pinpointing the common pitfalls to avoid and highlighting the key strategies that can elevate your writing. This exploration is designed to arm you with the knowledge and tools to craft essays that not only meet but exceed the TSI standards. Join me as we navigate the intricate world of essay writing, learning how to communicate ideas clearly and impactfully.

Throughout my life, I've encountered numerous challenges that, at first glance, seemed insurmountable. However, these obstacles have played a pivotal role in shaping my character and guiding my journey toward self-improvement. Reflecting on my experiences, I've realized that the most significant growth often comes from the most daunting challenges. This essay explores my personal journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement.

One of the earliest challenges I faced was moving to a new city during my high school years. The prospect of leaving behind friends and familiar surroundings filled me with anxiety and trepidation. Initially, I struggled to adapt to my new environment, grappling with feelings of isolation and disconnection. However, I recognized that succumbing to these feelings would not change my circumstances. Instead, I chose to view this challenge as an opportunity for growth. I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone, joining clubs and participating in community events. These efforts gradually led to new friendships and a sense of belonging. This experience taught me the value of resilience and adaptability, illustrating that embracing change can lead to positive outcomes.

Another pivotal challenge occurred during my first year of college, when I faced academic difficulties in a particularly demanding course. Accustomed to excelling without much struggle, this setback was a blow to my confidence. It forced me to reevaluate my approach to learning and acknowledge my limitations. Determined to overcome this obstacle, I sought help through tutoring, dedicated additional time to study, and formed study groups with my peers. These strategies not only improved my academic performance but also enhanced my time management and collaboration skills. This experience underscored the importance of perseverance and the willingness to seek assistance when needed.

Through these challenges, I have learned that obstacles are not barriers to success but stepping stones to personal growth and self-improvement. Each challenge has taught me valuable lessons about myself and the world around me. Resilience, adaptability, and perseverance have become cornerstones of my character, enabling me to face new challenges with confidence and determination. In navigating these trials, I've also discovered the immense value of seeking assistance and guidance, whether through mentors, peers, or innovative tools like  paper typer ai  to enhance my problem-solving capabilities.

In conclusion, the journey to self-improvement is ongoing and fraught with challenges. However, it is through these challenges that we discover our strengths and weaknesses, learn to adapt, and develop the resilience necessary to navigate life's ups and downs. My experiences have taught me that with the right mindset and approach, every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. As I continue on my path, I am committed to embracing challenges with an open heart and mind, knowing that each obstacle is an opportunity to become a better version of myself. This journey of self-improvement is not only about overcoming external challenges but also about internal growth and discovering one's true potential.

Let's Look at First TSI Essay in Detail

Purpose and focus.

My essay aims to share the profound impact of overcoming challenges on personal growth. I stay focused on illustrating this through my experiences, emphasizing the value of resilience and self-improvement. This central theme guides the narrative, ensuring every paragraph contributes to this overarching message.

Organization and Structure

I organized the essay chronologically, starting with an early life challenge and progressing to more recent hurdles. Each challenge is presented separately, allowing for clear transitions and a coherent flow. This structure supports the narrative, making it easy for readers to follow my growth journey

Development and Support

In my essay, I delve into specific challenges and the strategies I employed to overcome them. By detailing my actions and reflections, I support my thesis that challenges are growth opportunities. Personal anecdotes serve as evidence, reinforcing my points and providing a deeper understanding of my experiences.

Sentence Variety and Style

I consciously employed a mix of complex and simple sentences to keep the narrative engaging. My style aims to be reflective and insightful, utilizing descriptive language to convey emotions and learnings. This variety enhances readability and helps convey my journey's nuances.

Mechanical Conventions and Critical Thinking

I paid close attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling to ensure clarity and professionalism. My essay also reflects critical thinking as I analyze my responses to challenges and the lessons learned. This analytical approach demonstrates my ability to reflect deeply on experiences and extract valuable insights.

Curiosity has always been the driving force behind my quest for knowledge and understanding. It's an innate desire to explore the unknown, ask questions, and seek answers that lie beyond our current understanding. In this essay, I share how my curiosity has fueled my personal growth and sparked innovation in my endeavours, illustrating the transformative power of a curious mind.

From a young age, I was fascinated by the workings of the natural world. This curiosity led me to spend countless hours in my backyard, observing the behaviour of insects and plants, and wondering about the intricate systems that sustain life. This early exploration laid the foundation for my passion for science, guiding me toward continuous discovery. This curiosity motivated me to participate in the science fair, where I embarked on a project to explore sustainable energy solutions. Despite facing the challenge of limited resources and knowledge, my desire to contribute to environmental sustainability pushed me to seek mentors and delve into research papers.

The process was daunting, filled with trial and error, yet my curiosity kept me persistent. The project eventually led to developing a prototype that utilized solar power more efficiently. This experience taught me that curiosity, when acted upon, can lead to tangible outcomes that extend beyond personal growth to contribute to the broader community. It underscored the importance of asking questions, seeking knowledge, and being open to new experiences.

In college, my curiosity drove me to take courses outside my major, ranging from philosophy to computer science. This interdisciplinary approach broadened my perspective and allowed me to integrate diverse concepts into my primary field of study, leading to innovative project ideas and research initiatives. The curiosity to understand complex systems from multiple angles enabled me to contribute to a research project to develop a more efficient data analysis algorithm. By merging concepts from different disciplines, we could approach the problem from a unique angle, meaningfully contributing to the field.

Curiosity has also taught me the value of lifelong learning. In a rapidly changing world, staying curious means continually adapting and acquiring new skills. This mindset drives me to seek new challenges, learn from failures, and persist in uncertainty. Curiosity is not just about seeking knowledge for its own sake; it's about applying that knowledge creatively to solve problems and make a positive impact.

In conclusion, curiosity has catalysed my personal growth and the innovations I've pursued. It has taught me that asking questions and seeking understanding can lead to discoveries far beyond what we initially imagined. By embracing curiosity, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities, fostering personal development and contributing to the advancement of society. As I continue my journey, I remain committed to nurturing my curiosity, knowing it will lead to further growth, learning, and innovation.

Let's Look at the Second TSI Essay in More Detail

My essay highlights curiosity as a catalyst for personal growth and innovation. I focus on how curiosity has shaped my learning journey and led to meaningful contributions, ensuring every example reinforces the central theme of curiosity's transformative power.

I structured the essay from personal anecdotes to broader implications, organizing content around key moments where curiosity drove significant outcomes. This progression from personal experiences to their impact on innovation and learning provides a logical and compelling narrative structure.

I developed my thesis by recounting specific instances where curiosity led to discovery and innovation, such as my college science fair project and interdisciplinary studies. These examples are supported with details of my engagement and the outcomes, illustrating a curious mindset's practical application and benefits.

To keep the narrative engaging, I used a variety of sentence structures, mixing complex ideas with simpler, reflective insights. My writing style aims to be both informative and evocative, employing descriptive language to bring my experiences and reflections to life for the reader.

I carefully adhered to grammatical rules and spelling, ensuring the essay was polished and professional. Critical thinking is evident in how I analyze and reflect on the role of curiosity in driving personal and academic advancements, demonstrating an ability to connect personal experiences with broader concepts.

In reflecting on these TSI essay examples, I've gained invaluable insights into the art of essay writing. By dissecting my own narratives on overcoming challenges and pursuing curiosity, I've highlighted the nuances that contribute to effective essay construction. These examples serve as a testament to my personal and academic growth and a blueprint for others striving to enhance their writing skills. I hope my journey and analysis inspire you to approach your TSI essays with confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the elements that forge compelling and impactful writing.

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?

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 Pre-Assessment Activity

The State of Texas requires students to complete a pre-assessment activity before taking the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) Assessment. The pre-assessment activity must address:

• The importance of this assessment in students’ academic careers
• Developmental education options
• Institutional and/or community resources
• The assessment process and components, including practice opportunities with feedback of sample test questions in all disciplinary areas

In working through this pre-assessment activity, you will receive information on each of the areas specified above.

Importance of the Assessment

The TSI Assessment is a series of three tests that will help Angelo State University and other institutions determine if you are ready for college-level coursework in reading, writing and mathematics. ASU will also use the results of this assessment to help determine what type of course or other intervention will serve best to prepare you for college-level coursework, if you are not ready. To learn more, read this TSI Test Content information.

This is a critically important assessment. Your performance on these tests will determine what type of college-level coursework you will be allowed to take – or – what kind of developmental courses or other interventions you may be required to take to improve your skills and prepare you for success in college-level courses.

Read this TSI Assessment Student Informative Brochure to learn more.

Developmental Education Options

If your scores on the TSI Assessment indicate that you are not ready for college-level coursework in one or more areas, you will be required to participate in developmental activities.

Reading and Writing

If your scores indicate that you are not ready for college-level coursework in reading and/or writing, you will be required to participate in developmental English activities. This may include enrollment in the developmental course ENG 130C or the opportunity to satisfy your developmental requirements through a non-course-based option. Your academic advisor will be able to help you determine what options are available to you and which one might be right for your situation.

Mathematics

If your scores indicate that you are not ready for college-level coursework in mathematics, you will be required to participate in developmental mathematics activities. This may include enrollment in the developmental course MATH 130C or the opportunity to satisfy your developmental requirements through either a non-course-based option or a paired-course option (a college-level course paired with a developmental course). Your academic advisor will be able to help you determine what options are available to you and which one might be right for your situation.

Regardless of your placement or participation in developmental activities, you can always demonstrate that you are ready for college-level work and satisfy your developmental requirement by retaking the TSI Assessment and achieving a passing score.

Student Resources

Students can receive support from these ASU resources:

• The Math Lab provides walk-in mathematics tutoring.
• The Writing Center offers walk-in and by-appointment tutoring for both reading and writing.
• The Tutor Center provides tutoring in a variety of subjects.
• The Porter Henderson Library has books and information on a host of subjects, extensive and comfortable study areas, and great coffee.
• Academic advisors are an excellent first contact for academic issues.
• The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can help you secure grants, student loans, and scholarship funds to help you pay for your education.
• The Multicultural Center works to encourage a welcoming and supportive environment for the ASU community while sponsoring educational programming.
• The Veterans Educational and Transitional Services (VETS) Center provides support to veterans and their dependents.

Assessment Process and Components

The TSI Assessment consists of three tests with one in each of these areas: mathematics, reading and writing. These tests include multiple choice questions that are aligned to the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards. The writing test includes an essay.

The assessment is computer adaptive, which means the multiple choice questions become either more or less difficult, depending on how you respond. For this reason, you cannot go back and change an answer once you have submitted it and moved on. The assessment is not timed, so it is in your best interest to spend sufficient time on each question because the results of the assessment will help determine which college courses you will be able to take.

You will receive information on your score immediately upon completion of the assessment. See this TSI brochure for help interpreting your score.

Be sure to record the ID number you used while testing. This number will be necessary for test directors or other institutional personnel to look up your test scores.

Pre-Assessment Activity and Practice Tests

Identify areas of weakness prior to taking the assessment by using the link below to take practice tests and to complete the pre-assessment activity.

Take PAA and practice tests

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.

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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]

Home > College Admissions > TSI > TSIA2 Practice Test

TSIA2 Practice Test

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TSIA2 Math Prep Course

More Practice Exams

1 . Question

This pie chart describes the market share of 5 brands of cleaner, based on a survey of 300 shoppers in New York.

Which 2 brands have similar market shares?

2 . Question

45 of the shoppers purchased D. How large is the sector angle for D?

• a. 45 degrees
• b. 60 degrees
• c. 70 degrees
• d. 54 degrees

3 . Question

The angle for B is 198 degrees. How many shoppers purchased B?

4 . Question

There is a 12% sales tax. The pre-tax cost of a mobile phone is $280. What is the tax payable on this mobile phone?

5 . Question

Given the formula a = s 2  + 3b – c , find the value of a when s = 7, b = 13 and c = -24.

6 . Question

The circle below is divided into eight equal sectors. If a sector is chosen at random what is the probability that the sector contains B or C?

7 . Question

A wage sheet of a small business shows one employee’s details. The employee is paid $40 an hour for overtime hours where they work more than their usual 26 hours.

What number should replace x?

8 . Question

Which of these is true?

• a. √(-3) is negative
• b. √(-3) is positive
• c. √(-3) is undefined
• d. √(-3) is an integer

9 . Question

Chong thinks of a number, adds 10 then multiplies the number so obtained by 3 and gets 42.

If the number is n then write an equation for this.

• a. 3(n + 10) = 42
• b. 3n + 10 = 42
• c. 42n + 10 = 3
• d. 10n + 3 = 42

10 . Question

The graph below is part of the graph of the function T = (t + 1)(t – 3) for the temperature in a refrigerator for time t hours after midday.

For which set of t values is the temperature below 0?

• a. 1< t < 3
• b. -1< t < 3
• c. t >= 3
• d. -1< t < -3

TSIA2 Math Exam Prep

All tsi practice tests.

We have listed all of our free TSI practice tests below. Pick which section you want to start with and begin your studies.

• TSI Math Practice Test 1
• TSI Math Practice Test 2
• TSI Math Practice Test 3
• TSI Math Practice Test 4
• TSI ELAR Practice Test 1
• TSI ELAR Practice Test 2
• TSI ELAR Practice Test 3
• TSI ELAR Practice Test 4
• TSI Essay Practice Test 1
• TSI Essay Practice Test 2
• TSI Essay Practice Test 3
• TSI Essay Practice Test 4

Other TSIA2 Resources

When preparing for your TSIA2 exam, you may find these other resources helpful:

TSIA2 Exam Overview

The Texas Success Initiative (TSI) assessment is a program that measures a student’s readiness for college-level courses in math, reading, and writing. Colleges also use the TSI results to help place students in the right courses and determine if any interventions are necessary.

The table below breaks down the TSIA2 exam and how it is structured.

You will first be given the College Readiness Classification (CRC) version of the exam.

If you do not pass the CRC benchmarks, you will then taking the diagnostic version of the sections you did not pass.

The essay is given along with the ELAR section.

TSI English Language Arts Reading (ELAR) Section

The TSI English language arts reading (ELAR) section measures your ability to read and write.

The questions are broken up into 2 main categories:

• Reading-Focused
• Writing-Focused

You will take the CRC version of the exam first. If you do not pass, you will then take the diagnostic version. The exam is multiple-choice and untimed.

TSI Mathematics Section

The TSI math section measures your ability in mathematics.

The questions are broken up into 4 main categories:

• Quantitative Reasoning
• Algebraic Reasoning
• Geometric and Spatial Reasoning
• Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning

TSI Essay Section

The TSI essay section measures your ability to write. You will be given a prompt and asked to respond with a 300 to 600 word essay.

Your essay will be scored based on the following 6 characteristics:

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

The essay will appear on the CRC version of the ELAR test. You will not be allowed to use outside resources to help with the essay.

TSIA2 Scores and Exemptions

All incoming college students in Texas are required to take the TSI exam. You will need the following minimum passing scores:

TSIA2 (After 1/11/21):

• Math: CRC score of 950+ or CRC score below 950 and a diagnostic level of 6.
• ELAR: CRC score of 945+ and an essay score of 5+ or CRC score below 945 and a diagnostic level of 5 and an essay score of 5+.

TSI (Before 1/11/21):

• Math: Score from 350 to 390.
• Reading: Score from 351 to 390.
• Writing: Score of 340+ and an essay score of 4+.

There are some exemptions to the TSI test based on how you scored on other standardized exams. To learn more about scores and exemptions, read our complete guide to TSI scores .

TSIA2 Practice Test Benefits

There are many benefits of preparing for your TSI exam with practice tests. Studying for your TSI test using sample questions is one of the most effective study practices you can use. The advantages of using sample TSI tests include:

• Improving Your Problem Solving Abilities: To do well on the TSI exam, especially the math section, you need to be able to solve problems. As you practice with our sample questions, and review the provided explanations, you will increase your ability to solve problems.
• Mastering the Test Format:  Standardized exams, like the TSI, have their own particular test formats. The best way to become familiar with the test format is to take practice exams. By understanding the TSI test format you will have no surprises on test day!
• Concentrating Your Study: Many students waste a lot of valuable study time by reviewing material that they are good at. As you answer more TSI practice questions, you will get a feel for what you struggle with. The most effective way to study is to concentrate on the areas that you need help on.

TSIA2 Exam FAQs

What is the tsi exam.

TSI stands for Texas Success Initiative. The TSI is an assessment exam that aims to gauge a student’s readiness for college-level courses in math, reading, and writing.

The test is also used as a way to place students in the appropriate classes in college.

What is on the TSI exam?

The TSIA2 exam consists of the following:

• English Language Arts and Reading

The exam is multiple-choice and untimed. The essay is given at the end of the ELAR section.

How much does the TSIA2 exam cost?

The TSIA2 exam costs $29. If you only need to take the ELAR section it is $20. If you only need to take the math section it is $10.

Are calculators allowed on the TSIA2 exam?

You will not be allowed to bring a calculator when taking the exam. However, a calculator will appear on questions that allow the use of one on your screen.

Is the TSIA2 exam given on a computer?

Yes, the TSI exam is given on a computer. The exam is computer adaptive, which means that questions will get harder or easier based on how you answered the previous question.

What is the best way to study for the TSI?

One of the best ways to get ready for a standardized test is by taking practice tests.

Our free TSI practice tests will challenge you on all aspects of the TSI.

Our practice questions also include answer explanations to help you better understand the material and do better on the TSI.

• Authored By: Dave Evangelisti
• Last Updated: June 13, 2024