International students seeking undergraduate admission to MSSU must take the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency if they do not have a sufficient TOEFL score of 535, or a minimum TOEFL computer score of 200. This test consists of three parts grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. All tests questions are multiple choice.
Part 1: Grammar
The first part of this test has 40 multiple choice questions to answer. This test will show how well you recognize and use English grammatical structures. Each question in this test is part of a conversation. In each conversation a word (or group of words) is left out. Following the conversation are four choices of words which might be used in the incomplete conversation. You are to select the word (or group of words) which would be used by a speaker of English, and which will best fit into the conversation.
Sample Question
"What is that thing?"
"That _____________ a spider."
a) to call
b) for calling
c) be called
d) is called
The correct English sentence is: "That is called a spider."
Part 2: Vocabulary
The second part of the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency has 40 questions. It includes two types of items. The first type of question will give you a sentence followed by four words or phrases. You will find the word that most closely matches the meaning of the underlined word or phrase.
Sample Question
It's too windy to go for a stroll.
a) swim
b) sail
c) drive
d) walk
The word 'walk' means about the same thing as 'stroll' in this sentence. The sentence "It's too windy to go for a walk," means the same thing as "It's too windy to go for a stroll." Therefore, the answer is "d".
The other type of question will give you a sentence with a missing word and a list of four words that might finish the sentence. You will identify which word best finishes the sentences.
Sample Question
Because of the storm and rough waves, it would be foolish to go out sailing today in a small ___________.
a) automobile
b) house
c) boat
d) beast
The word 'boat' fits best in the sence so that it reads, "Because of the storm and rough waves, it would be foolish to go out sailing in a small boat." Therefore, the answer is "c".
Part 3: Reading Comprehension
The third part of this test has 20 questions. This test will show how well you read English. You will read several passages, each followed by some questions about the passage. After carefully reading the passage, you will try to answer the questions. If you don't know the answer at first, you can read the passage again, but do not spend too much time on the passage or you will not have enough time to finish.
Sample Question
While I was getting ready to go to town one morning last week, my wife handed me a little piece of red cloth and asked if I would have time during the day to buy her two yards of cloth like that. I told her I would be glad to do it. And putting the piece of cloth into my pocket, I took the train for town.
The person telling the story is...
a) a married lady
b) an unmarried lady
c) a married man
d) an unmarried man
You know that the person telling the story is a married man because he says, "... my wife handed me..." Therefore, the answer is "c".
When was the author given a piece of red cloth
a) In the morning.
b) At noon
c) In the afternoon
d) In the evening
The passage says, "... one morning last week, my wife handed me a little piece of red cloth..." So the answer is a, In the morning. Therefore, the answer is "a".
A passing grade of 80 is required for admission to Missouri Southern State University.
