Language Proficiency Index (LPI)

Paragon Testing

Test Format

The LPI Test is 2.5 hours and consists of four parts:

Part Description Samples
Sentence Structure Ten sentences are presented, and examinees are asked to recognize, though not identify by name, common errors in sentence structure.The sentence errors tested are selected from the following:

  • An incomplete sentence
  • A run-on sentence (sometimes called a comma fault)
  • A misplaced modifier
  • A dangling modifier
  • Faulty reference of a pronoun
  • Faulty subject-verb agreement
  • Faulty parallel structure
  • Redundant subordination/coordination
  Sample
English Usage Ten sentences are presented, and examinees are asked to recognize, though not identify by name, common errors in English usage typically made by people for whom English is their second language.The usage errors to be tested are from the following categories:

  • Incorrect use of “a” or “the”
  • Incorrect plural of a noun
  • Incorrect form of a noun or incorrect use of a noun
  • Wrong case of a pronoun
  • Confusion between an adverb and an adjective
  • Incorrect form of a verb
  • Incorrect tense of a verb
  • Incorrect preposition
  • A non-standard English expression or idiom
  Sample
Reading Comprehension In Section A, examinees are asked to read two prose passages (each of about 300 words), and then answer four multiple-choice questions that accompany each passage.

In Section B, examinees are given three prose passages to read (each of about 200 words), and asked to summarize the passage’s main idea or ideas in no more than three sentences.

 Section A Sample

Section B Sample
Essay Writing The examinee is required to write a 300-400 word argumentative essay on one of three topics. The writer will be expected to state a point of view and explain it, or the writer will be expected to agree or disagree with a statement and provide reasons for their choice.  Sample

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