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English Diagnostic Test

Applicants planning to enrol in any Arts & Sciences English course at Capilano University must take Capilano University's English Diagnostic Test (EDT), or the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) which is administered by the LPI office at UBC.  See below for exemptions.

These tests assess English usage and composition ability. They are designed to assist BC Colleges and Universities in placing incoming students in English courses appropriate to their needs. Test scores will not be used as a basis for admission to Capilano University, but they will be used to assist students in choosing appropriate English courses and/or sections.

Two versions of these tests exist. Capilano University administers the EDT. It is held on campus and the results are designed for entry only to our own classes. The LPI is administered by ARES and is held in large sittings in schools and test centres throughout the province. The two tests examine the same skills and are similar in format. The EDT fee is $35; the LPI fee is $67.

If you wish to write the Capilano University English Diagnostic Test, please pick up an EDT registration form in the Registrar's Office (Birch 230), or at the main University reception (2nd Floor, Birch), pay the $35 fee in advance at the Cashier's Office, and bring your receipt with you to the test.  Check below for the current EDT Schedule. You must present photo ID in order to write the test.

For office hours of the Registrar's Office:
http://www.capilanou.ca/services/advice/registrar.html or phone 604.984.4900.

For office hours of the Cashier's Office:
http://www.capilanou.ca/services/financial/cashier.html or phone 604.984.1786.

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Dates and locations for upcoming EDT tests are as follows: 
(students are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time.)

EDT Schedule

SPRING 2010

Date

Day

Location

Time

March 8 Monday

LB 188

7 p.m.
March 10 Wednesday CE 148 7 p.m.
March 25 Thursday CE 148 7 p.m.
March 31 Wednesday CE 148 7 p.m.
April 15 Thursday CE 148 7 p.m.
May 13 Thursday CE 148 7 p.m.
May 19 Wednesday

LB 188

10 a.m.
June 7 Monday CE 148 7 p.m.
June 29 Tuesday CE 148 7 p.m.

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Students should write the test at one of these times; a large number of sittings have been arranged in order to accommodate personal schedules.

The EDT includes the writing of a 300-500 word expository composition. Each composition will be marked for development, structure, sentence construction and word choice. Bring both a pen and a pencil to the test. Two hours are allowed for the EDT.  No dictionaries or electronic devices are allowed in the exam.

Students will be exempted from the EDT if they have achieved any of the following:

  • A in English 12 or English Literature 12
  • A in BENG 052
  • 4 or higher in an Advanced Placement course in English Composition or English Literature
  • 5 or higher in the International Baccalaureate course in English A1.
  • C- or higher in an English transfer course from another college or university
  • a degree from an English-speaking university

Based on the LPI, students will be placed as follows:

Level

Score

Placement

1

10 ESL

3

18 - 22 English 010

4

24, 25, 26 English 100 recommended

5

30, 31, 32, 34 Any first-year English course

6

36 - 40 Any first-year English course

All students who write the EDT during the registration period may pick up their results at the Registrar's Office (BR230) 24 hours after sitting the exam. These results are not raw scores, but are recommended placements applicable only to Capilano University English.

These results must be picked up in person before registering in any English Course.

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