Test Outline

The test is conducted on Moodle and proctored online using ProctorFree.

It is made up of the following sections:

Reading (30 minutes)

Writing (30 minutes)

Speaking (15 minutes)

Listening (15 minutes)

Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

A passing score on the Powell English Test for PRECI admissions is an overall average of 75% (75/100). Each of the four test sections is scored out of 25, for a total of 100 points. To pass, no individual section score may be lower than 60% (15/25).

The test outline is subject to change at any time. Please ensure you review the latest version here prior to taking the test.

Section 1: Reading (30 minutes 25 marks)

This section assesses your reading comprehension through two genres: informative and narrative. Your responses will be evaluated based on your ability to interpret key ideas, analyze details, and support your answers with evidence from the texts.

Part 1: Informative Text (10 marks)

Read a non-fiction passage of approximately 300 words. You will then select the correct options to fill in the missing words or phrases. Note that not all options will be used.

You will then answer five true-or-false questions based on the passage.

It is recommended that you spend 5 minutes on this task.

Part 2: Narrative Text (15 marks)

Read a narrative passage of about 600 words, then answer two full-sentence questions and five multiple-choice questions.

It is recommended that you spend 15 minutes on this task.

Section 2: Writing (30 minutes 25 marks)

This section assesses your writing skills across two key areas: descriptive writing and professional communication. Your responses will be evaluated based on clarity, organization, vocabulary, grammar, and task fulfillment.

Part 1 Descriptive Paragraph (10 marks)

Write one descriptive paragraph based on a given photograph.

Suggested length: 100 words

Your response will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Sentence Quality & Variety – Effective use of diverse sentence structures.
Grammar – Accurate and appropriate use of grammar.
Vocabulary Use – Strong word choice and appropriate descriptive language.
Task Fulfillment – The paragraph accurately describes the image and meets the requirements.
Organization – Logical flow and coherence of ideas.

It is recommended that you spend 10 minutes on this task.

Part 2: Professional Email Response (15 marks)

Write one response to a professional email.

Suggested length: 150 words

Your response will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Structure & Coherence – Logical flow and clarity of ideas.
Grammar – Accurate and appropriate use of grammar.
Vocabulary – Appropriate word choice and tone for professional communication.
Task Fulfillment – The response effectively addresses the email’s purpose.

It is recommended that you spend 15 minutes on this task.

Section 3: Speaking (15 minutes 25 marks)

This section assesses your speaking skills. All tasks are administered via Speakpipe (recorded or written prompts) with no live interaction.

Your responses will be evaluated based on:

Fluency & Coherence – Smooth and logical speech flow.
Vocabulary – Appropriate and varied word choice.
Pronunciation – Clarity and accuracy of speech sounds.
Overall Communicative Effectiveness – Ability to convey meaning clearly and naturally.

Part 1 Picture Description (10 marks)

Look at an image and record yourself describing it in detail. You will also answer a follow-up question related to the image.

It is recommended that you spend 5 minutes on this task.

Part 2 Oral Response Questions (15 marks)

Answer three open-ended questions on a given topic. Your responses should be clear, structured, and well-developed.

It is recommended that you spend 10 minutes on this task.

Section 4: Listening (15 minutes 25 marks)

This section assesses your ability to understand spoken English through dictation and two audio-based short-answer tasks.

Part 1: Audio Comprehension (15 marks)

Listen to an audio recording of a conversation. After listening, you will answer short-answer questions based on the content. The audio clip can be paused and replayed. Minor grammar or spelling errors will not result in mark deductions unless they impede meaning.

Your response will be evaluated based on:

Comprehension – Understanding and accurately reflecting the audio content.
Clarity – Clear and understandable answers.
Accuracy – Correct details; minor grammar or spelling errors are allowed if meaning is clear.

It is recommended that you spend 10 minutes on this task.

Part 2: Dictation (10 marks)

Listen to 3-5 second audio clips and write down exactly what you hear.

Your response will be evaluated based on:

Grammar – Proper sentence structure and word forms.
Punctuation – Correct use of commas, periods, and other punctuation marks.
Spelling – Accurate reproduction of words as spoken.

It is recommended that you spend 5 minutes on this task.

Test Outline​

Part 1 Descriptive Paragraph (10 marks)

Part 2: Professional Email Response (15 marks)

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Part 1 Picture Description (10 marks)

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Part 2 Oral Response Questions (15 marks)

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Part 1: Audio Comprehension (15 marks)

Listen to an audio recording of a conversation.​ After listening, you will answer short-answer questions based on the content.​ The audio clip can be paused and replayed. Minor grammar or spelling errors will not result in mark deductions unless they impede meaning.​

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Part 2: Dictation (10 marks)

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Test Outline

Listen to an audio recording of a conversation. After listening, you will answer short-answer questions based on the content. The audio clip can be paused and replayed. Minor grammar or spelling errors will not result in mark deductions unless they impede meaning.