top of page
16 x 9 in (22).jpg

Test Outline

The test is made up of the following sections: listening, grammar, writing, reading, speaking, and dictation.  

 

The test includes the following question types: multiple choice, paragraphs, short answer, and verbal.

The test has a time limit of two hours.

Section 1: Listening

Listening 1

You will listen to a dialogue and complete short-answer questions. The audio clip can be paused and replayed.  You will be marked for the accuracy of your answers as well as your grammar and sentence structure.

Example: What do Kelly and James plan on doing tomorrow?

This section is worth 10 marks. 

Suggested time limit: 12 minutes

Listening 2

You will listen to a non-fiction article and complete short-answer questions. The audio clip can be paused and replayed. You will be marked for the accuracy of your answers as well as your grammar and sentence structure.

Example: Why is the population of Seattle increasing?

This section is worth 10 marks. 

Suggested time limit: 12 minutes

Section 2: Grammar

You will answer multiple choice and short answer questions that focus on topics like sentence structure, verb tenses, etc.

Example: Which sentence uses an apostrophe correctly (multiple choice).

This section is worth 20 marks.

Suggested time limit: 15 minutes

Section 3: Writing

Writing 1

You will write a descriptive paragraph based on a photograph.  

Paragraphs are marked for paragraph structure, sentence structure,

grammar, and vocabulary. Paragraph questions do not require research,

and the allotted time accounts for brainstorming and organizing.

This section is worth 10 marks

Suggested length: 200 words

Suggested time: 15 minutes

Writing 2 

You will write a descriptive paragraph based on a written prompt.

Example: Describe your favourite city.

Paragraphs are marked for paragraph structure, sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary. Paragraph questions do

not require research, and the allotted time accounts for brainstorming and organizing.

This section is worth 10 marks

Suggested length: 200 words

Suggested time: 15 minutes

Section 4: Reading

Fiction Reading  

You will read a short story and complete short-answer and multiple choice comprehension questions.  Marks will be given for the correct answer as well as sentence structure. To achieve full marks, you must write the answers in your own words. Do not copy and paste your answers from the story.

Example: Which holiday destination did Michelle choose and why?

This section is worth 10 marks.

Suggested time: 15 minutes

Non-Fiction Reading

You will read a non-fiction article, and answer the questions that follow. Marks will be given for the correct answer as well as sentence structure. Do not copy and paste answers from the story. To achieve full marks, you must write the answers in your own words.

Example: Why did Charlie Anderson drop out of med school?

This section is worth 10 marks.

Suggested time limit: 15 minutes

Section 5: Speaking    

The speaking section will record your voice as you answer three questions. Marks are given for correct grammar, pronunciation, sentence structure, and vocabulary. 

Example: Describe your favourite city.

The suggested length for each recording is 60 seconds.

This section is worth 15 marks (5 marks each)

Suggested time limit: 10 minutes

Section 6: Dictation    

The dictation section consists of very short audio clips. You will write exactly what you hear.  Marks are given for correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Example: Being a vegetarian is challenging, but being a vegan is even more difficult.

This section is worth 5 marks

Suggested time limit: 5 minutes

3 x 2.5 in (4).jpg
bottom of page