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Reading and Listening
The Reading and Listening module is adaptive, so there is not a fixed number of questions. Each question the candidate answers helps the computer to understand their level better. The test finishes when the candidate has answered enough questions for Linguaskill to identify their level accurately.
Download our guide to computer adaptive testing of listening and reading skills.
Results for the Reading and Listening module are provided immediately.
| Length: |
About 60–85 minutes
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| Number of questions: |
Variable |
| Types of questions – Reading tasks: |
Read and select
Candidates read a notice, label, memo or letter containing a short text and choose the sentence or phrase that most closely matches the meaning of the text. There are three possible answers.
Gapped sentences
Candidates read a sentence with a missing word (gap) and choose the correct word to fill the gap. There are three or four choices for each gap.
Multiple-choice gap-fill
Candidates choose the right word or phrase to fill the gaps in a text. There are three or four choices for each gap.
Open gap-fill
Candidates read a short text in which there are some missing words (gaps) and write in the missing word in each gap.
Extended reading
Candidates read a longer text and answer a series of multiple-choice questions. The questions are in the same order as the information in the text.
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| Types of questions – Listening tasks: |
Listen and select
Candidates listen to a short audio recording and answer a multiple-choice question with three options.
Extended listening
Candidates listen to a longer recording and answer a series of multiple-choice questions based on it. The questions are in the same order as the information they hear in the recording.
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Take the Linguaskill General Reading and Listening sample test
Take the Linguaskill Business Reading and Listening sample test
While the practice and sample materials do cover the test construct, we do trial new task types in the test in order to expand and improve the test construct. This is done during a live test as part of our live pretesting of new items. It is important that candidates try to complete these tasks to the best of their ability, but they should be reassured that their performance on these tasks does not contribute to their overall score. Once these tasks become part of the standard test construct, more sample and practice materials will become available.
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Writing
The Writing module asks candidates to input answers using a computer keyboard. Answers are marked automatically by the computer. Writing results will be released when ready and within 48 hours. Typically, 99% of results are available within 12 hours.
| Length: |
45 minutes (2 parts) |
| Part 1 (Email) |
The candidate will be asked to write a minimum of 50 words. |
| Marks in Part 1: |
One half of the final Writing result. |
| Part 2 (Long text) |
The candidate will be asked to write a minimum of 180 words. |
| Marks in Part 2: |
One half of the final Writing result. |
| Types of questions: |
Part one
Candidates read a short prompt, usually an email. They use the information in the prompt and the three bullet points to write an email of at least 50 words. Candidates should spend about 15 minutes on this.
Part two
Candidates read a short text outlining a scenario and respond using the information in the scenario and the three bullet points. Linguaskill General candidates will write at least 180 words to a wider audience and may be asked to produce a variety of text types (e.g. review, article, web post). Linguaskill Business candidates will write a letter or report of at least 180 words, often to a manager or staff within the company or to external clients.
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Take the Linguaskill General Writing sample test
Take the Linguaskill Business Writing sample test
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Speaking
The Speaking module is taken using a computer with a microphone and headphones. Questions are presented to the candidate through the computer screen and headphones, and their responses are recorded.
Linguaskill General Speaking and Linguaskill Business Speaking are assessed by using human examiners or market-leading auto-marking technology, known as hybrid marking. Speaking results will be released when ready and within 48 hours. Typically, 90% of results are available within 12 hours.
There are five parts to the Speaking module.
Length: 15 minutes (5 parts)
| Part 1 (interview) |
The candidate answers eight questions about themselves (the first two questions are not marked). |
| Questions: |
8 |
| Marks in Part 1: |
20% of the marks. |
| Part 2 (reading aloud) |
The candidate reads eight sentences aloud. |
| Questions: |
8 |
| Marks in Part 2: |
20% of the marks. |
| Part 3 (long turn 1) |
The candidate is given a topic to talk about for one minute. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation. |
| Questions: |
1 |
| Marks in Part 3: |
20% of the marks. |
| Part 4 (long turn 2) |
The candidate is given one or more graphics (for example a chart, diagram or information sheet) to talk about for one minute. One minute is allowed for preparation. |
| Questions: |
1 |
| Marks in Part 4: |
20% of the marks. |
Part 5
(communication activity) |
The candidate gives their opinions in the form of short responses to five questions related to one topic. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation. |
| Questions: |
5 |
| Marks in Part 5: |
20% of the marks. |
Take the Linguaskill General Speaking sample test
Take the Linguaskill Business Speaking sample test