ELLT format
The ELLT is designed to test candidates on 4 core language skills – Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Here’s how a breakdown of the test structure.
Students have 40 minutes to complete the reading test. Each test is made up of two reading passages which correspond to 32 multiple choice style questions (16 per passage).The readingquestions have been designed to test both the reading level and reading skills.As students move through the questions different sections of the text are highlighted, this ensures students know which section of the test correlate to which question. Students may end the test before the 40minutes.
Students have 25minutes to complete the listening test. Each test is made up of three recordings with a total of 24 multiple choice style questions (8 per recording). At the beginning of each test students have 1 minute to read through the questions, before the audio starts playing. Students will first listen to a monologue which will be played once, then they will hear a dialogue, which will be played twice. Finally,students will hear a listening analysis,which consists of three speakers, played twice. All audio content has been created based on real world scenarios. Students may end the test before the 25 minutes.
The ELLT writing test, is assessed through a unique written task and submitted directly to the student’s examiner (the same one they will meet during the ELLT speaking test). The writing test consists of one 45-minute opinion-based essay style question where students are required to write between 190 and 260 words. The writing test is subject to the same AI proctoring as the first 2 skills as well as being run through a plagiarism checker before marking.
During the ELLT speaking test students meet with an examiner face-to-face over video call. The exam is broken into 4sections and lasts approximately 20-30 minutes depending on the student (this can be extended if needed). As part of the test there is an ID check and introduction, a short verbal presentation task (that students must prepare beforehand),a free-flowing question and answer session where examiners discuss the student’s written test and finally,an examiner led discussion based ona visual prompt.
During the test
ELLT Scoring
Candidates are assessed on a 13-level scale for each skill – reading, listening, speaking, and writing – as well as their overall level, this is the OIDI level scale 0-12. Each section of the test is scored on the candidate’s performance and can be mapped to a CEFR grade and IELTS equivalent score.
The ELLT reading test is scored out of a total of 32 with the listening test scored out of a total of 24 points. The ELLT speaking and writing tests are assess on a scale of 0 to 12 points across four criteria: Task Achievement, Accuracy and Appropriacy of Language, Fluency and Disclosure Management & Pronunciation/Grammar & Vocabulary. A candidate’s score is tallied, and an overall level is awarded based on an average of the four component levels.
| ELLT Score | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS equivalent | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.0 | |
| CEFR | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 | |||||||||
Practice for your test
Use our wide range of free and paid practice material to prepare yourself for the test. Learn about the structure and question types presented in the test using the test student guide.