Listening: This section tests how you interpret spoken English. You'll listen to 3 lectures each 3-5 minutes in length and 2 conversations each 3 minutes in length and then answer questions that test your understanding of the main ideas, details, supporting arguments, and speaker purpose. Each lecture will have 6 questions and each conversation will have 5 questions.
Reading: This section assesses your ability to understand academic texts. You'll read 2 passages each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage on academic subjects and answer questions testing main ideas, inferences, comprehension of information, and the author's purpose.
Writing: The writing section measures your written English skills in an academic setting. You'll complete two tasks. The first task is an integrated writing task (20 minutes). You will read a short passage, listen to a lecture and then write a response. In the second task (20 mins), you will listen to a classroom discussion – and will be expected to state and support your opinion.
Speaking: This computer-based section evaluates your spoken English fluency and ability to communicate effectively in academic situations. You'll complete four tasks: introducing yourself and speaking about a familiar topic, summarizing information from a lecture, expressing your opinion on a course-related issue, and integrating information from a reading passage and lecture. For each question, you will get 15 – 30 seconds to prepare and will have 45 – 60 seconds to speak.
