ECCE Format and Content

The ECCE is a test of general language competency in a variety of contexts. The four-component skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking are evaluated through a combination of tasks.

Section Time Description Nunber of items
Speaking 15 minutes A structured oral interaction occurs between the test taker and the speaking test examiner. The interaction involves a visual prompt. 4 stages
Listening 30 minutes

Part 1 (multiple choice)

A short recorded conversation is followed by a question. Answer choices are shown as pictures.

30

Part 2 (multiple choice)

Short talks delivered by single speakers on different topics, followed by 4 to 6 questions each.

20

Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading

90 minutes

Grammar (multiple choice)

An incomplete sentence is followed by a choice of words or phrases to complete it. Only one choice is grammatically correct.

35

Vocabulary (multiple choice)

An incomplete sentence is followed by a choice of words to complete it. Only one word has the correct meaning in that context.

35

Reading (multiple choice)

Part I: A short reading passage is followed by comprehension questions.
Part II: Two sets of four short texts related to each other by topic are followed by 10 questions each.

30
Writing 30 minutes The test taker reads a short excerpt from a newspaper article and then writes a letter or essay giving an opinion about a situation or issue. 1 task