ECPE Format and Content
The ECPE is a test of general language proficiency 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 | Number of items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking | 30–35 minutes | Test takers participate in a semistructured, multistage task involving two examinees and two examiners. | 1 task |
| Writing | 30 minutes | Test takers write an essay based upon one f two topic choices. | 1 task |
| Listening | 35-40 minutes |
Part 1 (multiple choice) A short recorded conversation is accompanied by three printed statements. Test takers choose the statement that conveys the same meaning as what was heard, or that is true based upon the conversation. |
50 |
|
Part 2 (multiple choice) A recorded question is accompanied by three printed responses. Test takers choose the appropriate response to the question. |
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Part 3 (multiple choice) Three recorded talks, such as those that might be heard on the radio, are each followed by recorded comprehension questions. The questions and the answer choices are printed in the test booklet. Test takers choose the correct answer from the choices. |
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| Grammar, Cloze, Vocabulary, Reading | 75 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. |
40 |
|
Cloze (multiple choice) Two passages with 10 deletions each are followed by choices of words and phrases to complete the text. Test takers must choose the option that best fills each blank in terms of grammar and meaning. |
20 | ||
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Vocabulary (multiple choice) An incomplete sentence is followed by a choice of words to complete it. Only on word has the corect meaning in that context. |
40 | ||
|
Reading (multiple choice) Four reading passages are followed by comprehension questions. Test takers choose the correct answer from the printed answer choices |
20 |