iTEP - International Test of English Proficiency

SLATE Test Structure

As with iTEP, there are two versions of the SLATE exam - SLATE and SLATE-Plus. SLATE is comprised of three sections: Reading, Listening, and Grammar. SLATE-Plus is comprised of those three sections and includes an additional two sections: Writing and Speaking.  Please note that in each section, examinees will encounter content and questions targeted at varying levels of proficiency.

A. Reading – 20 minutes

1) Two low-intermediate-level passages of approximately 50 words in length followed by  multiple choice question; 2) One intermediate-level passage of approximately 200 words in length followed by multiple-choice questions; and 3) One low advanced-level passage of approximately 500 words in length followed by multiple-choice questions. 

B. Listening – 20 minutes

1) Four short high-beginning to low-intermediate-level conversational exchanges of 2-3 sentences, each followed by 1 multiple-choice question; 2) One 2- to 3-minute intermediate-level conversational exchange followed by 4 multiple-choice questions; and 3) One 4-minute low-advanced-level lecture followed by 6 multiple-choice questions. 

C. Grammar (Structure) – 10 minutes

Twenty-five written multiple-choice questions, each of which tests the examinee's familiarity with a key feature of English structure. The section includes a range of structures from simple to more complex, as well as a range of vocabulary from beginning to advanced. There are two question types in this section, each illustrated with on-screen examples. 

D. Writing – 25 minutes

1) Examinee is asked to write a short note, geared at the low-intermediate-level, on a supplied topic in response to instructions (5 minutes / 50-75 words); 2) Examinee is presented with a brief, low-advanced-level written topic and is asked to express his/her thoughts on the topic (20 minutes: 175-225 words). 

E. Speaking – 5 minutes

1) Examinee hears and reads a short question targeted at the low-intermediate-level; examinee has 30 seconds to prepare his/her spoken response and 45 seconds to speak; 2) Examinee hears a brief low-advanced-level statement presenting two sides of an issue; examinee is then asked to give his/her thoughts on the topic (45 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to speak).

Test Length 

Total actual test time per examinee is approximately 50 minutes for SLATE and 80 minutes for SLATE-Plus. In addition, test administrators allocate an additional 10 minutes for pre-test instructions and examinee questions. 

Delivery Method   

The entire SLATE exam is delivered via the Internet, and must be administered in a secure environment at an approved testing facility.   

For the Reading, Listening, and Grammar sections, the examinee selects one of four answer choices for each question.  (There are a few exceptions in the Reading section that require the examinee to select the appropriate check-boxes or click to insert a new item.)   

In SLATE-Plus, the Writing samples are keyboarded directly into a text entry field. The Speaking samples are recorded with a headset/microphone at the examinee's computer.