Read Aloud

what do you like to do during your free time?

2 minutes – 2 Questions

What is this about?

Overview
Read a passage aloud for 30 seconds. In case you are unable to finish the
passage in 30 secs, it will not be counted against.

Tips
Focus on reading the passage as fluently as possible. Do not rush into completing the passage in
the given time. Be fluent and sound natural.

Skill Assessed – Speaking

The fluency of language will be judged in this section. Work on the below skills to gain a higher
score in this section.

• Clearly articulate words

• Pronounce unusual spellings appropriately
• Pause
• Stress
• Intonate
• Showcase ease of reading and speaking
• Pace your speech appropriately

Skill Assessed – Reading

This section does not focus on how fast you read but how accurately you read the text in front of
you. In case there is a lot of re-reading taking place, you might be dinged on your scores based
on the number of errors you make. Focus on two important aspects of reading:

• Read accurately in the first go

• Do not change words
• Do not skip words

Example
Australia is a very large country. It is the sixth largest country in the world. It is also a continent
and is sometimes called the 'island continent'. It is surrounded by two oceans. Most of Australia
is a desert so it is very flat and dry, but it also has rain forests and mountains. It is home to many
different kinds of animals.
Repeats

5 minutes – 16 Questions

What is this about?

Overview
Listen to a sentence and repeat the sentence word-for-word. The sentences are
presented in approximate order of increasing difficulty.

Tips
Ensure you repeat each word as is. Avoid changing contractions and rephrasing sentences.
Be fluent and sound natural.

Skill Assessed – Speaking

The fluency of language will be judged in this section. Work on the below skills to gain a higher
score in this section.

• Clearly articulate words

• Pronounce unusual spellings appropriately
• Pause
• Stress
• Intonate
• Showcase ease of reading and speaking
• Pace your speech appropriately

Examples
1. He’s a great teacher.
2. It’s not too late to change your mind.
3. People know how easy it is to get lost in thought.
Sentence builds

3 minutes – 10 Questions

What is this about?

Overview
Listen to a group of three short phrases presented in random order and then
rearrange the phrases to make a sentence.

Tips
Rearrange carefully. Use the words given to you without any additions or conversions.

Skill Assessed – Speaking

The fluency of language will be judged in this section. Work on the below skills to gain a higher
score in this section.

• Clearly articulate words

• Pronounce unusual spellings appropriately
• Pause
• Stress
• Intonate
• Showcase ease of reading and speaking
• Pace your speech appropriately

Remember
• Deliberately slow your thinking down
• Slow down the pace of your speech
• Speak slowly and evenly when speaking
• Take your time with your words
• Pause before you speak
• Keep your focus on what you are saying
• If you miss, move on

Example
1. my boss/to London/moved
2. of your family/any pictures/do you have
3. to their leader/listened carefully/the young men
Conversations

2 minutes – 12 Questions

What is this about?

Overview
Listen to a conversation between two speakers and then answer a
comprehension question.

Tips
Listen carefully. Answer in complete sentences. Make quick notes to refer.

Skill Assessed – Listening

Effective listening with comprehension is the area of focus here. Besides listening to the content
of the conversation is not enough. You need to –

• Listen intently
• Identify non-verbal cues
• Identify the tone of the speaker
• Comprehend the message discussed
• Do not give one word answers. Answer in complete sentences.

Example
Speaker 1: Congratulations on graduating!
Speaker 2: Thanks! It was a lot of work.
Speaker 1: I know. You deserve a party.
Question: Why does the man deserve a party?
Typing

1 minute – 1 Question

What is this about?

Overview
Type a given passage exactly as displayed in 60 seconds. This is an
assessment of typing speed and accuracy and allows candidates to familiarize
themselves with the keyboard.

Tips
Listen carefully. Answer in complete sentences. Make quick notes to refer.

Skill Assessed – Typing

• Type fast
• Get it right the first time
• Avoid using the backspace/delete keys
• Type exactly what you see including punctuations
• Be mindful of spelling mistakes

Example
Many people do not like public speaking. They are afraid to speak in front
of a large group of people. There are many ways to get better at public speaking. First, it is good
to know the room. You should know where to stand and where to set up your computer…(etc.)
Sentence completion

8 minutes – 20 Questions

What is this about?

Overview
Read a sentence that has a word missing, and then supply an appropriate
word to complete the sentence. Candidates are given 25 seconds for each
item.

Tips
Read carefully. Answer in complete sentences. Make quick notes to refer.

Skill Assessed – Reading

Choose the most appropriate word that aligns with the sentences. Think of the context in which
the information is being shared.

Remember
• Read with your eyes
• Read accurately in the first go
• Comprehend the context of the sentences
• Basic word order is subject, verb, object
• Follow grammar rules
• Ensure there is only one correct answer for the blank
• Review it carefully
• Look for clues to the correct response in the question

Example
1. Her favorite hobby is _________. She has so many books.
2. He arrives __________ and is often the first one here.
3. I asked a coworker to take over my __________ because I wasn’t feeling well.
Dictation

7 minutes – 16 Questions

What is this about?

Overview
Listen to a sentence and then type the sentence exactly as it is heard.
Candidates are given 25 seconds for each item.

Tips
Listen carefully. Make quick notes to refer. Do not change words or replace them with other
words.

Skill Assessed – Listening

Listen carefully to what is said and ensure you recognize pauses, questions, exclamations in
sentences. In case you miss a word, move on and complete the sentence anyway.

Remember
• Be attentive
• Avoid distractions
• Listen and type simultaneously
• Use punctuations wherever necessary (commas for pauses).
• Use correct spellings
• Be mindful of contractions

Example
1. I’ll see you on Thursday.
2. How long can I keep this book?
3. She apologized to all her friends several times.
Passage reconstruction

6 minutes – 3 Questions

What is this about?

Overview
Read a short paragraph for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, the paragraph
disappears. Then, reconstruct the paragraph in 90 seconds, including the
main points and as many details as possible.

Tips
Write the main idea. Fill in as many details as you can recollect. Ensure you write the passage in
your own words. Keep your sentences short and simple.

Skill Assessed – Reading

Rewrite the passage in your own words. Do not memorize sentences from the passage and write.
Condense it as much as possible and stick to the word limit. The lengthier the passage, more the
mistakes.

Remember
• Find the main idea
• Identify the key message in the passage
• Write as many details as possible in your own words
• Do not repeat the same point in different ways
• Use correct grammar
• Use simple sentences
• Follow the structure needed to write summaries/precis writing

Example
Robert went to a nice restaurant for dinner. When the waiter brought the bill, Robert reached for
his wallet, but it wasn't in his pocket. He remembered having his wallet when he came into the
restaurant. The waiter looked around the floor near his table. He found the wallet under the table.
Summary and opinion

18 minutes – 1 Question

What is this about?

Overview
Read a passage. Then, write a summary of the author’s opinion in 25-50 words
and give your own opinion on the topic presented in the passage in at least 50
words. Candidates are given 18 minutes to read the passage and write both
responses.

Tips
Write the main idea. Fill in as many details as you can recollect. Ensure you write the passage in
your own words. Keep your sentences short and simple.

Skill Assessed – Reading

Analyze the passage. Look for facts vs. opinions. Write the author’s point of view in your own
words by providing reasons given in the passage. Write your own point of view by giving logical
reasons.

Remember
• Find the main idea
• Identify the key message in the passage
• Analyze the writer’s experience
• Find the argument in the passage (An argument is a statement that contains reasons to justify
the point the writer is trying to make.)
• Distinguish between fact and opinion
• Find reasons for making a point
• State your opinion clearly
• Substantiate your point by providing logical reasons
• Use simple sentences
• Use correct grammar and spellings
• Read and practice on analyzing and writing a point of view

Example
Some children grow up in a big city while other children grow up in the countryside. Childhood
experiences can be very different depending on where a person is raised. Although the
countryside can be more peaceful than a big city, it is better for children to grow up in a big
city…(etc.)