What is Linguaskill?

• Linguaskill is an online, multi-level test designed to help organisations assess groups of candidates.
• It offers a complete picture of your candidates’ English abilities, with fast and accurate testing of all four language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
• It provides detailed results and clear individual and group reports.

Why choose Linguaskill?

• It is delivered by Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge, provider of the world’s leading range of English language qualifications for higher education institutions and globally recognised by over 20,000 institutions.
• Linguaskill has been developed by a dedicated team of experts. Supported by artificial intelligence, the test is reliable and accurate.
• Linguaskill can be easily administered and invigilated at your own venue at a time that suits you. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, a microphone and a set of headphones.
• Linguaskill is a modular online test which assesses all four language skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. This gives you choice about the skills you want to assess.
• Linguaskill is available as two options, General and Business. This gives you the ability to choose the sort of language that will be tested, based on your objectives.

Linguaskill General

Linguaskill General tests language used in daily life, making it ideal for university admission or exit, and recruitment for roles in a non-business-specific environment. For example, where the employee needs strong English skills to perform their role effectively, but will not need specialist business terminology. This makes the test suitable for a broad spectrum of organisations. Test topics include studying and working, making future plans, travel and technology.

Linguaskill Business

Linguaskill Business tests English used in a business and corporate setting, and is most suitable for recruitment in organisations where employees are expected to be familiar with the language of business.

It is suitable for large or small organisations, which may be operating on an international level. Test topics include the buying and selling of products or services, the office, business travel and human resources.

Test format:

1. Reading and Listening – about 60–85 minutes in length
The Reading and Listening module is adaptive, so there is not a fixed number of a question. Each question the candidate answers helps the computer to understand their level better. The test finishes when the candidate has answered enough questions for Linguaskill to identify their level accurately.
Download the guide to computer adaptive testing of listening and reading skills.
Results for the Reading and Listening module are provided immediately.

Types of questions – Reading tasks:
Read and select: Candidates read a notice, diagram, label, memo or letter containing a short text and choose the sentence or phrase that most closely matches the meaning of the text. There are three possible answers.
Gapped sentences: Candidates read a sentence with a missing word (gap) and choose the correct word to fill the gap. There are four choices for each gap.
Multiple-choice gap-fill: Candidates choose the right word or phrase to fill the gaps in a text. There are four choices for each gap.
Open gap-fill: Candidates read a short text in which there are some missing words (gaps) and write in the missing word in each gap.
Extended reading: Candidates read a longer text and answer a series of multiple-choice questions. The questions are in the same order as the information in the text.

Types of questions – Listening tasks:
Listen and select – Candidates listen to a short audio recording and answer a multiple-choice question with three options.
Extended listening – Candidates listen to a longer recording and answer a series of multiple-choice questions based on it. The questions are in the same order as the information they hear in the recording.

2. Writing
The Writing module asks candidates to input answers using a computer keyboard. Answers are marked automatically by the computer. Results will be available within 12 hours.
Length: 45 minutes (2 parts)
Part 1 (Email) The candidate will be asked to write a minimum of 50 words.
Marks in Part 1: One half of the final Writing result.
Part 2 (Long text) The candidate will be asked to write a minimum of 180 words.
Marks in Part 2: One half of the final Writing result.
Types of questions:
Part one
Candidates read a short prompt, usually an email. They use the information in the prompt and the three bullet points to write an email of at least 50 words. Candidates should spend about 15 minutes on this.
Part two
Candidates read a short text outlining a scenario and respond using the information in the scenario and the three bullet points. Candidates will write a letter or a report of at least 180 words. Candidates should spend about 30 minutes on this.

3. Speaking
The Speaking module is taken using a computer with a microphone and headphones. Questions are presented to the candidate through the computer screen and headphones, and their responses are recorded and assessed by examiners. Results will be available within 48 hours.
There are five parts to the Speaking module.
Length: 15 minutes (5 parts)
Part 1 (interview) The candidate answers eight questions about themselves (the first two questions are not marked). This counts for 20% of the marks.
Part 2 (reading aloud) The candidate reads eight sentences aloud. This counts for 20% of the marks.
Part 3 (long turn 1)The candidate is given a topic to talk about for one minute. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation. This counts for 20% of the marks.
Part 4 (long turn 2)The candidate is given one or more graphics (for example a chart, diagram or information sheet) to talk about for one minute. One minute is allowed for preparation. This counts for 20% of the marks.
Part 5 (communication activity) The candidate gives their opinions in the form of short responses to five questions related to one topic. One minute is allowed for preparation. This counts for 20% of the marks.

On the Cambridge Assessment English website you can find examples for all exam parts as well as useful additional information.