Test Design and Format
Envoy is a four skills test measuring foundational skills, language reception and language production in academic and general contexts.
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Test format
Envoy's flexible design allows the skills to be administered in a range of combinations. A four skills test can be completed in less than 90 minutes.
Instantly adaptive
Envoy is internally adaptive, and the score on each section provides the start level for the section that follows. The adaptive nature of the test makes it a more engaging and enjoyable experience for your students as they are tested at their level.
Questions and tasks
Test questions and tasks are written by native English writers with experience in both instruction and assessment of language learners. Item writers undergo training, familiarising them with the CEFR levels.
Listening section
Evaluates comprehension through monologues and dialogues, simulating lectures and social interactions.
Reading section
Includes tasks that require processing informational and persuasive texts. Envoy focuses on communicative skills through use of authentic and natural language. Texts are drawn from academic and daily life domains.
Speaking section
Requires students to engage with both concrete and abstract topics, with the complexity adjusted according to their proficiency level.
Writing section
Assesses two task types; email and essay writing. The answers are evaluated for both rhetorical and language skills, including topic development, style, organisation, vocabulary, grammar, and mechanics.
Skills tested
All Envoy tests commence with a diagnostic MCQ section followed by the skills selected to test by your organisation.
Flexible modular design
The test is modular, allowing for sections, and in some cases parts of sections, to be administered in any combination suitable for a specific classroom or test event.
The combination of testing language knowledge, reception, and production skills allows for a detailed diagnosis of a student’s strengths and areas for improvement; helping teachers plan and tailor their lessons to each student or group of students'.
Structure of the test
The test includes adaptive multiple-choice questions, and open-ended questions requiring extended answers. Students are rated on knowledge of language, via discrete item assessment of grammar, vocabulary and cohesion, receptive knowledge of language via multiple choice questions about audio clips and written texts, and productive language ability via open ended speaking and writing tasks.
The test is composed of several sections, which can be deselected at the teacher’s discretion.
Each section is given a separate score on the test score report. Find out more about scoring and results.
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Multi-stage adaptive methodology
The adaptive nature of the test allows for identification of the test taker’s level in under 90 minutes.
Envoy is an adaptive test resulting in a more engaging and enjoyable experience for your student's as they are tested at their current level.
To provide an efficient testing experience, Envoy is internally adaptive, and the score on each section provides the start level for the section that follows.
Given the adaptive nature of the test it means it is suitable for all levels from pre A1 to C2. Teachers are able to use the same test for every student in their class regardless of their level of English proficiency.
To learn more about the structure and design of the test download our
Frequently Asked Questions
We've put together some frequently asked questions that will help you get a better understanding of Envoy.