CAL EPT for Teachers – Sample Questions

The CAL-EPT for Teachers is a suite of two assessments that measures an examinee’s
proficiency in four skills (Speaking and Listening; Reading and Writing). A score report for
each test-taker is generated, including a scale score and a CEFR rating that indicate the
examinee’s current level of English language proficiency.
Part A: Speaking and Listening

 Is a valid and reliable one-on-one, adaptive, computer-assisted oral proficiency

interview

 Administration of the oral test takes about 15 minutes, depending on the

examinee’s proficiency level

 Rated during administration by a trained and certified test administrator

Part B: Reading and Writing

 Is a valid and reliable paper-based test, group administered

 Administration of the reading and writing tests takes 90 minutes total, with
additional time for registration and instructions

 Rated after administration, by a CAL certified rater

Part A: Speaking and Listening has different question types. Here is an example of each:
Type Sample Question
Yes/No Question “Do you like to watch the news on TV?”
Choice Question “Do you like getting the news in English or in your language?”
Entry Item “I usually get the news from TV. What about you?”
Photo Description “Tell me about this picture.”
Personal Expansion “What are some other ways you get the news?”
General Expansion “Do you think it’s important to keep up with the news? . . . Why/Why not?”
Elaboration “Some people think that news reports are unreliable and show only one side of
an issue. Others think that the news is accurate and unbiased. With which view
do you agree? . . . Why?”

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 CAL EPT for Teachers – Sample Questions

Part B: Reading and Writing has a variety of question types increasing in difficulty and task type
as well.
See the following example questions for the reading portion:

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 CAL EPT for Teachers – Sample Questions

See the following task types for the writing portion:

A2 B1 B2

• Write a • Narrate • Express

note or an
describe opinion

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 CAL EPT for Teachers – Sample Questions

CAL EPT for Teachers: Score Report

 The score report contains a scale score for Speaking and Listening, for Reading, and for
Writing for each test taker.
 Scale scores are interpreted in terms of the Common European Framework of Reference
(CEFR) proficiency levels.
 In addition, score reports indicate whether the score is in the low, mid, or high range of a
CEFR level.
 The score report also contains a global CEFR rating that encompasses a weighted average of
a test-taker’s proficiency across all domains.
 Because the test focuses on CEFR levels A1-B2, the highest scores are interpreted as “Above
B2.”
 Information from the test can provide diagnostic information that can support learners in
their further language and professional development.