Linguaskill is an online, multi-level test designed to help organisations assess groups of candidates. It offers a complete picture of 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. 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.
How this works
Candidates are taking the Linguaskill test remotely via Talview’s remote proctoring service. Assessment Candidate Instructions (talview.com)
Remote proctoring by Talview replaces the role of an on-site invigilator and uses video/image data, audio and event logs to monitor you as you take the test. The Linguaskill/Talview integration requires you to first login to Talview to complete some pre-test checks. You will then be taken to the Linguaskill login page on the Metrica testing platform. These instructions provide step-by-step guidance on setting up, taking and ending the Linguaskill test.
All Linguaskill tests are monitored for potential malpractice. Malpractice constitutes any attempt to breach test security and obtain a fraudulent result that is not a true reflection of your level of English. Linguaskill tests taken with Talview will be reviewed after the test event and if you are seen to have engaged in an activity that either is or could be interpreted as malpractice, you will receive will have your result disqualified.
You will receive an email from Linguaskill (no-reply@talview.com) with the subject line: Online Assessment Invitation | Linguaskill. The email contains your confirmation of the invitation to the remote proctored session. Your email also includes a link to a practice pre-test check.
Starting the remote proctoring session and Linguaskill test – Starting the remote proctoring session and Linguaskill (MUST READ!)
Test format and task types
Reading and Listening – 60–85 minutes
Types of questions – Reading tasks:
Read and select
Candidates read a notice, 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 three or 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 three or 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.
Writing – 45 minutes (2 parts)
Part 1 (Email) The candidate will be asked to write a minimum of 50 words.
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 2 (Long text) The candidate will be asked to write a minimum of 180 words.
Candidates read a short text outlining a scenario and respond using the information in the scenario and the three bullet points. Linguaskill General candidates will write at least 180 words to a wider audience and may be asked to produce a variety of text types (e.g. review, article, web post). Linguaskill Business candidates will write a letter or report of at least 180 words, often to a manager or staff within the company or to external clients.
Speaking – 15 minutes (5 parts)
Part 1 (interview) 8 questions
The candidate answers eight questions about themselves (the first two questions are not marked).
Part 2 (reading aloud) 8 questions
The candidate reads eight sentences aloud.
Part 3 (long turn 1) 1 question
The candidate is given a topic to talk about for one minute. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation.
Part 4 (long turn 2) 1 question
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.
Part 5 (communication activity) 1 question
The candidate gives their opinions in the form of short responses to five questions related to one topic. 40 seconds are allowed for preparation.
Top Tips
Preparing for Linguaskill – video
Read our top tips for Linguaskill, created by our assessment specialists to give you the best chance of succeeding in your test:
–Reading and Listening
–Writing
–Speaking
There is a range of resources to help candidates who are preparing for a Linguaskill test. Our resources will help you:
–Familiarise yourself with the test; its question types and format
–Practise your English and the Linguaskill test
–Learn and improve your English.
Free online sample tests
–Linguaskill General
–Linguaskill Business
Practice ideas
Writing Practice
Want to practise your written English? Write & Improve gives you feedback in seconds. This free online tool includes specific Linguaskill Business-related writing topics, it is a fantastic way to improve your writing skills.
Speaking Practice
Speak and Improve is a great way to practise your speaking skills and get used to the experience of taking an online speaking test like Linguaskill.
General Practice
On the Cambridge English website you can find a wide range of free online activities to practise your reading comprehension, writing, pronunciation, listening and grammar at any of the CEFR levels covered by Linguaskill. You can choose which skill you want to practise and the most suitable level for you.
Rules and Regulations
Linguaskill tests taken at home with remote proctoring
You are responsible for knowing the date and time of your test. You should know how to log in to your remote proctoring session and will have completed any necessary technical checks.
− Remember to check-in to complete pre-test checks well before your scheduled start time as notified by your testing institution. Your institution will also confirm if there are any further points that need to be followed.
− You should be informed of any recordings (video or audio) made during your proctored assessment, detailing the purposes for which they are made, and for how long they will be retained. For under-18s the consent of a parent or guardian will be required.
Pre-Test/Personal details
− You will need a laptop/PC, webcam and a microphone. Please check the technical settings specific to your remote proctoring supplier. Second monitors are not permitted in the test room.
− Decide where to take your exam. It must be a quiet location where nobody will disturb you. Make sure that the room has walls, a closed door and is well-lit.
− Check that there are no posters or any other material with English writing on the walls.
− Your desk must be empty and there must be no helpful materials in the room such as dictionaries, any notes etc.
− If there is a landline telephone in your room, unplug it or ensure it is set to silent.
− Take a break before the test – you cannot leave your seat once you have started the test. Breaks are only permitted between modules.
− Make sure there is no one in the room with you or can enter the room during the test.
You are only allowed to have at your desk:
− your photo ID. This must be the valid identity document (passport or national ID card) that you applied for the test with. If you do not do this, you will not be allowed to take the test.
− pens, pencils, paper and water in a clear plastic bottle. All electronic devices (including all watches) must be kept outside of the test room.
− All the applications on your computer except the test application must be closed.
During the test
− You must not attempt to close or move away from the test window on your computer or use any other electronic devices or unauthorised material.
− Make sure you follow all the instructions throughout the test. Failure to do so may result in you being subject to investigation and possible disqualification.
− If you are not sure about what to do or have any issues, contact your proctor, or test institution directly.
− Face coverings, including face masks, must be removed for the duration of the test. AI will not function properly if your eyes and mouth are covered.
− Ensure that you do not close remote proctoring during the test.
You must not:
− talk aloud (except during the Speaking module) or whisper.
− Eat or smoke (including vaping) during the test (approved snacks in clear plastic bags are accepted).
− cover your mouth with either an object or your hand.
− look around the room as the proctor and/or examiners will interpret any such behaviour as suspicious activity during a test.
− In the Speaking test please remember that if you do not provide a response this will be noted as ‘unmarkable’.
− engage in any form of malpractice which may damage the integrity of the Linguaskill test. Malpractice includes, but is not limited to:
− accessing notes of any kind from any source
− impersonating a candidate or having someone impersonate you. − disrupting the test in any way.
Candidates engaging in malpractice will not be allowed to complete the test and will not receive a test result and may be disqualified from other Linguaskill tests.
After the test – you must not:
− reproduce any part of the test in any format.
− attempt to alter any data on the Test Report Form
System requirements
In order to take the Linguaskill test, certain requirements must be met. When the test is taken at home, the candidate will be responsible for the proper functioning of their computer, periferals and internet connection which will be used to take the exam and for meeting any and all requirements necessary to be able to take the test.
- Laptop or desktop computer (Windows, macOS).
- Webcam
- Internet connection, minimum 1.5Mb/s o 3G (10Mb/s or optic fiber recommended)
- Minimum screen size 13 inches
- Minimum screen resolution 1280 X 1024
- RAM memory minimum 512MB (4GB recommended)
- Hard drive space minumum 4GB (10GB recommended)
- Google Chrome must be installed
- A headset with microphone
The candidate is responsible for ensuring that the computer on which they are taking the test meets all the requirements and is in good working order.