VTest General English

VTest General English is the best suited exam for mid-stake purposes, such as workplace and HR assessments, level and skill mapping, and language auditing across organizations.  The exam places candidates across a 10-level CEFR scale in all four skill areas: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. 

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Test Modules

The Burlington VTest General English exam is designed for non-native English speakers, typically aged 16 and above, who want to demonstrate proficiency in general communication. The exam is modular, and can be taken in different combinations of one, two, three, or four skills. 

Format

Candidates progress through sets of passages and questions based on their ability. Candidates’ performance on earlier passages determines which passage they will hear next; subsequent passages are similarly based on candidates’ performance.

Candidates listen to 8-12 passages and answer 12-26 questions based on their level. Candidates have 30 seconds to review questions before each passage and another 30 seconds to respond after listening; a countdown timer shows the time remaining. When time is up, candidates auto-advance to the next passage, but can also self-advance using the NEXT button if they finish sooner.

The Listening section duration varies: Pre-A1 and A1 candidates may finish in 15-20 minutes, while C2 candidates may take up to 45 minutes.

Assessment

Candidates receive a CEFR score for the Listening section based on their overall performance.

Try our Listening sample items

Familiarize yourself with the question types.

Start practicing
Module format

*Each question has a time limit.

8-12

Passages

20-45

Minutes*

12-26

Questions

01

Read and answer

5 Questions

This task type requires you to read a text and answer the questions.

For this question, you will need to select the correct answer based on information in the text.

You will have between 45-120 seconds to read the text and between 45-75 seconds to respond.

02

Listen and answer

5 Questions

Format

Candidates progress through sets of texts and questions based on their ability. Candidates’ performance on earlier passages determines which passage they will see next; subsequent passages are similarly based on candidates’ performance.

Candidates read 9 texts and answer 12-26 questions in total, depending on their level. Each text has a time limit of up to five minutes, with a countdown timer showing the remaining time. When time is up, candidates auto-advance to the next text, but can also self-advance using the NEXT button if they finish sooner.

The Reading section duration varies: Pre-A1 and A1 candidates may finish in about 15 minutes, while C2 candidates may take up to 35 minutes.

Assessment

Candidates receive a CEFR score for the Reading section based on their overall performance.

Try our Reading sample items

Familiarize yourself with the question types.

Start practicing
Module format

*Each question has a time limit.

9

Texts

15-35

Minutes*

12-26

Questions

01

Read and answer

5 Questions

This task type requires you to read a text and answer the questions.

For this question, you will need to select the correct answer based on information in the text.

You will have between 45-120 seconds to read the text and between 45-75 seconds to respond.

02

Listen and answer

5 Questions

Format

Part 1

Part 1 is a pre-writing task in which candidates arrange 9 scrambled sentences to form grammatically correct sentences. Candidates are assessed on their ability to organize sentences logically and grammatically. Results from Part 1 determine the level of prompts in Parts 2 and 3.

Part 2

In Part 2, candidates respond to two prompts based on a picture. The first prompt requires a description of the visual content, and the second prompt asks for personal viewpoints or ideas related to the image. Word count requirements vary by proficiency level:

  • A1 and A2: Prompt 1 = 30 words; Prompt 2 = 80 words
  • B1 and B2: Prompt 1 = 40 words; Prompt 2 = 150 words
  • C1 and C2: Prompt 1 = 50 words; Prompt 2 = 200 words

Candidates have 5 minutes for Prompt 1, and 15 minutes for Prompt 2. They are assessed on their ability to describe content accurately and articulate personal viewpoints within the word limit. This task is scored by the VTest automated scoring system.

Part 3

Part 3 is an essay task in which candidates respond to a prompt (either a question or statement). Word count requirements vary by proficiency level:

  • A1 and A2: 80 words
  • B1 and B2: 150 words
  • C1 and C2: 200 words

Candidates have 15 minutes to complete Part 3, and are assessed on their ability to develop and structure an extended written response. This task is scored by the VTest automated scoring system.

Try our Writing sample items

Familiarize yourself with the question types.

Start practicing
Module format

*Each question has a time limit.

3

Parts

2

Prompts

~45

Minutes*

4

Questions

Format & Timings

Scores from Part 1 are used only to determine prompt levels for Parts 2 and 3, and are not part of the final Writing score. The final Writing score is an average of scores from Parts 2 and 3. 

01

Task - Scrambled Sentences (Pre-Writing)

7 min

Description:

  • 9 scrambled sentence items
  • Used to determine levels for Parts 2 and 3

02

Task - Picture

22 min

Description:

  • 1 picture with 2 prompts
  • Candidates write 30–200 words for each prompt

03

Task - Essay

16 min
Description:
  • 1 prompt
  • Candidates write 80–200 words

Format

The Speaking section is semi-adaptive and consists of three parts, each with a different focus.

Part 1

Part 1 is a pre-speaking task in which candidates hear 9 statements or questions, each followed by three possible responses. Candidates choose the best response, presented both audibly and in writing.
Candidates are assessed on their comprehension and selection of the most contextually appropriate response. Performance on Part 1 determines what candidates will see in Parts 2 and 3.

Part 2

In Part 2, candidates are presented with a text to read aloud, followed by two questions—one that assesses comprehension and another that prompts a personal opinion.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to read fluently, demonstrate comprehension, and express personal viewpoints. This task is scored by the VTest automated scoring system.

Part 3

Part 3 is picture-based task, in which candidates view two pictures and answer three questions about them.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to describe visual content and respond to questions with relevant details and opinions. This task is scored by the VTest automated scoring system.

Try our Speaking sample items

Familiarize yourself with the question types.

Start practicing
Module format

*Each question has a time limit.

3

Parts

1

Passage

~15

Minutes*

5

Questions

Format & Timings

Scores from Part 1 are used only to determine prompt levels for Parts 2 and 3, and are not part of the final Speaking score. The final Speaking score is an average of scores from Parts 2 and 3.

01

Task - Rejoinders (Pre-Speaking)

7 min

Description:

  • 9 multiple-choice items
  • Used to determine levels for Parts 2 and 3

02

Task - Read Aloud

4 min

Description:

  • 1 text to read aloud followed by two questions about the text

03

Pictures

4 min

Description:

  • 1 set of 2 related questions 

Format

Candidates progress through sets of passages and questions based on their ability. Candidates’ performance on earlier passages determines which passage they will hear next; subsequent passages are similarly based on candidates’ performance.

Candidates listen to 8-12 passages and answer 12-26 questions based on their level. Candidates have 30 seconds to review questions before each passage and another 30 seconds to respond after listening; a countdown timer shows the time remaining. When time is up, candidates auto-advance to the next passage, but can also self-advance using the NEXT button if they finish sooner.

The Listening section duration varies: Pre-A1 and A1 candidates may finish in 15-20 minutes, while C2 candidates may take up to 45 minutes.

Assessment

Candidates receive a CEFR score for the Listening section based on their overall performance.

Try our Listening sample items

Familiarize yourself with the question types.

Start practicing
Module format

*Each question has a time limit.

8-12

Passages

20-45

Minutes*

12-26

Questions

01

Read and answer

5 Questions

This task type requires you to read a text and answer the questions.

For this question, you will need to select the correct answer based on information in the text.

You will have between 45-120 seconds to read the text and between 45-75 seconds to respond.

02

Listen and answer

5 Questions

Format

Candidates progress through sets of texts and questions based on their ability. Candidates’ performance on earlier passages determines which passage they will see next; subsequent passages are similarly based on candidates’ performance.

Candidates read 9 texts and answer 12-26 questions in total, depending on their level. Each text has a time limit of up to five minutes, with a countdown timer showing the remaining time. When time is up, candidates auto-advance to the next text, but can also self-advance using the NEXT button if they finish sooner.

The Reading section duration varies: Pre-A1 and A1 candidates may finish in about 15 minutes, while C2 candidates may take up to 35 minutes.

Assessment

Candidates receive a CEFR score for the Reading section based on their overall performance.

Try our Reading sample items

Familiarize yourself with the question types.

Start practicing
Module format

*Each question has a time limit.

9

Texts

15-35

Minutes*

12-26

Questions

01

Read and answer

5 Questions

This task type requires you to read a text and answer the questions.

For this question, you will need to select the correct answer based on information in the text.

You will have between 45-120 seconds to read the text and between 45-75 seconds to respond.

02

Listen and answer

5 Questions

Format

Part 1

Part 1 is a pre-writing task in which candidates arrange 9 scrambled sentences to form grammatically correct sentences. Candidates are assessed on their ability to organize sentences logically and grammatically. Results from Part 1 determine the level of prompts in Parts 2 and 3.

Part 2

In Part 2, candidates respond to two prompts based on a picture. The first prompt requires a description of the visual content, and the second prompt asks for personal viewpoints or ideas related to the image. Word count requirements vary by proficiency level:

  • A1 and A2: Prompt 1 = 30 words; Prompt 2 = 80 words
  • B1 and B2: Prompt 1 = 40 words; Prompt 2 = 150 words
  • C1 and C2: Prompt 1 = 50 words; Prompt 2 = 200 words

Candidates have 5 minutes for Prompt 1, and 15 minutes for Prompt 2. They are assessed on their ability to describe content accurately and articulate personal viewpoints within the word limit. This task is scored by the VTest automated scoring system.

Part 3

Part 3 is an essay task in which candidates respond to a prompt (either a question or statement). Word count requirements vary by proficiency level:

  • A1 and A2: 80 words
  • B1 and B2: 150 words
  • C1 and C2: 200 words

Candidates have 15 minutes to complete Part 3, and are assessed on their ability to develop and structure an extended written response. This task is scored by the VTest automated scoring system.

Try our Writing sample items

Familiarize yourself with the question types.

Start practicing
Module format

*Each question has a time limit.

3

Parts

2

Prompts

~45

Minutes*

4

Questions

Format & Timings

Scores from Part 1 are used only to determine prompt levels for Parts 2 and 3, and are not part of the final Writing score. The final Writing score is an average of scores from Parts 2 and 3. 

01

Task - Scrambled Sentences (Pre-Writing)

7 min

Description:

  • 9 scrambled sentence items
  • Used to determine levels for Parts 2 and 3

02

Task - Picture

22 min

Description:

  • 1 picture with 2 prompts
  • Candidates write 30–200 words for each prompt

03

Task - Essay

16 min
Description:
  • 1 prompt
  • Candidates write 80–200 words

Format

The Speaking section is semi-adaptive and consists of three parts, each with a different focus.

Part 1

Part 1 is a pre-speaking task in which candidates hear 9 statements or questions, each followed by three possible responses. Candidates choose the best response, presented both audibly and in writing.
Candidates are assessed on their comprehension and selection of the most contextually appropriate response. Performance on Part 1 determines what candidates will see in Parts 2 and 3.

Part 2

In Part 2, candidates are presented with a text to read aloud, followed by two questions—one that assesses comprehension and another that prompts a personal opinion.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to read fluently, demonstrate comprehension, and express personal viewpoints. This task is scored by the VTest automated scoring system.

Part 3

Part 3 is picture-based task, in which candidates view two pictures and answer three questions about them.
Candidates are assessed on their ability to describe visual content and respond to questions with relevant details and opinions. This task is scored by the VTest automated scoring system.

Try our Speaking sample items

Familiarize yourself with the question types.

Start practicing
Module format

*Each question has a time limit.

3

Parts

1

Passage

~15

Minutes*

5

Questions

Format & Timings

Scores from Part 1 are used only to determine prompt levels for Parts 2 and 3, and are not part of the final Speaking score. The final Speaking score is an average of scores from Parts 2 and 3.

01

Task - Rejoinders (Pre-Speaking)

7 min

Description:

  • 9 multiple-choice items
  • Used to determine levels for Parts 2 and 3

02

Task - Read Aloud

4 min

Description:

  • 1 text to read aloud followed by two questions about the text

03

Pictures

4 min

Description:

  • 1 set of 2 related questions 

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