This post answers frequently asked questions about Ellii's Placement Tests. For general questions about Ellii's assessment content, view this related post: How to Find Assessments on Ellii

Ellii's Placement Test (Autograded)

The Ellii Placement Test (autograded) is designed to help teachers or administrators determine the Ellii level of a new English language student. This short, autograded test does not include writing and speaking tasks. Students have 30 minutes to complete the Ellii Placement Test. There is also a printable version with downloadable audio available if schools prefer this method.

The Ellii Placement Test (autograded) has 30 multiple-choice questions and is divided into 3 sections:

Part 1: Listening (3 recordings, 9 questions)
Part 2: Grammar (12 questions)
Part 3: Reading (3 readings, 9 questions)

For the most accurate scoring, teachers should encourage students to skip questions they can't answer rather than guessing.

Score Range = Ellii Level

0-3% = Pre Beg
4–17% = Low Beg
18-40% = High Beg
41-63% = Low Int
64-83% = High Int
84-97% = High Int – Adv
98-100% = Adv

After completing the assessment, students are assigned a score and suggested a level placement. This helps teachers decide which Ellii materials to use with their students.

The type of level teachers see is based on the settings they have selected on their Account page (Ellii, CLB, CEFR, ELD, NRS). A percentage score will also be shown.

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Ellii's Placement Test (Speaking & Writing)

The Ellii Placement Test (Writing & Speaking) assesses all four skills and is designed to help teachers determine the Ellii level of a new English language student. Teachers can also consult our Equivalency Scale to determine which materials are best suited for their students based on their level preference.

We recommend giving students a time limit of 60 minutes to complete this test in order to get the most accurate level placement. If assigning the digital version, teachers can include this guideline as a note: "Please use a maximum of 60 minutes to take this test. I will see the time taken after you submit your answers."

A printable version with suggested rubrics for the speaking and writing portion is available in the Teacher PDF. If students are taking the digital version, teachers may want to share expectations so students understand what they will be looking for in a response. There is also an Irish version of this test. 

This test is divided into 5 sections:

Part 1: Listening (6 recordings, 12 questions, 20%)
Part 2: Grammar (16 questions, 27%)
Part 3: Reading (3 readings, 9 questions, 15%)
Part 4: Writing (3 short answers, 1 long answer, 22%)
Part 5: Speaking (1 long answer, 16%)

For the most accurate scoring, students should be encouraged to skip questions they can't answer rather than guessing. Here is the suggested level placement for the full test with speaking and writing portions.

Score Range = Ellii Level

0-3% = Pre Beg
4–17% = Low Beg
18-40% = High Beg
41-63% = Low Int
64-83% = High Int
84-97% = High Int – Adv
98-100% = Adv

The score and suggested level will help teachers decide which Ellii materials to use with their students. The type of level teachers see is based on the settings they have set up on their Account page (Ellii, CLB, CEFR, ELD, NRS). A percentage score will also be shown. 

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Ellii's Exit Test

To assess students' gains since they took the autograded Ellii Placement Test or to use an alternative version of the autograded Ellii Placement Test, teachers can assign the Ellii Exit Test. This is an additional autograded proficiency test with different questions at the same difficulty and with the same number of questions as the autograded Ellii Placement Test. Some teachers also use it to deter cheating or to offer extra practice taking assessments. Students have 30 minutes to complete the test. 

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Ellii's Proficiency Level Account Settings

Under Account settings (top right on Ellii), teachers can adjust their level preferences to the ones they want to see on the materials. Teachers choose the generic Ellii level (Pre Beg – Adv) with the option to add one of the following level systems: 
 

Canadian Language Benchmarks: CLB 1–12
Common European Framework: CEFR A0–C2
English Language Development:  ELD 1–6
National Reporting System: NRS 1–6

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Ellii's Equivalency Scale

If you want to know more about Ellii's levels, consider reviewing our Equivalency Scale. You can find this comparison scale on the footer of the site. 

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Ellii Solo

If your school has Ellii Solo, Ellii's self-study solution designed for pre-enrollment learning paths, computer lab programs, and independent learning initiatives, students will take the Ellii Placement Test when they first begin the program. This test is the same autograded test that teachers assign on Ellii. After taking the test, students will be directed to ready-made pathways of self-study packs and courses most appropriate for their level. The proficiency level will be displayed the way the administrator has chosen (e.g., Ellii + CLB).


Students must complete a pathway or retake the placement test in order to unlock higher-level pathways. 

Students using Ellii Solo can also access the Library if they choose to explore courses, packs, and videos without using the guided pathways.

We hope the Ellii Placement Tests help you and your learners find the content and courseware you need to ensure proficiency success!