Content of the SWELT

Time: 60 minutes

This test consists of two or three texts, totalling 2000-2500 words. Texts will be from articles of general interest, including one text of an academic style. Comprehension of the texts is assessed by about 40 questions of a variety of types including:

• Multiple choice
• True/False/Not Given
• Short answer
• Matching paragraph headings
• Summary gap-fill

Time: 60 minutes

This test consists of two tasks, for each of which the candidate is required to write about 200 words.

Task 1 requires the candidates to summarise and interpret numerical data shown in the form of a chart, such as a graph, bar chart, or pie chart.

Task 2 is thematically related to Task 1 and requires the candidate to express personal opinions on a topical subject.

Performance is assessed on accuracy of grammar and vocabulary, range of structure, fulfilment of task, and organisation.

Each task carries 50% of the total marks for the paper.

Time: 40 minutes

This test is in two parts, Grammar (20 minutes) and Academic Vocabulary (20 minutes).

Grammar (20 minutes)

This consists of two parts:

1. 15 multiple-choice questions testing knowledge of grammar
2. 10 error-correction questions testing ability to edit

Vocabulary (20 minutes)

This test consists of 25 sentences with one word omitted. Candidates are required to choose the correct completion from four alternatives. The vocabulary tested is all from the Academic Word List (AWL). This is a list of 570 word families which have been consistently demonstrated to account for approximately 10% of all vocabulary that you will encounter in your university studies. All vocabulary for this test can be found on the Headwords of the AWL link below.

Time: 30-40 minutes

This test consists of recordings of a variety of conversations, short talks, and news items. Comprehension is tested by a range of questions, including multiple choice, short answers (single word or number), completion of tables, and labelling of diagrams.

Time: 10-15 minutes

This test consists of an interview and spontaneous discussion of an unseen topic. Performance is assessed on fluency, coherence, pronunciation, and range and accuracy of grammar and vocabulary.