English language assessment

Assessment

What is it?

The English language assessment evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and reading comprehension. With 20 timed, progressively challenging questions, it measures fluency and expertise, serving as an early screening tool for roles requiring strong English communication skills.

How it works

The assessment begins with simple questions to assess basic language skills and then moves to more advanced questions that test a candidate's ability to navigate complex grammatical structures and language use. In a 20-question format, this might look like:

  • Basic Level questions may ask candidates to identify correct spelling, basic verb conjugations, or recognize common grammatical errors.
  • Intermediate Level questions could involve sentence transformations, such as converting active sentences into passive voice or explaining the difference between tenses.
  • Advanced Level questions may include analyzing texts, summarizing articles, or identifying subtle language nuances.

The test is timed, encouraging candidates to think quickly and apply their knowledge efficiently. This helps employers gauge both the candidate’s knowledge and their ability to apply it under time constraints.

Results and Benefits

The results of the assessment provide clear insights into the candidate’s English language proficiency. Candidates who perform well on the assessment demonstrate not only a solid understanding of English grammar and vocabulary but also the ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. This ensures that only candidates with strong English skills move forward in the hiring process, saving time and improving the quality of hires.

When to use it

The assessment is typically used early in the recruitment process as a knockout test to screen candidates for roles that require strong English skills. It’s particularly effective for positions such as copywriting, technical support, or sales where fluency in English is essential.By using this assessment early, employers can ensure that only candidates with the right level of English proficiency move forward in the hiring process.

Example

Basic Level:
Which form is correct for this sentence: "___ going to the store tomorrow"?
a) Their
b) There
c) They’re
d) None of the above

What is the past tense of the verb "to go"?
a) Gone
b) Went
c) Goes
d) Going

Intermediate Level:
Rewrite the following sentence in the passive voice: "The manager approved the new policy."
a) The policy was approved by the manager.
b) The new policy was approving the manager.
c) The manager was approving the new policy.
d) The policy is approved by the manager.

What is the key difference between the present perfect and past simple tense?
a) Present perfect refers to specific times; past simple does not.
b) Present perfect connects the past to the present; past simple does not.
c) Past simple is used for ongoing actions; present perfect is not.
d) Both tenses are used interchangeably.

Advanced Level:
What literary device is being used in the phrase: "The wind whispered through the trees"?
a) Personification
b) Simile
c) Hyperbole
d) Alliteration

What is the tone of this sentence: "She cautiously opened the door, unsure of what lay ahead"?
a) Optimistic
b) Suspenseful
c) Indifferent
d) Formal