EnglishScore Writing

Test Guide

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Welcome to the British Council EnglishScore Writing Test Guide

This is a step-by-step guide to help you to prepare for the EnglishScore

mobile English Writing Test and get a Professional Certificate to support your
future career and education opportunities.

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Guide contents

1 Getting started 3
– About the test 4
– Where is the test accepted? 5
– Downloading the app and creating an account 6

2 Preparation and practice 8

– How the test works 9
– Take a practice test 16
– Tips to prepare 17

3 Taking the test 18

– Preparing your environment and equipment 19
– Test rules and security 21

4 Your EnglishScore explained 22

– How the test is scored 23
– Understanding your EnglishScore 24

5 Getting your certificate 25

– About the certificate 26
– Share your EnglishScore 28

6 Frequently asked questions 29

7 Appendix 33
– EnglishScore levels A2 to C1 34

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1 | Getting started

About the test

The British Council EnglishScore Writing Test is a recognised mobile English test and certificate that measures
language accuracy (including spelling), range and organisation, as well as overall writing ability (including
comprehensibility).

Test results are available within 24 hours and are reported using the Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR), the global standard used by other international tests such as TOEFL ITP,
TOEIC and IELTS.

Where is EnglishScore accepted?

The EnglishScore Writing Test is used as proof of English proficiency by institutions and employers around the
world. It is recognised by thousands of employers and universities in over 150 countries.

Our trusted and affordable Professional Certificate is valid for two years and can be shared with an unlimited
number of organisations.

Visit our online directory to see where the test is accepted:

Check with your university or employer to understand their English

proficiency requirements before you get your certificate.

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1 | Getting started

Download the app

To get started, you will need to go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download the EnglishScore app.
Once you have downloaded the app to your mobile device, you are ready to create an account.

bit.ly/escoregoogle

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1 | Getting started

Create an account

You can create an EnglishScore account using your email and a password, or you can use your existing
Facebook or Google login to create an account.

(The app only supports email and password on iPhone.)

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1 | Getting started

Using the EnglishScore app

Once you have created an account, you will see the home dashboard. From the dashboard, you will immediately be able to
access the Core Skills Test. You will also be able to see your results, get your certificate and look for great learning offers
with our partners. The Writing Test is accessed through the dashboard.

To unlock the Writing Test, you must first complete the EnglishScore Core Skills test and score at least A2. Check our Core
Skills Test Preparation Guide here for further details.

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2 | Preparation and practice
Part 1
Listen and Write
4 short sentences (5–15 words)
Listening to a short audio and
Learn how the Writing Test works writing down the text you hear
Part 2
Answer the question
The EnglishScore Writing Test tests your English language
1 short text
accuracy (including spelling), range and organisation, as
Answering a short question
well as overall writing ability (including comprehensibility). shown on the screen (20–70
words)
The test is divided into four parts: Listen and Write, Part 3
Answer the Question, Describe the Image and Have a Describe the image
Chat. Questions are on topics that can be from daily life, 1 image

e.g. going to the supermarket, or from the workplace, Describing what is happening in
the picture shown on the screen
e.g. opinions about work or work-related chat messages. (20–50 words)
After completing your test, you must also grade others Part 4
to receive your score. This is the fifth and final part of the Have a chat

Writing Test. 2 short text conversations

Responding to two text message
Test-takers are notified via email and through app prompts in each conversation
notifications when their test results are available. Test (15–50 words)
Part 5
results are usually available within 24 hours of taking the
Grade others
test.
A max. of 16 peer responses
Answering questions about other
test-takers’ responses

Your
Writing Score
16 peer responses

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2 | Preparation and practice

Part 1: Listen and Write A2 | Example B2 | Example

In this part, you will listen to a sentence

(5–15 words).

You must type the sentence into the

box shown on the screen. You can only
start typing after you have listened to
the sentence, but you can listen to the
sentence twice.

You have 90 seconds to complete this

task.

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2 | Preparation and practice

Part 2: Answer the Question B1 | Example C1 | Example

In this part, you will read a statement

about a topic, which also includes a
question.

You must answer the question shown

on the screen. Your answer should be
between 20 and 40 words at A2 and B1
levels and 50 and 70 words at B2 and C1
levels.

Note that while shorter answers may

lead to lower scores, you won’t be
penalised if you go over the word count.
However, it’s still important to stay as
close to the recommended range as
possible. A current word count will be
displayed on the screen as you type.

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2 | Preparation and practice

Part 3: Describe the image A2 | Example B2 | Example

In this part, you will see an image on the

screen, and you must describe what is
happening in it.

Your answer should be between 20 and

50 words at A2 and B1 levels and 30
and 50 words at B2 and C1 levels. Note
that while shorter answers may lead to
lower scores, you won’t be penalised if
you go over the word count. However,
it’s still important to stay as close to the
recommended range as possible.

A current word count will be displayed

on the screen as you type.

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2 | Preparation and practice

Part 4: Have a chat B1 | Example C1 | Example

This part is divided into two turns. In the

first turn, you will see a text message on the
screen, together with instructions on what
to add to your reply. Your answer should be
between 10 and 20 words.

You will then see a second text message

answering to you, together with instructions
again. Your answer should be between 15
and 30 words at A2 level, between 15 and
40 words at B1 level and between 30 and
50 words at B2 and C1 levels.

Note that while shorter answers may lead

to lower scores, you won’t be penalised
if you go over the word count. However,
it’s still important to stay as close to the
recommended range as possible. A current
word count will be displayed on the screen
as you type.

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2 | Preparation and practice

Part 5: Grade others Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

In this part, you will read the

responses other test-takers gave
to Parts 2, 3 and 4.

You must follow the instructions

and answer questions about the
responses.

Remember that other test takers

will also be reading your responses!

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2 | Preparation and practice

Practice questions

To get familiar with the different types of questions, you can try some
here:

Try some Writing questions

The best way to practise is to take the test. You can try the test many
times in the app. This will help you to get comfortable with the Writing
Test and to understand your score and the skills you need to improve
on.

Remember, you must wait for your results from one Writing Test
before you can start another. This can take up to 24 hours. You can
only take the test once in 24 hours and 4 times in 28 days.
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2 | Preparation and practice

Tips to prepare for the test

Learn about the test. Read this test guide! You can also check out our
Understand the rules. Get familiar with the Writing Test and the rules, download
 blog for further help to
the app and have a go. prepare for the Writing Test.
Understand the questions. You can practise in the app, and you can also try

some of our practice questions.

 tudy and prepare in advance. You will feel more confident and relaxed when
S
you come to take the test.

Plan ahead and set a time to take the test. This will allow you to get your

environment and equipment ready in advance.

 ind a quiet space for the test. Background noise such as traffic, the TV or
F
other people Writing near you can affect the quality of your recorded answers.

Don’t leave the test once you start. Have a glass of water next to you and go to

the bathroom beforehand.

Have a good internet connection. You need to be online to complete the test.

Don’t get distracted. Find a place without any distractions.

Watch the time. You have 30 minutes to complete the test.

 nswer every question. You cannot skip questions, so always submit an answer
A
even if you are unsure.

Make sure you meet the word counts. A current word count will be displayed .
. on the screen as you type.

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3 | Taking the test

Preparing your environment and equipment

Preparing your environment and equipment
Here is some advice and tips to help you succeed when taking the test:
Here is some advice and tips to help you succeed when taking the test:

m
-t!!J Find a quiet place with no background noise.

You must be alone.

' I ,

-,9,- Make sure you have good lighting.

-.• Check you have a good internet connection.

I Make sure your device is charged.

Have your Connect Code ready to enter (if you have been given one by your organisation).
{:;)

◄ >) Check the volume of your device so you can hear clearly for Part 1 of the assessment (Listen and Write)

,-/45', You will need to do a camera security check - you must be alone and show your whole face clearly.
L�.J

Tip ' We recommend closing any other apps that may be using the
We recommend closing any other apps thatinternet
may beifusing thehaving connection issues.
you are
internet if you are having connection issues.
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3 | Taking the test

Getting set up


1 Complete the Core Skills Test to unlock the Writing Test. You must score at least A2 to access the Writing Test.


2 When you are ready, tap ‘Start the test’ on the dashboard. You can find this below the Speaking Test.

 3 Have your Connect Code ready to enter (if you have been given one).


4 Check the volume on your device. You need sound for Part 1 (Listen and Write).

 5 The front camera is used to check you are taking the test correctly. Make sure your face is visible and you are alone.

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3 | Taking the test

Test rules

These rules help to give you and organisations confidence that your results are
accurate and reliable.

The main Writing Test rules

1 You can’t pause the test.

2 You must be in a quiet place.

3 You must not get any help.

You can’t do these things during your test

You can’t exit the app. If you close the app, it can affect your score or cancel your test.

You can’t take a screenshot or screen recording during the test, and you can’t share your
screen.

You can’t use autocorrect or text suggestions. Both features are automatically disabled during
the test.

Some final tips


1 Double-check your answers before you submit to make sure there are no typos or other errors
in your answers.

2 Use proper punctuation, spacing and capitalisation.

3 Keep in mind that time limits apply for each question. You must type in your answers before
the time runs out.

4 Both UK English and US English are accepted. You will not be penalised for using any English
spelling variant as long as it is correct

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4 | Your EnglishScore explained

How is the test scored?

The EnglishScore Writing Test is designed to be an accurate, reliable

measure of a test-taker’s writing ability in the global workplace. To
achieve this, we use a blend of automated scoring and peer rating to
calculate a score that reflects how well a test-taker can communicate
in written modes with people from a variety of different backgrounds,
cultures and English language levels

Part 1. Listen and write

This section is evaluated by automated AI scoring for:

• Language accuracy including spelling, and language range.

Part 2. Answer the question

Part 3. Describe the image
Part 4. Have a chat

These sections are evaluated for:

• Language – accuracy, including spelling, and language range (AI

scoring)

• Organisation (AI scoring)

• Task achievement and overall comprehensibility (peer rating).

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4 | Your EnglishScore explained

How is the test scored?

Using each scoring method where it works best means we can provide
accurate results within 24 hours – much faster than traditional English
writing tests and exams.

In your certificate, you will receive an overall score, as well as

individualised scores for:

• Language – how well you use grammar and vocabulary (both in

terms of accuracy and range), as well as spelling

• Organisation – how you connect and arrange ideas

• Communication – how clear and easily understood your written

answers are and how well you completed the tasks

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4 | Your EnglishScore explained

Understanding your EnglishScore

Compare your EnglishScore to other tests
You can score up to 599 points on the Writing Test. Each
hundred-point band on the EnglishScore scale correlates to
the international standard Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages (CEFR).

CEFR is used to describe language proficiency levels. There

are six main levels, from A1 to C2, ranging from beginner to
advanced. The EnglishScore Writing Test assesses from A2
to C1.

The EnglishScore point-based scale helps you to

understand your proficiency within a CEFR level.

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5 | Getting your certificate

About the certificate

The British Council EnglishScore Professional

Certificate is a global standard of English
proficiency, recognised by leading employers and
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institutions around the world.
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Our Professional Certificate includes special
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features to validate your English level to an
employer or education institution.

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•1 Your name 2

•2 EnglishScore and CEFR level 4

•3 Skills breakdown 8

•4 Valid for two years

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•5 Your photo

•6 Photo-check security

•7 Employer verification ID

•8 Cando statements

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5 | Getting your certificate

Getting a certificate

1 Choose the score you want to certify. You can do this on the Dashboard or the All Reports screen.

 
2 To purchase a certificate, choose a payment method or use a voucher code if you have been given one. We support Visa

and Mastercard worldwide, plus many local payment methods. Please check the app in your country.

 3 Add your name as you would like it to appear on the certificate.

 4 Take a photo of yourself. This will be shown on the front of your certificate.

 
5 Your details and your test photos will be reviewed by a security team. You will get an email when your certificate is ready,

usually within 24 hours.

1 2 3 4 5

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5 | Getting your certificate

Share your EnglishScore

You can use an EnglishScore Professional Certificate to help to

advance your career and education, including applying for a job or
scholarship programme, or to enhance your CV.

We give you access to your report and certificate and the ability to
share it in one click, so it is quick and easy to prove your level to an
employer or organisation.

Share your EnglishScore certificate with your professional network on

LinkedIn to advance your career.

Find out how to share your Certificate here.

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 6 | Frequently asked questions

We have an online help desk to answer any questions youhave about the EnglishScore test. Below is a list
of common questions we are asked.

If you’re having any technical difficulties or need to speak to customer support, please submit a request
form online from the email address you registered with on EnglishScore.

Taking the test

How should I prepare before taking EnglishScore?

Can I see the answers?
How do I improve my English?
The best way to prepare is to have a go at the test. You can
also read the Writing Test Guide and Practice Test Materials We do not share answers to our test, but we do have some
and watch our videos for more advice and tips. practice papers available. We also have a range of options
to help users improve their English.
Why can’t I take the Writing Test?
LearnEnglish is free. There are also online
You must take the Core Skills Test first to unlock the Writing group classes available (for a fee).
Test. You must score at least A2 in the Core
For more personalised instruction, we offer 1–1 online
Skills Test.
tutoring services at EnglishScore Tutors. Book your first
session for just US$1!
How many times can I take the test?
Find more questions and answers about the
You can take the Writing Test multiple times. However, you
assessment.
may only start the test 4 times in 28 days. Additionally, you
must wait until your test has been scored before you can
take it again.

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6 | Frequently asked questions

Technical requirements Exam security

What are the device requirements for EnglishScore? Why do you need my camera enabled?

While you take the Writing Test, our technology will check
Can I take the test on a tablet or computer?
to see you are alone and visible at all times. This helps to
To access EnglishScore on your mobile device, your prevent cheating and misconduct.
operating system version must be Android 6.0 or above or
We will also take photos at random during the test to be
iOS 16 or above. You need a microphone to take the Writing
used on your certificate, so make sure you are in a well-
Test. You will also need a working camera on your device if
lit place, you are alone and you can see your whole face
you want to purchase a certificate.
clearly in the frame.
You may find EnglishScore available to download on some
We ask for your permission before turning this feature on.
tablets, but the app has not yet been optimised for this, so
we recommend using a mobile device where possible.
How do you prevent cheating?
Find more questions and answers about technical
We prevent cheating by using face detection technology
requirements.
and taking photos of you during the test to ensure you
are alone and visible at all times. Also, during the test, you
cannot take a screen capture or video of the test.

If you purchase a Professional Certificate, your photos

will be reviewed by a security team and placed on your
certificate. If you have used a Connect Code, the photos will
also be shared with your organisation.

Find more questions and answers about Exam Security.

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6 | Frequently asked questions

Certificate

How can my certificate be verified? recent, photo uploads are not accepted. Please make sure
you are in a well-lit room, your whole face is clearly in the
​​The certificate Verification ID number can be found in the
frame and you are presentable.
middle of an EnglishScore Professional Certificate.
For security reasons, in exam mode, you will have your
Please enter the ID here to confirm the certificate’s
photo taken at random during the test. These photos should
authenticity. If a valid certificate ID is entered, the
appear on the back page of the certificate.
certificate PDF is loaded directly from EnglishScore servers
and presented for review. This can then be matched to the Find more questions and answers about the certificate
test-taker and/or the original certificate presented
Can I change my photo/name on my certificate?
Can I change the security photos taken during the test If you have not yet purchased a certificate, you will be
sitting? asked to take a new photo and confirm your name once you
For security reasons, you cannot change the images from have made a successful payment.
your test sitting. However, if you would like to take the test If you have already purchased a certificate and need to
again and create a new certificate, you can do so at no change your name or photo, please contact us.
extra cost by contacting us.
Please note, you cannot upload your own photo for the
What photos are included on the Professional certificate, but we can allow you to retake it in the app. We
Certificates? recommend making sure you are in a well-lit room, your
whole face is clearly in the frame and you are presentable.
We require you to take an up-to-date photo of yourself after
you have finished the test. This will appear on the front
page of the certificate. To make sure the photograph is
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7 | Appendix

EnglishScore levels A2 to C1 At B1 level, you can:

• use a range of everyday expressions and phrases to write

At pre-A1 level, you can:
straightforward texts on a range of topics related to your
• use short, simple phrases to give basic personal interests
information about yourself (e.g. name, address, age,
• write detailed descriptions of everyday situations and
family).
scenes

At A1 level, you can: • ask about or explain problems, ask for and give important
information and share simple opinions with some relevant
• use short, simple phrases and sentences to talk about
detail if needed.
yourself, where you live, and your family and friends.

At B2 level, you can:

At A2 level, you can:
• give and justify opinions on a range of concrete and
• use simple phrases and sentences to write about simple
abstract topics
personal topics such as family and friends, education
background and past and present employment • use a wide range of expressions and phrases to write
detailed descriptions of different situations
• write simple descriptions of everyday situations and
scenes • express news and views effectively in writing and relate to
those of others
• write short, simple notes and messages, such as deciding
and confirming plans with friends, sharing news and • adjust communication appropriately according to the

talking about likes and dislikes. context.

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7 | Appendix

EnglishScore levels A2 to C1

At C1 level, you can:

• use written language flexibly and effectively for social

and professional purposes, including the formulation
of complex ideas and opinions, and expertly adjust
communication to the context

• discuss complex subjects using a variety of idiomatic

expressions and complex structures to develop particular
points and offer appropriate conclusions

• expertly manage written discourse in a range of media

channels (e.g. email, text messages, forums).

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