Breakdown of the English Placement Test (EPT)

STRUCTURE OF THE EPT

Paper 1 - Grammar & Reading
(Time : 2 Hours)

This is designed to assess your basic Reading skills and vocabulary and your knowledge of English grammar.

The test is divided into 4 sections, namely: Error Identification (Sentence & Paragraph Levels), Completion Passages (3 short passages), Sentence Patterns and Reading Comprehension.

Paper 2 – Writing
(Time: 1 hour)

Students are asked to write an essay in not more than 450 words using the argumentative mode.

Paper 3 - Listening
(Time: 45 minutes)

You will listen to a tape comprising a series of conversations, short talks, explanations, and a short lecture. You must complete a series of question types as you listen to the tape. You are given 5 minutes at the beginning of the tape for preparation and 5 minutes at the end for revision of answers.

Paper 4 – Speaking
 (Time: 10 minutes)

In this test, you will be engaged in a conversation with the examiner followed by a short talk and an extended discourse on a thematic issue.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How are EPT marks expressed?  Marks are expressed in BANDS from 1 to 9.

2. If students successfully meet the minimum English language requirements, where are they placed? They will immediately begin their Kulliyah courses.

3. What happens to those who do not fulfill the minimum English language requirements?  They will be placed at the appropriate level in pre-sessional English language courses at the Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD). .

4. What are the minimum requirement to undertake Kulliyyah  courses?

·    Undergraduate English medium: (Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences, ICT, Laws. Science, Medicine, Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Design, Pharmacy, Allied Health Science, Nursing, Human Sciences Programmes)  : Band 6

·    Bachelor of English: Band 6.5

·    Undergraduate Arabic Medium: Band 5.5

·    Postgraduate English and Arabic Medium: Band 6.

·    MCL, Medicine and MAESL: Band 7

2. Who is exempted from the EPT?

Students who produce evidence of TOEFL or IELTS are exempted from the EPT.

Students who have completed their first degrees from English-speaking countries (UK, US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) may apply for exemption.

Click here for sample questions (PDF file)