The English Language Performance Test (ELPT) is the second test in the two-test sequence and is given to students who have scored 50 or 55 on the ESPA or, for TAs who are teaching foreign language courses, a score of 45. (Students who score 60 on the ESPA are not required to take the ELPT. Otherwise, the ELPT cannot be waived.) The ELPT is designed to measure the prospective teaching assistant’s ability to communicate in English in a classroom context in their own field of study. (Beginning in Fall 2024, there will be a new test to assess communication in English in a classroom context.  Details will be coming soon.)

Testing Procedures 

You will receive this same information when you register for the ELPT.

All ELPTs are video-recorded and administered in typical University classrooms with computers, document cameras and projectors. Starting in August 2023, the ELPT will be administered to first-time test takers virtually via Zoom.  Test takers will be allowed to share their screens during the presentation.

The ELPT takes approximately fifteen minutes and consists of:

  1. For the first two minutes, you will become familiar with your physical surroundings, meet your audience (three to five ESL professionals), and, if you like, set up technology and/or write a few terms, formulae, etc., on the board before you begin your presentation.
  2. You will then have ten minutes to present your chosen topic clearly, in words that an introductory undergraduate class could understand, and to answer questions which will be asked of you during your presentation.

As you prepare for your presentation, please keep the following in mind:

  1. Your lesson is happening sometime in the middle of the semester rather than at the beginning. You should not begin your presentation by saying, "Welcome to this course. My name is ..."
  2. You should choose a topic suitable for undergraduates in an introductory level class in your discipline. You could explain a concept, define a term, describe a process or demonstrate a procedure. It might be helpful to look through some of the undergraduate textbooks used in your department for ideas.
  3. When you prepare your presentation, prepare enough material for at least 10 minutes. Be sure that it allows you to use enough language so that you can demonstrate your level of language proficiency. If the material you choose is too simple and does not allow you to use enough language, the evaluators may not be able to accurately determine your language proficiency level.
  4. You may project visuals using classroom technology, bring in equipment, and/or distribute handouts to the audience if you choose. Please bring any digital materials on a flash drive.  You may use notes or a copy of the textbook, but do not memorize or read the presentation. . (When the ELPT is administered virtually, you will be allowed to share your screen during the presentation.)  
  5. Members of your audience will play the role of students and will ask you questions related to the topic you present.  This may mean that you will not finish everything you have prepared.  This will not impact your score.
  6. You can ask the audience questions during your presentation. This includes asking the audience to clarify questions that they ask you. 

Rating Your Performance

The evaluators of your performance will be a trained team of professionals in the field of teaching English as a Second Language. Three of these evaluators will rate each ELPT performance; if there is any doubt about the rating, an additional evaluator will view the recording.

Your performance will be rated in each of the following areas:

  1. Overall effectiveness and comprehensibility in spoken English (the degree to which you are understood by most listeners with only a little effort). This includes your ability:
    • to select precise vocabulary;
    • to demonstrate control of grammatical structures;
    • to use accurate pronunciation;
    • to provide a smooth delivery; and
    • to control word and sentence stress, intonation and voice to convey information and signal important points.
  2. Ability to understand and answer student questions.
  3. Ability to develop and organize information according to accepted discourse patterns of the English language. This includes your ability:
    • to develop ideas;
    • to stay focused on the topic; and
    • to convey ideas without misrepresentation and confusion.
  4. Ability, when necessary, to use non-linguistic information (for example, gestures) to maximize comprehensibility.

Results will be reported to the department that is considering you for a teaching assistantship as soon as the results can be determined. Please go to your department to receive your results and feedback form. If you have questions about your results or would like to discuss future courses, you may talk to someone in ESL Programs after receiving the results from your department.

For more information about ELPT test results, including classroom follow-up and recertification, please see the ELPT Descriptors by level, ESPA Results and Flowchart, and Certification, Orientation, and Support for the ELPT Results Flowchart and other information about ongoing support.