Test Format for the VSTEP Test
| SKILL | TIME | NUMBER OF QUESTIONS/TASKS | TASK TYPES | OBJECTIVES |
| Reading | 60 minutes, including time to transfer answers to the answer sheet. | 4 reading passages, 40 mutiple-choice questions (MCQs) | Test takers are required to read 4 passages on different topics, the passages’ levels range from level 3 to 5. The total number of words is between 1900 and 2500. There are 10 questions for each passage. | To examine test takers’ reading proficiency ranging from level 3 to level 5 (i.e. level B1 to C1 based on CEFR) as follows:– Reading for details – Reading for main idea – Reading for attitudes – Infering meaning – Understanding vocabulary in context |
| Listening | Approximately 40 minutes, including time to transfer answers to the answer sheet. | 3 parts, 35 mutiple-choice questions (MCQs) | Test takers are required to listen to short announcements/ instructions, extended dialogues, lectures and talks; then answer MCQs in the test paper. | To examine test takers’ listening proficiency ranging from level 3 to level 5 (i.e. level B1 to C1 based on CEFR) as follows: – Listening for details – Listening for gist – Listening for attitudes – Infering meaning |
| Writing | 60 minutes | 2 tasks | Task 1: Letter/Email writing (at least 120 words, 1/3 of the test score) Task 2: Essay writing (at least 250 words, 2/3 of the test score) | To examine test takers’ interactive and productive writing skills |
| Speaking | 12 minutes | 3 parts– Social interaction – Solution discussion – Topic development | – Part 1: Social interaction Test takers answer 3 to 6 questions on 2 topics – Part 2: Solution discussion Test takers are provided a situation with three suggested solutions. Test takers need to give their own opinions of the best solution among three options. – Part 3: Topic development Test takers give a talk about a topic with suggested ideas or their own ideas. There are some follow-up questions when they finish their talk. | To examine sub-skills of speaking including interacting, discussing and presenting a topic |
