ISLPR Language Services Blog

Guidelines for ISLPR Tests: Writing Test

Posted by on Apr 19, 2021 at 10:27 AM

Academic Test:

In the Writing test you will be asked to write about 400 words in total. You will be given 60 minutes to complete the test.

  • There are usually two tasks; occasionally three tasks are given but the total number of words expected will remain the same.
  • The topic, the type of text, the purpose for writing and the audience to whom you are writing will be different for each task.
  • One of the tasks is likely to be a letter or a note. In another task, you will be expected to express your opinion(s).
  • If your test is for entry to a tertiary program, at least one topic will be relevant to the academic discipline or profession you plan to enter (e.g. business or engineering); it is likely to be a report, a personal statement, an essay, an article, or an open letter (e.g. a ‘letter to the editor’)
  • If your test is for entry to a High School program, the topic will be an issue of interest to adolescents; it may be an essay, an article for a school newsletter or magazine, or a project report. You will not be allowed to use a dictionary.

Professional Registration:

You will write two texts, totalling about 400 words, in 60 minutes.

  • At least one of the texts will be directly related to teaching practice.
  • The audience is likely to be students, parents, colleagues or other members of the school community, or officers in the education system.
  • The other task could be a memo, email, report, essay, article, submission or open letter (e.g. a ‘letter to the editor’ of a newspaper) in which you might be expected to express opinions about education.
  • Dictionary use is not allowed.
  • Generally, tasks will relate to the sorts of tasks teachers could be expected to undertake.

Vocational Test:

You will write two texts, totalling about 400 words, in 60 minutes.

  • At least one of the texts will be directly related to your vocational practice.
  • The audience could include members of the general public, an employer, a supervisor, a union or government official, or someone else you might communicate with in your vocational role(s).
  • The other task will be a memo, report, article, submission or open letter (e.g. a ‘letter to the editor’ of a newspaper) in which you might be expected to express opinions or ideas relevant to your vocation.
  • Dictionary use is not allowed.

4 Comments

  1. Priscila Kern

    Hi there,

    I need a high score in the English proficiency test to be able to get a teacher registration with NESA.
    I’ve tried IELTS test three times already. I achieved the score 8 for Listening and speaking but Writing and reading I scored 6.5 and 6 respectively.
    I contacted NESA ‘s accreditation department today which informed that I could take ISLPR test and do only the subjects that I haven’t scored enough for the final result (Part Test?)

    Reply
    • islpr

      Hi Priscila,
      We do offer part tests for candidates in NSW that are seeking accreditation with NESA.
      At the moment, due to the lockdowns in Sydney (and Brisbane), we are not able to offer test dates. We will announce new test dates on our website once restrictions begin to ease.
      All test dates are posted on our website here.

      Reply
  2. Uzma Kiran

    Hi there,
    I am Uzma from Auckland. I have to book the online writing and reading test (both modules). On your website, I can see the link to book writing test only. How can I book both modules and where to find the available dates? Thanks

    Reply
    • islpr

      Hi Uzma,

      Thank you very much for your comment! We haven’t launched the full online test yet. The full ISLPR online test will be available to New Zealand candidates as of 01 November 2021. We will release all available dates in the coming weeks and publish a notice on our website when the dates are available to book.

      Reply

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