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School of Continuing Education

Educational Testing and Assessment Division

Standardized English Proficiency Test (SEPT) Format

SEPT purpose:

The Standardized English Proficiency Test (SEPT) is the main placement tool for all SCE learners in the

different instructional programs offered by the different divisions of the School of Continuing education

(SCE), AUC. SEPT measures the English language proficiency of candidates/applicants in alignment with

the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It generally addresses three language skills:

listening, reading, and writing in the four main contexts of language use defined by CEFR as personal,

social, occupational, and educational domains. It particularly focuses on the following language activities

(sub-skills):

Listening   Understanding native speakers interaction

  Listening to announcements and instructions

  Listening as a member of a live audience

Reading   Reading correspondence

  Reading for orientation

  Reading for information and argument

  Reading instructions

Writing   Creative and imaginative writing

  Writing personal or business letters

  Writing reports and essays

Test details and timing:

SEPT consists of three parts: listening, reading, and writing. In part I, the test taker is required to complete 8

listening tasks including 35 multiple choice questions in 40 minutes. In part II, the test taker is required to

complete 8 reading tasks including 40 multiple choice questions in 60 minutes. In part III, the test taker isrequired to write a 35-50 words description of a picture, write a 100-150 response to a business letter read,

and write a 200-250 words argumentative essay.

Listening 8 tasks 35 MCQs 40 minutes

Reading 8 tasks 40 MCQs 60 minutes

Writing 3 tasks 3 Constructed

response questions

60 minutes

Total 19 tasks 78 questions 160 minutes

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How to answer:

The test taker will have a test booklet and two answer sheets: one for the writing part, where s/he is required

to complete the writing tasks, and an optical mark reader (OMR) answer sheet, where s/he is required to

answer the multiple choice questions (MCQs) in the listening and reading parts. The test taker answers

MCQs by blackening the circle which corresponds to the answer chosen in the test booklet. For example, if

the correct answer for question number 1 is the answer (D) in the test booklet his/her answer should appear

on the answer sheet as follows: (note that E is on the answer sheet but will not be part of the choices)

Sample from the answer sheet

Important directions for marking answers on OMR Answer sheets

  Use black lead pencil only (No. 2)

  Do NOT use ink or ballpoint pens

  Make heavy black marks that fill the circle completely

  Erase cleanly any answers you wish to change

  Make no stray marks on the answer sheet

Items to bring on the day of the test:

  Photo-bearing ID (passport, national ID card, driver's license)

  Two soft lead pencils

  An eraser

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A B C   E