Adaptive Placement Test (Listening)

We've added a Listening section to the Adaptive Placement Test. Like the Grammar and Reading sections launched in January, the Listening section adapts question difficulty in real time based on student responses, delivering a proficiency result in approximately 10 minutes. It uses multiple-choice questions testing a range of listening skills and starts at an intermediate level before adjusting up or down. Teachers can assign Listening on its own or in any combination with Grammar and Reading.

Once a section is started, the student must complete it in one sitting — there is no save-and-continue option.

Video: In a Minute: Placement Tests

Listening is often the domain where a student's actual proficiency diverges most from what their grammar or reading scores suggest. A newcomer might have stronger receptive listening skills from exposure to English media than their written grammar reflects. An LTEL student might test well in reading but struggle with listening comprehension at natural speed. Without an independent listening assessment, those gaps stay hidden until a teacher notices them in the classroom — or until their standardized test results come back months later.

With the Listening section, teachers can now diagnose listening-specific proficiency on its own terms. That's particularly useful before assigning listening-focused content like Listening Activities or WIDA ACCESS Listening prep lessons, or when checking whether a student has made progress in listening after a targeted intervention. The results include question-level detail and recommended lessons, just like Grammar and Reading.

The Writing and Speaking sections are also available.

Follow the same workflow as Grammar and Reading: hover over the Teacher menu, select Placement Test, choose the Adaptive Placement Test, then select whichever combination of sections you want to assign. The Listening section appears alongside Grammar and Reading in the section picker.

Full feature article: Placement Test & Learning Plan

Related article: How can I assign the placement test?

See also: Adaptive Placement Test (Grammar & Reading)