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If English is not your first language, you can use the TEEP as evidence of your English Language skills when applying for a degree course at Reading and a number of other UK universities.

The TEEP was developed here at the International Study and Language Institute (ISLI) at Reading to assess language skills for university study. By taking the TEEP at Reading, you benefit from a test that:

  • assesses the writing, reading, speaking and listening skills needed for successful university study
  • focuses on your understanding of a topic – one of the main skills you need for university study
  • operates high standards of marking
  • delivers your results within 10 days.

For more information on the paper-based tests, please read the Face-to-face TEEP Candidate Handbook 2023.

Who accepts the TEEP as an entry qualification?

The University of Reading

We accept the TEEP as a valid English Language qualification for entry to our degree courses.

As such, we also use the TEEP as part of our Pre-sessional English (PSE) programme. By taking this programme, you can achieve an exit score that represents your best English Language performance. This is because you have the opportunity to show your skills both under examination conditions and through coursework. 

Other universities

A number of other UK universities accept this highly respected English Language test for entry to their degree courses. You should check that TEEP is accepted at your chosen university before you apply for the test.

How we test you

The TEEP assesses your reading, writing, listening and speaking in an academic context. It also includes an assessment of your grammar and vocabulary (“Language knowledge”). The paper-based test has the following parts:

Part Time allowed Format
Part 1: Language knowledge   25 minutes 50 multiple-choice questions
Part 2: Focus task  10 minutes This part is not assessed – it provides you with time to start planning your essay for part 5
Part 3: Reading  35 minutes Questions requiring short written answers – tests your understanding of a sample of academic text
Part 4: Listening  25 minutes Questions requiring short written answers – tests your understanding of a lecture
Part 5: Writing  1 hour A formal, academic-style essay based on the title given in part 2
Part 6: Speaking  25 minutes A three-minute talk about the given topic followed by a discussion of this topic with another candidate and an examiner – observed by an assessor

The online version of TEEP has some slight differences to the above.

Topics

The test is based on two topics:

  • parts 2 to 5 are based on the same topic
  • part 6 focuses on a different topic.

Topics vary, but examples include crime, education, international aid, language and culture, tourism, and world health.

General notes

  • Parts 1 to 5 take approximately three hours in total – there are no breaks.
  • Part 6 is separate – it usually follows a lunch break.
  • Dictionaries are not allowed.
  • Speaking tests are recorded for moderation.

Grades

  • The results of your tests are graded on a scale from 0 to 9 (including half grades):
  • You will receive your results within 10 days of taking the test; these will also be sent to the Admissions team at Reading.
  • We use a double-marking system to ensure reliable results.

If you have any queries regarding your TEEP results, please contact teep@reading.ac.uk.

Practice tests

  • To practise the TEEP in advance, you can use the example materials provided here. Follow the instructions in the booklets.
  • You should attempt the focus task, reading, listening and writing parts together – this will take about 2 hours 15 minutes.
  • You can do the language knowledge part at the same time or separately.

Test documents 

Answer documents

Check the following only after you have completed the tests!

Speaking test

The speaking part of the test involves two candidates talking to each other and the examiner.

Example of the TEEP speaking test

TEEP testing video


How to register for TEEP

The next TEEP test administration open to external candidates will take place on Thursday, the 3rd of August 2023
Please be aware the test will be held face-to-face at the University of Reading Whiteknights Campus. 
Candidates will be required to attend it in person and to be available the whole day.
You will receive the test schedule and directions to the exam venue one week before the test.
The test results will be available on the 11th of August 2023.  

External candidates wishing to register for this test should follow this link
Please note that the registration will close on the 24th of July 2023.

If you have any questions about the upcoming test, please e-mail teep@reading.ac.uk