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
- TEEP practice test one: Language knowledge questions (PDF, 190KB)
- TEEP practice test one: Task booklet (PDF, 340KB)
- TEEP practice test one: Source booklet (PDF, 132KB)
- TEEP_practice_test_1_-_READING_LISTENING_ANSWER_BOOKLET
- TEEP practice test one: Writing answer booklet (reading) (PDF, 68KB)
- TEEP listening practice test one
- TEEP practice test one: transcript (PDF, 186KB)
Answer documents
Check the following only after you have completed the tests!
- TEEP practice test one: Language knowledge answers (PDF, 43KB)
- TEEP practice test one: Reading and listening answers (PDF, 198KB)
Speaking test
The speaking part of the test involves two candidates talking to each other and the examiner.
