ELPT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ELPT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In Sentence 4, what action is suggested by the phrase “if you inquired backward for a generation or two”? → Conducting genealogical research
2. Choose the correct preposition: 'The book is ___ the shelf.' → on
3. Which of the following is an informal discourse marker that should be avoided in formal essays? → Anyway
4. Which sentence uses past progressive passive correctly? → The bridge was being repaired when the accident occurred.
5. Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement? → The politician, along with the reporters, is entering the building.
6. After reviewing the team's analysis, the director said, 'You've really hit the nail on the head.' What did the director mean? → The analysis was precisely correct and identified the key issue.
7. Which of the following sentences uses an idiomatic expression incorrectly? → The CEO said we'll get a raise when pigs fly, so we are expecting one soon.
8. Which sentence is written in an appropriate register for a cover letter? → I am highly motivated to contribute to your organization.
9. Choose the correct preposition: 'She apologized ___ being late.' → for
10. In passive voice sentences, the agent (doer of the action) is introduced by which preposition? → by
11. Which of the following sentences uses a logical transition to correctly express a relationship of contrast? → The marketing campaign was creative; however, it failed to increase sales.
12. Which sentence is appropriate for an informal text message to a friend? → Can't make it tonight, sorry!
13. Which sentence uses passive voice in the past tense correctly? → The window was broken during the storm.
14. A manager needs a team member who takes a realistic, results-oriented approach rather than a theoretical one. Which word best describes this desired trait? → Pragmatic
15. By the time the new regulations are implemented next year, the company _______ its training program for all employees. → will have completed
16. Which sentence contains an error in passive voice construction? → The book has been reading by many students.
17. Due to unexpected budget cuts, the committee decided to _______ the annual company picnic until next year. → put off
18. Which sentence correctly uses an indefinite article? → He wants to become an engineer.
19. Identify the passive infinitive in this sentence: "The documents need to be reviewed before the meeting." → to be reviewed
20. Choose the correct article: 'Can you play ___ guitar?' → the
21. Which sentence uses present perfect passive correctly? → The application has been submitted.
22. What makes the following sentence informal? 'The new policy is kind of confusing.' → The use of 'kind of'
23. "The teacher assigned us homework." Which passive sentence correctly makes "us" the subject? → We were assigned homework by the teacher.
24. In which context would informal language be appropriate? → A quick message to a coworker you know well
25. Fill in the blank: 'He is interested ___ learning new languages.' → in
26. Which passive sentence uses a modal verb correctly? → The project should be completed by Friday.
27. Scenario: A legal document lists the official names of several international agreements. Which of the following phrases is capitalized correctly? → The Paris Climate Agreement
28. In a formal research paper, which phrase best replaces 'figured out'? → determined
29. Which closing is appropriate for a formal letter of application? → Yours sincerely,
30. Which sentence correctly uses passive voice in the present tense? → The report is written by the manager.