ELTiS 2.0 Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A science text reads: 'As temperatures rose, the ice caps began to recede, and coastal cities implemented new flood protection measures.' What can you infer?

The ice caps are growing larger
Temperatures are decreasing globally
Flood protection is no longer needed
Coastal cities are at risk from rising sea levels (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Coastal cities are at risk from rising sea levels

If ice caps recede due to rising temperatures and coastal cities need flood protection, sea levels must be rising.

Question 2: What is a 'diploma'?

A diplomat's identification.
An official document certifying that a student has completed their education at a school. (Correct answer)
A type of diploma frame.
A type of school folder.

Correct answer: An official document certifying that a student has completed their education at a school.

A diploma is an official certificate awarded to students who have successfully completed all graduation requirements at a school. A high school diploma is typically required for employment and college admission. The diploma ceremony at graduation is a significant milestone in American education.

Question 3: Which sentence is written in the correct passive voice?

The letter was written by Maria. (Correct answer)
The letter written by Maria.
The letter was wrote by Maria.
The letter were written by Maria.

Correct answer: The letter was written by Maria.

Passive voice requires 'was/were' plus the past participle. 'Written' is the correct past participle of 'write,' and 'was' agrees with the singular subject 'the letter.'

Question 4: In a literature lecture, the professor says: "Many readers see the ending as tragic. I'd suggest it's actually hopeful." What is the professor doing?

Agreeing with most readers
Defining the word "tragic"
Offering an alternative interpretation (Correct answer)
Summarizing the plot

Correct answer: Offering an alternative interpretation

"I'd suggest" introduces the professor's own reading, which differs from the common view.

Question 5: Students planted seeds in three pots — sunlight, shade, and darkness — and measured growth. What is the independent variable?

The amount of light each pot receives (Correct answer)
The growth of the plants
The amount of water
The type of soil

Correct answer: The amount of light each pot receives

The independent variable is what the experimenter deliberately changes — in this case, the light conditions.

Question 6: A passage uses the phrase 'as stated above.' This phrase signals that:

New information is about to be introduced.
A contrasting idea follows.
The reader should skip this section.
The author is referring back to previously mentioned details. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The author is referring back to previously mentioned details.

'As stated above' signals a reference back to information already provided earlier in the passage.

Question 7: Which sentence correctly uses a conjunction to join two ideas?

She was tired, but she finished her homework. (Correct answer)
She was tired, but, she finished her homework.
She was tired but she, finished her homework.
She was tired but, she finished her homework.

Correct answer: She was tired, but she finished her homework.

A comma is placed before a coordinating conjunction ('but') when it joins two independent clauses. No additional comma is needed after 'but'.

Question 8: A teacher states: 'Maria has 3 times as many books as Juan. If Juan has 12 books, how many do they have together?'

36
42
45
48 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 48

Maria has 3 x 12 = 36 books. Together: 36 + 12 = 48.

Question 9: You hear the announcement: 'Attention all students. The cafeteria will be closed for cleaning this Thursday. Students should bring a lunch from home or purchase food from the vending machines in the main hallway.' What should students do this Thursday?

Go home for lunch
Wait outside the cafeteria until it reopens
Bring a lunch from home or use the vending machines (Correct answer)
Eat lunch in the cafeteria as usual

Correct answer: Bring a lunch from home or use the vending machines

The announcement clearly states the cafeteria will be closed and tells students to bring lunch from home or use the vending machines in the main hallway.

Question 10: In academic writing, what does 'synthesize' mean?

To copy information exactly
To translate from another language
To combine different ideas into a coherent whole (Correct answer)
To delete unnecessary information

Correct answer: To combine different ideas into a coherent whole

Synthesize means to combine various elements or ideas to form a connected whole, a key academic skill.

Question 11: A text reads: 'The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Below 7 is acidic, above 7 is basic, and exactly 7 is neutral.' What pH is neutral?

1
14
7 (Correct answer)
0

Correct answer: 7

The passage directly states that a pH of exactly 7 is neutral.

Question 12: The school intercom announces: 'Due to construction in the east hallway, students in rooms 201 through 210 should use the west staircase to reach the second floor until further notice.' How long will this change last?

Only for today
For one week
Until a future announcement changes it (indefinitely for now) (Correct answer)
Until the end of the school year

Correct answer: Until a future announcement changes it (indefinitely for now)

'Until further notice' means the change is in effect indefinitely until a new announcement provides updated information.

Question 13: You hear: 'This is a reminder that picture day has been moved from Thursday to Monday of next week. Students who ordered photo packages should bring their order forms on that day.' When is picture day now scheduled?

Next Thursday
This Monday
This Thursday
Next Monday (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Next Monday

The announcement says picture day was moved to Monday of next week, not this Monday or the original Thursday.

Question 14: A science text explains: 'The water cycle includes evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection.' Which directly leads to cloud formation?

Evaporation
Collection
Condensation (Correct answer)
Precipitation

Correct answer: Condensation

Condensation is the process where water vapor cools and turns into tiny water droplets, forming clouds.

Question 15: You hear the announcement: 'Attention students. Due to the rain, today's fire drill has been postponed to next Tuesday. Please report to your regular classes.' What change was announced?

Fire drill is postponed to next Tuesday. (Correct answer)
Students should go outside.
Fire drill is happening now.
Fire drill is canceled permanently.

Correct answer: Fire drill is postponed to next Tuesday.

The announcement states the fire drill 'has been postponed to next Tuesday.' Postponed means moved to a later date, not canceled. Students should continue to their regular classes today and expect the fire drill next Tuesday instead. Understanding schedule changes is important for school success.

Question 16: A teacher explains that ancient Egyptians built pyramids as tombs, describes construction methods, and discusses the workers who built them. What is the main idea?

Workers were treated poorly in ancient Egypt
The Egyptian pyramids were remarkable structures built as royal tombs through complex construction processes (Correct answer)
Pyramids were used as homes for pharaohs
The construction methods were simple

Correct answer: The Egyptian pyramids were remarkable structures built as royal tombs through complex construction processes

The main idea encompasses the purpose (tombs), methods (construction), and builders (workers) of the pyramids.

Question 17: What is a 'dean's list'?

A list of students who have been suspended
A record of all faculty members at a school
A schedule of classes offered each semester
A list of students with high academic achievement (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A list of students with high academic achievement

The dean's list is an academic honor roll that recognizes students who have earned a high GPA during a semester or academic year.

Question 18: At orientation, a staff member says, 'If you get lost on campus, just ask any student or staff member — everyone is happy to point you in the right direction.' What does 'point you in the right direction' mean?

Draw a physical map of the campus for you
Walk you personally to your destination
Tell you where to go or give you guidance (Correct answer)
Show you the school's official website

Correct answer: Tell you where to go or give you guidance

'Point you in the right direction' is a common English idiom meaning to give someone helpful guidance or basic information to help them find what they need. It does not necessarily mean literally pointing or walking with the person.

Question 19: Read the passage: 'A primary election is a process where voters in a political party choose their candidate for the general election. Primary elections narrow down the field of candidates within each party. The winners of the primary elections then compete against each other in the general election.' What happens after primary elections?

The candidates retire.
New primary elections are held.
Primary winners compete in the general election. (Correct answer)
The winner becomes president.

Correct answer: Primary winners compete in the general election.

The passage states: 'The winners of the primary elections then compete against each other in the general election.' Primary elections are the first step — they determine who represents each party. The general election is the final contest where the party nominees face off to determine the winner.

Question 20: What is the best strategy for understanding a complex sentence in a passage?

Focus on the technical terms
Break it down into smaller, more manageable parts (Correct answer)
Try to memorize the sentence
Skip it and move on to the next part of the text

Correct answer: Break it down into smaller, more manageable parts

For complex sentences, the most effective strategy is to break them down into their constituent clauses and phrases. Analyzing each part individually helps clarify the relationships between ideas and makes the overall meaning of the intricate sentence much easier to understand.

Question 21: Read the following conversation between two students. Maria: 'I can't believe Mr. Harrison gave us a pop quiz in history today. I didn't have time to review my notes from last night's reading.' Leo: 'I know! And he said yesterday's lecture was the most important one of the chapter.' What can be inferred from this conversation?

The students do not usually have homework in that class.
Mr. Harrison is an unfair teacher.
The quiz covered material from both the reading and the lecture. (Correct answer)
Both students failed the quiz.

Correct answer: The quiz covered material from both the reading and the lecture.

Maria mentions being unprepared from the 'reading,' and Leo adds that the 'lecture' was very important. The combination of these two statements implies that the quiz likely included questions from both sources, making them both relevant to their performance.

Question 22: Read the passage: 'The United States has both a federal government and state governments. The federal government makes laws for the whole country, while state governments make laws for their individual states. Both levels of government provide services to citizens.' What does the federal government do?

It controls what laws state governments can pass
It makes laws only for cities and towns
It makes laws for the whole country (Correct answer)
It provides services only to people who pay federal taxes

Correct answer: It makes laws for the whole country

The passage states that the federal government makes laws for the whole country, which is what distinguishes it from state governments.

Question 23: Your teacher asks: 'Can everyone see the board?' What is the appropriate response if you cannot see?

Shout 'No!' loudly.
Raise your hand and say 'I can't see from here. May I move closer?' (Correct answer)
Stay silent and hope it doesn't matter.
Ignore the question.

Correct answer: Raise your hand and say 'I can't see from here. May I move closer?'

The appropriate response when you can't see the board is to politely raise your hand and ask to move closer. This shows respect, communicates your need clearly, and uses polite language with 'May I.' Ignoring the problem or shouting are both inappropriate in a classroom setting.

Question 24: The professor says, 'This is a common misconception, but actually...' What is the professor about to do?

Change the topic entirely
Correct a wrong belief with accurate information (Correct answer)
Agree with the misconception
Ask students a question

Correct answer: Correct a wrong belief with accurate information

The phrase 'common misconception, but actually' signals the professor is about to correct a false belief.

Question 25: Which word correctly uses the prefix 'dis-'?

disappear (Correct answer)
diseppear
dissapear
disapear

Correct answer: disappear

'Disappear' is formed by attaching 'dis-' to 'appear,' which already contains a double 'p': d-i-s-a-p-p-e-a-r.

Question 26: Read: "Bus 14 runs every 20 minutes on weekdays and every 40 minutes on weekends. The first weekend bus leaves at 8:00 a.m." If you miss the 8:00 a.m. bus on Saturday, when is the next one?

9:00 a.m.
8:30 a.m.
8:40 a.m. (Correct answer)
8:20 a.m.

Correct answer: 8:40 a.m.

Weekend buses run every 40 minutes, so the next bus after 8:00 a.m. is at 8:40 a.m.

Question 27: A school counselor explains the college application process: choosing schools, writing personal essays, and meeting deadlines. What is the main idea?

Deadlines are not important
The college application process involves several important steps that students must complete (Correct answer)
Students should only apply to one college
Personal essays are the most important part

Correct answer: The college application process involves several important steps that students must complete

The counselor outlined multiple steps in the application process.

Question 28: A teacher says: 'If a train travels at 60 miles per hour for 2.5 hours, how far does it travel?' What is the correct answer?

130 miles
150 miles (Correct answer)
125 miles
120 miles

Correct answer: 150 miles

Distance = speed x time. 60 miles/hour x 2.5 hours = 150 miles.

Question 29: What does 'GPA' stand for?

Grade Point Average. (Correct answer)
General Practice Activity.
Graded Paper Assessment.
Group Project Assignment.

Correct answer: Grade Point Average.

GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance, typically on a scale of 0.0 to 4.0. GPA is used in American schools and colleges for evaluating academic achievement and is important for college admissions.

Question 30: A guest speaker talks about growing up in a small town, moving to a big city for college, and how both experiences shaped her career choice. What is the main idea?

She regrets leaving her small town
Different life experiences in different settings influenced her career path (Correct answer)
Her college experience was negative
Small towns are better than big cities

Correct answer: Different life experiences in different settings influenced her career path

The speaker's main point is that experiences from both settings shaped her career.

Question 31: A teacher says: 'The average score for 5 students is 82. Four scored 85, 78, 90, and 75. What did the fifth student score?'

82 (Correct answer)
84
80
78

Correct answer: 82

Total = 82 x 5 = 410. Sum of four: 85 + 78 + 90 + 75 = 328. Fifth: 410 - 328 = 82.

Question 32: A passage states: 'DNA contains the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism.' What is DNA's main function described here?

To store and transmit genetic instructions (Correct answer)
To digest food
To provide energy
To protect cells from damage

Correct answer: To store and transmit genetic instructions

DNA's primary function is storing genetic information — the biological blueprint for an organism.

Question 33: The professor speaks more slowly and repeats a definition twice. Why might the professor do this?

The definition is important and students should note it (Correct answer)
The professor is running out of material
The professor forgot what was said
The topic is not important

Correct answer: The definition is important and students should note it

Slowing down and repeating key information is a deliberate teaching strategy to emphasize important content.

Question 34: 'Although many students dislike homework, research consistently shows regular practice improves learning and retention.' What is the author's position?

Homework is beneficial despite being unpopular (Correct answer)
Students should decide about homework
Research is unreliable
Homework should be eliminated

Correct answer: Homework is beneficial despite being unpopular

The author acknowledges dislike but supports homework based on research evidence.

Question 35: A teacher explains: 'A class has 30 students. If 40% are boys, how many girls are in the class?'

20
12
18 (Correct answer)
15

Correct answer: 18

40% are boys = 12 boys. Girls = 30 - 12 = 18.

Question 36: You hear: 'Attention all eighth graders. Your science fair projects are due this Thursday, not Friday as previously announced. Projects must be set up in the gymnasium before first period.' When are the science fair projects now due?

Saturday morning
Friday, as originally scheduled
Wednesday afternoon
Thursday, before first period (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Thursday, before first period

The announcement specifically says the due date has changed from Friday to Thursday, and projects must be set up in the gymnasium before first period begins.

Question 37: A professor pauses and says, 'Does everyone follow so far? This next part is particularly important.' Why does the professor say this?

To suggest students can stop taking notes
To signal that critical information is coming and students should pay close attention (Correct answer)
To indicate the lecture is almost over
To fill time until the period ends

Correct answer: To signal that critical information is coming and students should pay close attention

The professor is alerting students that crucial information is about to be presented and they should focus.

Question 38: Which sentence uses the correct tag question?

She is a student, isn't it?
She is a student, is she?
She is a student, isn't she? (Correct answer)
She is a student, doesn't she?

Correct answer: She is a student, isn't she?

Tag questions follow specific rules: if the main clause is positive, the tag is negative, and vice versa. The tag must match the subject and auxiliary verb of the main clause. 'She is' → 'isn't she?' The pronoun matches the subject, and the verb matches the auxiliary.

Question 39: Fill in the blank: 'She _____ her homework before she watched TV.'

finished (Correct answer)
finishing
finishes
finish

Correct answer: finished

The sentence describes two past actions, and the word 'before' indicates the first action was completed before the second. 'Finished' is the simple past tense, which correctly shows a completed past action. The other forms don't match the past tense context of 'watched.'

Question 40: Someone says: 'I'm just looking, thanks' in a store. What are they communicating?

They lost something and are looking for it.
They do not need help and are browsing without buying. (Correct answer)
They are looking for the exit.
They need glasses.

Correct answer: They do not need help and are browsing without buying.

'I'm just looking, thanks' is a polite response to a store employee who asks if you need help. It means you want to browse on your own without assistance. This is a very common phrase used in American stores and shops, and understanding it helps international students navigate everyday shopping situations.

Question 41: A teacher says: 'For tomorrow's field trip, wear comfortable shoes, bring a sack lunch, and meet in the cafeteria by 8:00 AM sharp.' What does '8:00 AM sharp' mean?

8:00 PM
Exactly 8:00 AM, not a minute late (Correct answer)
Approximately 8:00 AM
Any time before 8:30

Correct answer: Exactly 8:00 AM, not a minute late

'Sharp' after a time means exactly that time, emphasizing punctuality.

Question 42: A passage reads: 'Students must register by March 15 to receive the early discount.' A student who registers on March 20 will:

Be disqualified from the program.
Receive the full early discount.
Not receive the early discount. (Correct answer)
Receive a partial discount.

Correct answer: Not receive the early discount.

The passage specifies March 15 as the deadline for the discount; registering after that date means missing it.

Question 43: A passage states: 'Maria checked her watch repeatedly and tapped her foot as she waited outside the principal's office.' What can you infer about Maria?

She is nervous or impatient (Correct answer)
She is relaxed and comfortable
She is tired and wants to sleep
She is happy to be there

Correct answer: She is nervous or impatient

Checking a watch repeatedly and tapping one's foot are physical signs of nervousness or impatience.

Question 44: Which sentence uses 'there,' 'their,' and 'they're' correctly?

Their going to there house over they're.
There going to they're house over their.
They're going to their house over there. (Correct answer)
They're going to there house over their.

Correct answer: They're going to their house over there.

'They're' = they are (contraction). 'Their' = belonging to them (possessive). 'There' = a place (location). 'They're going to their house over there' correctly uses all three: the contraction for 'they are going,' the possessive for 'belonging to them,' and the location word for 'that place.'

Question 45: What is 'mandatory' in 'Attendance at the assembly is mandatory'?

Only for new students
Required and compulsory (Correct answer)
Optional
Suggested but not necessary

Correct answer: Required and compulsory

Mandatory means required by rule; it is not optional.

Question 46: Read the passage: 'The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776. Thomas Jefferson was its main author. It announced that the thirteen American colonies were separating from British rule. It stated that all people have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson (Correct answer)
John Adams
George Washington

Correct answer: Thomas Jefferson

The passage identifies Thomas Jefferson as the main author of the Declaration of Independence.

Question 47: Your classmate asks: 'Can I borrow a pencil?' You have an extra one. What do you say?

No, I need all my pencils.
I bought this pencil at the store.
Of course! Here you go. (Correct answer)
Pencils are not expensive.

Correct answer: Of course! Here you go.

Since you have an extra pencil, the polite and helpful response is to lend it. 'Of course! Here you go' is friendly and directly fulfills the request. The other responses either refuse despite having an extra, or provide irrelevant information about pencils.

Question 48: A science text reads: 'The control group received no treatment, while the experimental group received the new medication.' Why include a control group?

Control groups are not important
To provide a baseline for comparing the treatment's effects (Correct answer)
To make the experiment longer
To give medication to more people

Correct answer: To provide a baseline for comparing the treatment's effects

A control group provides a baseline to compare against, helping determine if the treatment caused the observed effects.

Question 49: You hear the announcement: 'Attention all students. The cafeteria will be closed tomorrow for cleaning. Students who normally eat lunch at school should bring a bag lunch from home.' What should students bring tomorrow?

Money for the vending machine
A permission slip from home
A note from a parent
A bag lunch from home (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A bag lunch from home

The announcement clearly states that students who normally eat at school should bring a bag lunch from home because the cafeteria will be closed for cleaning.

Question 50: Read the passage: 'The United States is a democracy where citizens over the age of 18 can vote. Voting is a right and responsibility. Elections are held regularly to choose government leaders.' According to the passage, who can vote in the United States?

Only people who have a college degree.
Citizens who are 18 years old or older. (Correct answer)
All people living in the United States.
Citizens who have lived in the US for 10 years.

Correct answer: Citizens who are 18 years old or older.

The passage clearly states that 'citizens over the age of 18 can vote.' This means two conditions must be met: the person must be a US citizen, and they must be 18 years old or older. The passage does not mention education requirements or length of residency.

ELTiS 2.0 Exam

The English Language Test for International Students measures academic listening and reading proficiency for high school exchange students entering U.S. schools.

Questions

80 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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Exam Rules

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No feedback shown until you submit the entire exam
Unanswered questions count as wrong — answer everything
10 pretest questions are mixed in and don't affect your score
Timer auto-submits when time runs out
Your progress is auto-saved every 30 seconds

These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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