ELTiS 2.0 Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which word choice is most appropriate for an academic essay?

The results exceeded initial projections significantly. (Correct answer)
The results were way better than what we thought.
The results came out pretty good in the end.
The results were a lot better than expected.

Correct answer: The results exceeded initial projections significantly.

Academic writing requires formal vocabulary; 'exceeded initial projections' is appropriately precise and formal.

Question 2: A teacher says: 'Before you open your textbooks, please put your cell phones in your backpacks and zip them closed. Then turn to page forty-seven.' What must students do before opening their textbooks?

Sit in assigned seats
Write their names on their papers
Put their cell phones away in their backpacks (Correct answer)
Turn to page forty-seven

Correct answer: Put their cell phones away in their backpacks

The teacher instructs students to put their cell phones in their backpacks and zip them closed before doing anything else, including opening textbooks.

Question 3: A teacher says: 'A pizza is cut into 8 slices. Tom eats 3 and Sara eats 2. What fraction is left?'

2/8
5/8
1/2
3/8 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3/8

Eaten: 3 + 2 = 5 slices. Remaining: 8 - 5 = 3 slices = 3/8.

Question 4: Which of the following is the correct spelling?

occured
occurrd
ocurred
occurred (Correct answer)

Correct answer: occurred

'Occurred' doubles the final 'r' before adding '-ed' because the stress falls on the last syllable of the base verb.

Question 5: A news report covers a local park renovation, including new playground equipment, walking paths, and community garden spaces. What is the main idea?

Walking paths are the most important addition
Community gardens will replace the entire park
A local park is being renovated with multiple new features for the community (Correct answer)
The old playground equipment was dangerous

Correct answer: A local park is being renovated with multiple new features for the community

The report covers multiple improvements being made to the park.

Question 6: A passage ends: 'Therefore, protecting endangered species is not just an environmental issue — it is a matter of preserving biological heritage for future generations.' What is the author's purpose?

Persuade readers that protection has broad significance beyond environmentalism (Correct answer)
Argue species are not important
Introduce a new topic
Summarize history

Correct answer: Persuade readers that protection has broad significance beyond environmentalism

The author expands the issue from environmental to heritage/legacy, persuading readers of broader importance.

Question 7: A passage says: 'Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.' A student submits their application two days late. What will happen according to the passage?

The student will be asked to resubmit on time.
The application will be reviewed with a late fee.
The application will receive a lower priority score.
The application will not be considered. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The application will not be considered.

The passage clearly states that late applications will not be considered, so the student's application will be rejected.

Question 8: Fill in the blank: 'By the time we arrived, the movie _____ already started.'

have
had (Correct answer)
was
has

Correct answer: had

'Had started' is the past perfect tense, used to show that one past action (the movie starting) was completed before another past action (our arrival). 'Has started' is present perfect, 'have started' doesn't agree with the subject, and 'was started' changes the meaning.

Question 9: A lecturer says, 'Going back to what I mentioned earlier about photosynthesis...' What is the lecturer doing?

Asking a rhetorical question
Referencing previously discussed material (Correct answer)
Starting a brand new topic
Correcting an earlier mistake

Correct answer: Referencing previously discussed material

The phrase 'Going back to what I mentioned earlier' signals the lecturer is referencing previously discussed content.

Question 10: A science text states: 'Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent.' What is the main purpose of mitosis?

To reduce chromosomes by half
To create reproductive cells only
To create genetically different cells
To produce identical copies for growth and repair (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To produce identical copies for growth and repair

Mitosis produces identical copies of cells for growth, repair, and maintenance.

Question 11: Read the passage: 'Gentrification occurs when wealthier people move into a poorer neighborhood, leading to increased property values and rents. While this can improve infrastructure and reduce crime, it often displaces long-time residents who can no longer afford to live there.' What is a negative effect of gentrification?

Reduced crime rates.
Improved infrastructure.
Displacement of long-time residents who cannot afford rising rents. (Correct answer)
More businesses opening.

Correct answer: Displacement of long-time residents who cannot afford rising rents.

The passage identifies the negative effect: gentrification 'often displaces long-time residents who can no longer afford to live there.' As property values and rents increase, lower-income residents are forced out of their neighborhoods. This is a complex social issue with both positive and negative consequences.

Question 12: Which sentence uses the correct verb form after the main verb?

We decided going on a trip.
They finished completing the assignment. (Correct answer)
She enjoys to read mystery novels.
He suggested to go to the park.

Correct answer: They finished completing the assignment.

'Finish' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form). 'Suggest' and 'enjoy' also require gerunds, while 'decide' requires an infinitive — making the other three sentences incorrect.

Question 13: A teacher says: 'I need everyone's eyes up here.' What does this mean?

Close your eyes
Leave the classroom
Pay attention and look at the teacher (Correct answer)
Look at the ceiling

Correct answer: Pay attention and look at the teacher

'Eyes up here' means 'look at me and pay attention.'

Question 14: Listen to a teacher making an announcement. 'Good morning, students. Please remember that the annual science fair is next Friday. All project submissions are due by the end of the day this Wednesday. Make sure your name and class period are clearly marked. Also, don't forget that on Thursday, we will have a special assembly in the auditorium with a guest speaker from the local university's science department. Attendance is mandatory.' What is the main purpose of this announcement?

To describe the guest speaker's background.
To explain the rules for the science fair in detail.
To cancel the special assembly on Thursday.
To remind students about important upcoming science-related events and deadlines. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To remind students about important upcoming science-related events and deadlines.

The correct answer accurately summarizes all the key points of the announcement: the science fair date, the project deadline, and the mandatory assembly. The other options are either too specific (describing the speaker) or incorrect (explaining rules, canceling the assembly).

Question 15: While listening to a long academic lecture, what is the MOST effective strategy for a student to use?

Translate the lecture into your native language in your head.
Only listen for vocabulary words that you don't know.
Try to write down every word the professor says.
Focus on understanding the main ideas and key supporting details. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Focus on understanding the main ideas and key supporting details.

The primary goal when listening to an academic lecture is comprehension. Focusing on the main ideas and the most important details that support them allows the listener to grasp the overall message and structure of the lecture, which is more effective than trying to capture every single word and potentially missing the core concepts.

Question 16: A teacher states: 'The temperature was -5 degrees C in the morning and rose by 12 degrees by noon. What was the noon temperature?'

-17 degrees C
7 degrees C (Correct answer)
17 degrees C
-7 degrees C

Correct answer: 7 degrees C

-5 + 12 = 7 degrees C.

Question 17: The school secretary tells you, 'You need to fill out this form.' What does 'fill out' mean?

Throw the form in the trash
Fold the form into a smaller shape
Complete the form by writing the required information (Correct answer)
Read the form aloud

Correct answer: Complete the form by writing the required information

'Fill out' is a phrasal verb meaning to complete a form by providing all the requested information in the blank spaces.

Question 18: When reading for the main idea, what should you focus on?

Specific details and examples
The first and last sentences of each paragraph
Unfamiliar words and phrases
The overall theme or argument presented in the text (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The overall theme or argument presented in the text

When reading for the main idea, your focus should be on grasping the central message or the author's primary argument that unifies the entire text. While specific sentences can offer clues, understanding the overarching theme provides the most accurate comprehension of the passage's core purpose.

Question 19: Choose the correct word: 'I'm _ in this book. It's very _.'

interested / interesting (Correct answer)
interest / interesting
interesting / interest
interesting / interested

Correct answer: interested / interesting

'-ed' adjectives describe how someone feels (interested, bored, excited). '-ing' adjectives describe the thing that causes the feeling (interesting, boring, exciting). 'I'm interested' (how I feel) and 'It's interesting' (what the book is). This -ed/-ing distinction is crucial for English learners.

Question 20: A teacher gives instructions: 'When you finish your test, place it face-down on your desk and sit quietly. Do not leave your seat or talk to classmates until I collect all papers from the room.' What should a student do immediately after finishing the test?

Begin reviewing notes for the next class
Turn the test over and remain seated quietly (Correct answer)
Bring the test directly to the teacher's desk
Ask a classmate to check their answers

Correct answer: Turn the test over and remain seated quietly

The teacher instructs students to place the test face-down on their own desk and sit quietly — not to move or speak until papers are collected.

Question 21: A new student asks a classmate, 'Could you fill me in on what I missed?' What is the student requesting?

Permission to borrow the classmate's textbook
Help completing a missed assignment
A copy of the teacher's notes
An explanation of what happened while they were absent (Correct answer)

Correct answer: An explanation of what happened while they were absent

'Fill me in' is a common English expression meaning to update someone on information or events they were not present for. The student wants to know what was covered or discussed in their absence.

Question 22: 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?

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

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 23: A science teacher explains that water exists in three states, describes each state, and explains how temperature causes transitions. What is the main idea?

Temperature determines the state of water, which can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas (Correct answer)
Water transitions happen randomly
Ice is the most important state of water
Water can only exist as a liquid

Correct answer: Temperature determines the state of water, which can exist as a solid, liquid, or gas

The lesson covers the three states of water and how temperature controls transitions between them.

Question 24: Read this excerpt from a school newspaper article. 'The school's drama club has announced that auditions for the spring musical will be held next Tuesday and Wednesday. A sign-up sheet has been posted on the bulletin board outside the music room. Last year's production of 'Grease' was a huge success, with every single performance sold out.' What does the author of the article imply?

Auditions will be very difficult.
Only experienced actors are expected to audition.
The author anticipates that many students will want to audition. (Correct answer)
This year's musical will be 'Grease' again.

Correct answer: The author anticipates that many students will want to audition.

By mentioning that last year's show was a 'huge success' and 'sold out,' the author suggests a high level of popularity and quality. This context implies that there will likely be significant student interest and many people auditioning for the new musical.

Question 25: A school counselor explains the college application process: choosing schools, writing personal essays, and meeting deadlines. What is the main idea?

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

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

The counselor outlined multiple steps in the application process.

Question 26: Which sentence uses the correct tag question?

She is a student, isn't she? (Correct answer)
She is a student, isn't it?
She is a student, is she?
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 27: A passage states: 'DNA contains the genetic instructions for building and maintaining an organism.' What is DNA's main function described here?

To provide energy
To store and transmit genetic instructions (Correct answer)
To digest food
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 28: 'While technology offers benefits, we must address the digital divide to ensure equitable access for all.' What is the 'digital divide'?

A social media platform
Old vs. new computers
The gap between those who have technology access and those who do not (Correct answer)
Computer software

Correct answer: The gap between those who have technology access and those who do not

The 'digital divide' is the gap between people who have access to digital technology and those who do not.

Question 29: Which transition word best shows contrast between two ideas?

Additionally
However (Correct answer)
Furthermore
Similarly

Correct answer: However

'However' signals that the next idea contradicts or opposes the previous one.

Question 30: Read this description of a science experiment: 'Three identical bean plants were used to test the effect of different light colors on growth. Plant A was exposed to full-spectrum white light, Plant B only to blue light, and Plant C only to red light. All other conditions were kept constant. After four weeks, Plant A had grown 15 cm. Plant B had grown 10 cm and had thick, dark green leaves. Plant C had grown 18 cm, but its stems were thin and stretched.' Which of the following is a reasonable conclusion based on the results?

White light causes plants to have thin, stretched stems.
Plants grow tallest in red light, but may not be the healthiest. (Correct answer)
Blue light is the worst type of light for plant growth.
Bean plants cannot grow without a combination of red and blue light.

Correct answer: Plants grow tallest in red light, but may not be the healthiest.

The correct answer is B. The passage states Plant C (red light) grew the tallest (18 cm), but also describes its stems as 'thin and stretched,' which suggests less healthy, sturdy growth compared to the other plants.

Question 31: The final grade for the biology course will depend ______ consistent effort and performance on the final exam.

on (Correct answer)
from
about
with

Correct answer: on

The verb 'depend' is always followed by the preposition 'on' or 'upon' to indicate what something relies on. 'Depend on' is a standard prepositional phrase.

Question 32: A science passage states: 'Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight.' What type of process is this?

A physical change only
A process that does not require energy
A chemical conversion that transforms substances using energy (Correct answer)
A process that only occurs at night

Correct answer: A chemical conversion that transforms substances using energy

Photosynthesis is a chemical process that uses solar energy to convert CO2 and water into new substances.

Question 33: Read the passage: 'The American Revolution began in 1775 when American colonists fought for independence from British rule. The colonists were upset about paying taxes without having representation in the British government. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, announcing that the colonies were a free nation.' Why were colonists upset with the British government?

They disagreed with British military strategies
They were taxed without having representation in the government (Correct answer)
They were forced to learn a new language
They wanted to elect a king instead of a president

Correct answer: They were taxed without having representation in the government

The passage states that colonists 'were upset about paying taxes without having representation in the British government,' directly supporting option D.

Question 34: Your friend says: 'It's no big deal.' What does 'no big deal' mean?

The deal was canceled.
It is not important or not something to worry about. (Correct answer)
There is no sale or special offer.
It is a very big problem.

Correct answer: It is not important or not something to worry about.

'No big deal' means something is not important or not worth worrying about. It is used to reassure someone that a situation is minor. When a friend says this, they are telling you not to stress about something because it is not a significant issue.

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

18 (Correct answer)
15
12
20

Correct answer: 18

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

Question 36: What is the best way to begin an essay introduction about climate change?

Climate change. What is it? Read on.
I think climate change is bad.
Climate change, driven by human activity, poses one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. (Correct answer)
This essay is about climate change.

Correct answer: Climate change, driven by human activity, poses one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

This opening is specific, informative, and uses an appropriate academic tone.

Question 37: A teacher says: 'Please put away all your notes and close your textbooks. You may keep one blank piece of paper on your desk. Everything else should go inside your backpack.' According to these instructions, what is allowed to stay on your desk?

Your backpack and pencil case
Your textbook and one sheet of notes
One blank piece of paper (Correct answer)
Your notes and a blank sheet of paper

Correct answer: One blank piece of paper

The teacher instructs students to put away notes and close textbooks, keeping only one blank piece of paper on the desk. Everything else goes in the backpack.

Question 38: What is a 'diploma'?

A type of diploma frame.
An official document certifying that a student has completed their education at a school. (Correct answer)
A diplomat's identification.
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 39: A teacher says: 'I want everyone to write a reflection paragraph about today's lesson. What did you learn? What questions do you still have? What connections can you make to your own life? This is your exit ticket — hand it to me as you leave.' What is an 'exit ticket'?

A permission slip to exit the building.
A ticket for the school raffle.
A ticket to leave school early.
A short assignment completed at the end of class and given to the teacher when leaving. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A short assignment completed at the end of class and given to the teacher when leaving.

An exit ticket is a short assignment or reflection that students complete at the end of class and hand to the teacher as they leave. It helps teachers assess what students learned and what they still need help with. The teacher's instruction to 'hand it to me as you leave' defines the exit ticket process.

Question 40: What does 'class schedule' mean?

A teacher's daily plan.
A schedule for class parties.
A schedule for buying school supplies.
A list of a student's classes, their times, and room locations. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A list of a student's classes, their times, and room locations.

A class schedule is a document that lists all of a student's classes, including the subject, time, room number, and teacher for each class period. Students receive their class schedule at the beginning of each semester and use it to know where to go throughout the school day.

Question 41: In 'Economic factors are the primary drivers of immigration to urban areas,' what are 'primary drivers'?

The main forces or reasons that cause something (Correct answer)
People who drive trucks
Government policies stopping immigration
Minor causes

Correct answer: The main forces or reasons that cause something

'Primary drivers' means the most important causes or motivating factors.

Question 42: A reading passage states: 'The university requires all international students to submit proof of English proficiency before enrollment.' What specific piece of information does this sentence provide?

Enrollment is optional for international students.
All students must apply for financial aid.
International students may skip English tests if they choose.
Proof of English proficiency is required before enrollment. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Proof of English proficiency is required before enrollment.

The sentence explicitly states that proof of English proficiency is a requirement prior to enrollment for international students.

Question 43: A teacher explains: 'A car uses 5 liters of fuel for every 50 km. How many liters are needed for 200 km?'

10 liters
20 liters (Correct answer)
25 liters
15 liters

Correct answer: 20 liters

200 / 50 = 4 groups. 5 x 4 = 20 liters.

Question 44: Listen to the teacher's review instruction: 'We have a triangle with angles A, B, and C. The measure of angle A is 40 degrees. The measure of angle B is 50 degrees. To find the measure of angle C, what fundamental geometric principle must you apply?'

The area of a triangle is one-half base times height.
The sum of the angles in any triangle is always 180 degrees. (Correct answer)
All angles in an equilateral triangle are equal.
The Pythagorean theorem for right triangles.

Correct answer: The sum of the angles in any triangle is always 180 degrees.

The problem gives two angles of a triangle and asks how to find the third. The core principle required to solve this is knowing that the sum of the interior angles of any triangle always equals 180 degrees. By adding angles A and B (40+50=90) and subtracting from 180, one can find angle C.

Question 45: If the school ______ a later start time, more students would be able to eat a healthy breakfast.

will implement
has implemented
implemented (Correct answer)
implements

Correct answer: implemented

This sentence is a second conditional, which describes a hypothetical or unlikely situation in the present or future. The correct structure is 'If + simple past, ...would + base verb'. Therefore, 'implemented' is the correct form.

Question 46: At lunch, your friend says: 'I'm not feeling well today.' What is the most appropriate response?

Oh no, what's wrong? Do you need to see the nurse? (Correct answer)
I had pizza for lunch.
That's nice.
You should study harder.

Correct answer: Oh no, what's wrong? Do you need to see the nurse?

When someone tells you they don't feel well, showing concern and offering help is the most appropriate response. Asking what's wrong and suggesting the nurse shows empathy and practical support. 'That's nice' is inappropriate for bad news, and the other options ignore the person's concern entirely.

Question 47: In 'The museum exhibited artifacts from three distinct civilizations,' what does 'distinct' mean?

Modern and recent
Separate and different from each other (Correct answer)
Small and unimportant
Nearby and connected

Correct answer: Separate and different from each other

'Distinct' means clearly separate, different, and distinguishable.

Question 48: A teacher says: 'I will accept late work up to three days after the due date, but you will lose 10% for each day it is late. After three days, I will not accept it at all.' How many points would you lose for turning in work two days late?

30%.
20%. (Correct answer)
10%.
50%.

Correct answer: 20%.

The teacher says students 'will lose 10% for each day it is late.' If work is two days late, that is 10% + 10% = 20% penalty. Understanding late work policies helps students make decisions about turning in imperfect work on time versus completing it later with a penalty.

Question 49: In a reading passage about enrollment procedures, the word 'mandatory' in the phrase 'mandatory orientation session' means:

Offered at different time slots.
Optional and recommended.
Required and not optional. (Correct answer)
Available only to some students.

Correct answer: Required and not optional.

'Mandatory' means required; a mandatory orientation session must be attended by all students.

Question 50: 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?

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

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.

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

You can skip questions and return to them later
Flag questions for review before submitting
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