1

Versant
Writing Test
Official Guide for Test-Takers

April 2021 | v1.0

VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Versant Writing Test

The online Versant Writing Test assesses the ability to
Item type Skill(s) tested Items in test
communicate in commonly used written workplace
English. It is used by organizations around the world Typing
Typing speed and accuracy 1
to support recruitment. (Part A)
Sentence Completion
This guide will help you understand the types of Vocabulary 20
(Part B)
questions that will be asked and provides tips for
answering. The information can be used to help Dictation
Grammar 16
develop useful strategies for the test day. (Part C)
Passage Reconstruction Grammar and Reading
The test is divided into sections as shown in the table. (Part D) Comprehension
4
Each section starts with instructions and a sample
item. Each question is timed, and the total length of Vocabulary, Voice & Tone,
Email Writing
the test is about 35 minutes. (Part E)
Organization, Grammar, and 2
Reading Comprehension
As well as reading this guide, we recommend you
request a free online sample test. You can also buy a
scored online Practice Test to review your skills.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Skills tested
The following table describes the skills assessed and scored by the test. An example score report is provided at the end of the guide.

Skill Definition

Typing Speed and Typing Speed is the number of words typed in one minute in the Typing task. For a valid Writing score, you should be able to type faster
Accuracy than 12 words per minute.
Typing Accuracy refers to the percentage of words correctly typed in the Typing task. You should have at least 90% accuracy.

Overall Ability Overall Ability represents the ability to understand English input and write accurate, appropriate texts at a functional pace for everyday
and workplace purposes. Scores are based on a weighted combination of the five sub-scores described below (Grammar, Vocabulary,
Organization, Voice and Tone, and Reading Comprehension).

Grammar Grammar reflects how well you understand, anticipate and produce a variety of sentence structures in written English. The score is based
on the ability to use accurate and appropriate words and phrases in meaningful sentences.

Vocabulary Vocabulary tests your understanding and ability to produce a wide range of words in written English from every day and workplace
situations. The score is based on accuracy and the appropriate use of words for the topic, purpose, and audience.

Organization Organization measures how well you present ideas and information in written English in a clear and logical sequence. The score is based
on the ability to guide your readers through written text and highlight significant points using discourse markers.

Voice and Tone Voice and Tone reflects how well you establish an appropriate relationship with the reader by adopting a suitable style and level of
formality. The score is based on your ability to address the reader's concern and to have an overall positive effect.

Reading Comprehension Reading comprehension assesses your understanding of written English texts on every day and workplace topics. The score is based on
your ability to operate at functional speeds to extract meaning, infer the message, and respond appropriately.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Access to the test

The Versant Writing Test is taken online and autoscored using Pearson's highly trusted technology.
Results are available in minutes. To take the test you will need:

• Test instructions and a Test Identification Number from your test administrator.
• Access to a computer.
• A good internet connection.
• A up to date web browser or the Versant Computer Delivered Testing (CDT) software (for Windows).
• Speakers or headphones connected to your computer.
• A quiet room where you can work without interruptions throughout.

Your test administrator may also ask you to take the test using a remotely monitored system. You will
be notified in advance if this is the case.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Navigating the test

• To start the test you will be asked to enter the Test Identification Number to ensure the test is
valid.
• You will then be asked to go through some system checks before the test starts.
• Once the questions begin, an examiner's voice will guide you through the test and explain how
to answer the different types of questions.
• Each new Part starts with an instruction screen and a sample item so you know what is
expected.
• Each question is timed.
• A timer is displayed in the corner of the screen to show how much time you have left.
• The number of questions in each section is displayed so you can see your progress.
• If you do not complete an answer, your work will be saved and scored as it is.
• If you finish an answer early and have checked it, click Next to move on to the next question.
• You can only move forward – it is not possible to go back to a previous question.
• A beep will sound when the section comes to an end.
 INTERNATIONAL
VERSANT WRITING
CERTIFICATE
TEST – OFFICIAL
TEST TIPS
GUIDEGUIDE

Part A: Typing
Instructions Example question

All
Click to hear
instructions
Levels

What will you have to do? What skills are being tested?
• You will see a passage on the screen. • This question assesses your typing speed and accuracy. It is not
• You must type as much of the text as you can. scored. Test administrators may choose to take this into account
• You will have 60 seconds to answer. when viewing test results.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Typing Speed and Accuracy tips

• Type exactly what you see on the screen.
• Pay attention to spelling and punctuation.
• Type as much of the text as you can.

Practice by accurately typing out as much of the passage below as you can in 60 seconds.

Leadership is a popular topic in today's organizations. After

centuries of studying leaders, it would seem that there would
be an agreed upon definition of leadership. However, this is
not the case. There is still much debate on what makes a good
leader. Most texts on leadership try to isolate simple
characteristics of leaders and describe how one might attain
them. The truth is that leadership is very complex and looks
different in each individual. Most people are able to recognize
leadership when they see it. People agree that leadership
involves someone leading and others following. Recently
leadership has been thought of as a process rather than a
position. The more one reads about leadership, the more one
discovers that there are few hard and fast rules.
 VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Part B: Sentence Completion

Instructions Example question

Click to hear
instructions

What will you have to do? What skills are being tested?
• You will see a sentence or two with a missing word. • This question tests your overall understanding of a short sentence
• You will need to enter one word that best fits the meaning of and your vocabulary.
the sentence.
• You will have 25 seconds to answer.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Sentence Completion tips

• Consider the overall meaning of the sentence.
• Look at the words either side of the gap and use knowledge of grammar and vocabulary
to choose the missing word.
• Pay attention to spelling and capitalization.
• Only type one word.

A practice question is provided below.

We all worked hard to find a solution to the .

 VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Part C: Dictation
Instructions Example question

Click to hear
instructions

What will you have to do? What skills are being tested?
• You will hear a sentence spoken aloud. • This question assesses your English comprehension and grammar.
• You will need to type the sentence word-for-word.
• You will only hear the sentence once.
• You will have 25 seconds answer.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Dictation tips
• You can begin typing as soon as the speaker (prompt) begins.
• Pay attention to spelling, capitalization and punctuation.
• Focus on the meaning of the passage to help you remember it.

You can practice using the question below.

Click to hear
the prompt
 VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Part D: Passage Reconstruction

Instructions Example question

Click to hear
instructions

What will you have to do? What skills are being tested?
• You will be asked to read a passage. • This question assesses your grammar and reading comprehension.
• You will need to rewrite it in your own words.
• The passage will disappear after 30 seconds.
• You will have 90 seconds to answer.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Passage Reconstruction tips

• Make sure you understand the passage.
• Use your own words. Do not try to memorize the passage or words.
• Do not write a quick summary - include all the details you can.
• Pay attention to spelling and punctuation.
• Write in complete grammatical sentences.

Practice by rewriting the passage below.

Thomas hates to clean. One day his mother asked him to

help clean the house. Thomas did not want his mother to
be mad at him. He decided to clean the kitchen. While he
was washing the dishes, he dropped a plate. It fell on the
floor and broke. He told his mother. She was upset, but
she forgave Thomas.​
 VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Part E: Email Writing

Instructions Example question

All All
Click to hear
instructions
Levels Levels

What will you have to do? What skills are being tested?
• You will given a short scenario and be asked to write an email • This question assesses vocabulary, voice and tone, your ability
to a specific person. to organize and structure text, grammar, and reading
• You must cover three specific points in your email. comprehension.
• You will need to write it in your own words.
• You must write at least 100 words.
• You will have 9 minutes to read the situation and respond.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Email Writing tips

• Pay attention to spelling and punctuation.
• Write in complete grammatical sentences.
• Read the situation carefully and address your email to the right person.
• Make sure you cover all three themes in your email. Don't forget to include details to support each idea.
• Write at least 100 words. The Word Count displays the number of words you have written.
• Don’t write informally or use texting abbreviations (e.g. ‘you’ = ‘u’).

You can practice email writing using the example below.

You recently purchased computers for your company. You bought the computers
from an overseas company, even though a local company would have been
cheaper. Your supervisor, Mr. Watson, wants to know why you chose to purchase
them from the more expensive, overseas company and not from the cheaper,
local company. Write an email to him giving three reasons that support your
decision.
Your reasons must come from the following themes:

• customer service
• warranty
• variety.

You should include all three themes. Provide supporting ideas for each of your
reasons.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Score reports
Score reports or certificates may be shared with you by the test administrator. They provide a score against internationally recognized scales (Global Scale
of English, CEFR and Versant scale) and summarize your ability overall and for specific skills. They also offer tips to improve so you can perform better in
future tests.
VERSANT WRITING TEST – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Need more help?

Try an unscored sample test on the Purchase a practice test online to assess
Versant web site. your own abilities and discover how you
can improve your skills.

Request a demo Buy a practice test