Test-taking strategies for adult ESOL students

A adult teacher sat down with two older students talking to them
Reading time: 2 minutes

Although test-taking is an important part of education in the United States, it's also a source of anxiety and stress for students and teachers alike. In the case of ELLs (English Language Learners), many factors pose challenges to their test-taking success. In this blog post, we will discuss strategies to ensure ESOL students succeed in taking the new and more rigorous CASAS STEPS assessment series.

Inspire a positive classroom mindset

Adult ESOL instructors often have a strong rapport with their students. They are mindful of the challenges students face in their new American lives – challenges such as immigration status, family situation, financial and housing status, which might deter them from fully focusing on their studies. Compassion and a positive classroom mindset are powerful tools for long-term academic success.

One way for teachers to cultivate confidence in students is by celebrating their victories – big or small – such as a student passing their driver's license test, making an MSG (Measurable skill gain) in the CASAS STEPS, or even just increasing their test score at all.Ìý

Clarify testing information

Another step to help students succeed while testing is demystifying tests. Many adult ESOL students might not be familiar with standardized testing at all. In addition, students (especially those in lower NRS level classes) might encounter language barriers in testing terminology.

To help reduce test anxiety, teachers can explain the ins and outs of the CASAS STEPS ahead of time. For instance, how long students have for each session, how many questions there are in each portion, what the scores mean and what they don't mean (a low score will not remove them from their class or program).

Practice, Pratice, PracticeÌý

Providing students with regular practice exercises is a great tool to combat fear of the unknown. Teaching with the test in mind, instructors can include a daily warm-up listening question or two at the beginning of class that relates to the day's lesson topic and/or provide a daily timed "exit ticket" reading question (both can be found in the FUTURE series books and accompanying MyEnglishLab.) so they can practice time management skills for test tasking.

Encourage self-care

While mental preparation is crucial, feeling physically comfortable and having basic needs met makes concentrating on tests a lot easier. According to Harvard, getting a good night's sleep is one of the keys to testing well.

Eating nutritious food, avoiding sugar, and drinking plenty of water are equally important measures. The temperature in the testing rooms can play a role in students' comfort and ability to focus; teachers can remind students to bring sweaters or wear layers and comfortable clothes.

The CASAS STEPS, along with most standardized assessments, is a test of mental and physical endurance. Preparation makes a direct impact on their scores. Developing students' confidence and growth mindset, clearly communicating test information, providing plenty of opportunities to practice with the FUTURE series and MyEnglishLab, and encouraging self-care will help students achieve higher results.ÌýWhat other test-taking strategies do you use with your students?Ìý

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • Students sat in a library looking over a computer smiling

    Why students still choose the U.S. for their study dreams

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    In a world full of study destinations, the United States continues to stand out. Despite shifting visa policies and rising competition from other countries, students from around the globe still set their sights on the U.S. for one big reason, it offers more than just a degree. It offers a valuable launchpad.

    So, what keeps the U.S. at the top of students’ wish lists? And why should admissions teams continue to lean into this global interest?

    Prestige that opens doors

    The U.S. is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. From Ivy League institutions to top-ranked public colleges, the reputation of a U.S. degree carries weight. For many students, studying in the U.S. is not just about education, it is about opportunity. Employers around the world recognize the value of a U.S. degree, and that recognition can open doors to global careers. 

    Flexibility that fits ambition

    Unlike many other systems, U.S. universities allow students to explore. They can choose a major and a minor, or even switch paths as they discover new interests. This flexibility is a huge draw for students who are still figuring out their future or who want to combine passions, like pairing economics with environmental science, or computer science with music. 

    A campus experience like no other

    American campus life is iconic for a reason, made famous from movie scenes seen across the world. From sports and clubs to dorm life and student unions, the sense of community is strong. For international students, this can make all the difference. It is not just about the academic life, it is about belonging. And for many, that community becomes a second home. 

    Career-boosting extras

    Internships, research opportunities, and strong alumni networks are all part of the U.S. university experience. Students are not just learning in the classroom, they are building resumes, making connections, and preparing for the job market.Ìý

    The American dream still inspires

    For many, the U.S. represents possibility. It is a place where ambition is welcomed, where diversity is celebrated, and where students can imagine a future that feels bigger than their present. That dream still resonates, and it is one that admissions teams can help bring to life.Ìý

  • uni students stood in a hallway together looking over books and notes

    Rethinking access: How at-home English testing Is reshaping global admissions

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When I think about the students we serve, those dreaming of studying in the U.S., sometimes from places far from test centers or perhaps with limited resources, I’m reminded why we do what we do and why, as a company, we evolve. Access to education shouldn’t depend on geography, cost, or circumstance. However, for some international students, proving their English proficiency has long been an extra hurdle to jump.

    That is changing. And it is changing fast.

    A new kind of test for a new kind of student

    The ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test was built with flexibility and accessibility at its foundations. It is available 24/7, can be taken from anywhere quiet and secure with a stable internet connection, and delivers results in minutes, with certification in under 48 hours.

    That means no more waiting weeks for a test date or traveling hours across land (and sometimes sea!) to a test center. For students juggling work, family, or unpredictable schedules, this is a game-changer.

    And it is not just about convenience. It is about equity.

    Fairness, built in

    One of the most exciting things about ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is how it levels the playing field. The test uses AI scoring that has been rigorously developed and validated by human experts. This reduces bias and ensures that every student is assessed consistently, no matter where they are from or what accent they have.

    We’ve also built in overÌý90 security features including dual-camera proctoring, ID and speaker verification. So, institutions can trust the results, and students can trust the process.Ìý

    Meeting students where they are

    Today’s learners are digital experts. They expect speed, flexibility, and transparency. ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test meets them where they are, both literally and figuratively! It is a test that fits into their lives, not the other way around.

    And institutions are taking notice, with universities and institutions joining the list to accept the test for their future admissions windows. At NAFSA, we heard again and again how refreshing it was to see a trusted name like ÃÛÌÒapp offering a modern, student-friendly alternative.

    This is just the beginning

    At-home testing is not a trend. It is a transformation. It is about removing barriers and opening doors. And while ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test is still new, to be launched to test takers in certain markets later in 2025, it is already moving towards helping students take that first step toward their academic dreams.

  • A university teacher stood in front of a class, responding to a student thats sat with their hand up

    Choosing the right English test is like hiring the perfect tour guide

    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Imagine planning a trip to a new city. Sure, you could wander around on your own, relying on internet reviews and vague directions, or you could hire a tour guide... someone who knows the streets, understands the landmarks, and can give you a genuine and knowledge-filled experience.Ìý

    Now, would you pick a tour guide who just started last week, or would you look to one who has been showing people around for decades, refining their approach and knowing all the ins and outs of the landscape?Ìý

    That’s the difference experience makes.Ìý

    Why experience in testing matters

    Just like an expert guide ensures you experience the best parts of a city because they’ve explored every corner before, a test backed by years of research and constant refinement delivers reliable, accurate results for international admissions teams. ÃÛÌÒapp has spent years perfecting its approach to language assessment, not only through research but also by learning from every test taken.

    Each test provides valuable data, feeding into ongoing improvements, ensuring that assessments remain fair, precise, and aligned with real-world English proficiency needs.Ìý

    The result? Universities can trust they’re admitting students based on a system that gets smarter with every exam, reducing unpredictability and reinforcing reliability.

    English Tests designed by experts

    Both PTE Academic and ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test benefit from ÃÛÌÒapp’s expertise:Ìý

    • PTE Academic: A globally trusted exam designed to measure real-world English proficiency with precision.Ìý
    • ÃÛÌÒapp English Express Test: Fast and convenient skills assessment, backed by the same deep research ensuring fairness and accuracy.

    Final thought: Choose experience

    When you pick the right guide who is backed with expertise, it can transform your experience from ordinary to unforgettable. Likewise, choosing a well-established proficiency test, refined through years of experience, gives universities the confidence to make informed admissions decisions.Ìý

    ÃÛÌÒapp has spent decades perfecting the science of language assessment—so why leave such a critical choice to uncertainty?