Are you planning to take the GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages exam? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the exam structure and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace the test.
The GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages exam assesses whether you have the knowledge and skills necessary to instruct English language learners. Understanding the structure of this exam – and knowing how to prepare effectively – should heighten your chances of success.
Whether you’re new to this test or gearing up for a retake, let’s dive into the details of the GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages exam and explore some strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam with confidence. Let’s get started!
Overview of the GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge of current best practices in education. Let’s look at the GACE ESOL overview to help you better prepare.
The GACE ESOL exam consists of 160 multiple-choice questions. This exam is divided into two subtests:
- GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages: Subtest I (119) (Language, Culture, & Professionalism)
- GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages: Subtest II (120) (Planning, Implementing, and Managing Classroom Instruction)
For more detail on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that the GACE ESOL exam covers, check out the official GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages preparation guide. By understanding the breakdown of each section, you can assign priority to areas where you may need additional practice and review. Overall, a balanced approach to studying all sections should lead you to success on the English to Speakers of Other Languages exam.
Time Limit
Both subtests of the GACE ESOL exam must be completed within 2 hours, for a total testing time of 4 hours.
| Subtest | Time Limit |
| GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages: Subtest I (119) | 2 Hours |
| GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages: Subtest II (120) | 2 Hours |
Passing Score
To pass the GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages exam, you must pass both subtests. The minimum passing score is 220.
Number of Questions
The English to Speakers of Other Languages exam has a total of 160 multiple-choice questions, which are spread across three subtests.
| Subtest | Number Of Questions |
| GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages: Subtest I (119) | 80 Questions (All Multiple Choice) |
| GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages: Subtest II (120) | 80 Questions (All Multiple Choice) |
Cost
Each subtest costs $123. However, if you take both subtests at once, as the combined GACE ESOL (619), you’ll only pay $193 (versus $246).
Refer to the GACE website to learn more about how to pay for your exam, including information on payment methods.
Registration Information
You can register to take the GACE ESOL exam year round. When you’re ready to register, start the process by creating the GACE website. You can choose a convenient time and place to test.
You should review GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages test day requirements well in advance, especially the guidelines around what ID you’ll need to provide. While a driver’s license or passport is usually a good bet, replacing a photo ID takes time, so you’ll want to be sure yours meets requirements.
Scoring and Results
You’ll receive your preliminary results immediately after you finish the exam, at which point you can choose whether you want to void your scores from this session. If you void your scores, they will not be sent to the institutions you chose during registration.
Official results should become available within a week of testing. They will be posted online to your ETS GACE® account.
You can dig deeper into scores using our GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages scoring guide.
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance to your career, the English to Speakers of Other Languages exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the GACE ESOL exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize study topics and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to both subtests and all content areas. It’s important that you be prepared for all topics you may encounter on this exam.
- The ESOL exam deals with a fair amount of specialized vocabulary and acronyms. To avoid confusion, ensure you have the basics down before attempting review. You can find a handy list of common acronyms on page 11 of this official GACE ESOL guide.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Make regular use of practice tests to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. Review your performance afterward, identifying subjects and content areas where you may need improvement. Be sure that you understand the reasoning behind correct answers before moving on.
- If you’re unable to finish the overall exam within 3 hours, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official English to Speakers of Other Languages exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real ESOL exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key details, and concept connections. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize concepts. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are ways to calm your nerves. Before and during the exam, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk.
- Be sure you get enough sleep the night before the exam. A lack of sleep can seriously affect your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. Be confident that you have the power to succeed on the GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
Before your GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages exam, review all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the right location! Take care not to arrive late, or you risk having your exam canceled.
Checking Required Documents
On the day of the exam, double-check that you have all you need before leaving home. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: You must present a current, government-issued photo ID that bears your legal name and signature. Examples of valid ID could include your driver’s license or passport.
- Your admission ticket: While you are not strictly required to bring your admission ticket to this exam, you may be asked for it. It contains important logistical information, and you should be sure to bring it with you.
- Review the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the GACE ESOL exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit for each subtest and plan accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you understand how to mark selections properly on your screen. GACE exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: On average, you’ll have a little over a minute to answer each question. However, you should try to work more quickly than that when possible, in order to bank time for tough questions or for checking your answers.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the GACE ESOL exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On test day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining focus are all essential to doing well on the GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages exam gauges your knowledge of topics such as language structure and development, methods for assessing and supporting English language learners, and best practices for cultural inclusion. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our prep tips, you can approach the ESOL exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages Resources
- Got questions about your scores? We got you covered in our GACE English to Speakers of Other Languages scoring guide!
- Looking for more study help? Check out our study guide for GACE ESOL.
- Kick off your exam prep with free practice tests for both subtests of the English to Speakers of Other Languages exam.
