Introduction

The SiL English Subject Tests 2025 are created by graduates from the University of Oxford, ensuring an exam that is both academically challenging and pedagogically robust. The tests feature meticulously structured questions designed to accurately gauge students’ language proficiency, distinguishing high achievers on a national and international scale.

 OBJECTIVE

An Authentic British Assessment Experience for Young Minds. At CLS, we're dedicated to revolutionizing subject assessments with rigorous, research-based methods rooted in academic excellence. Our assessments, crafted by Oxford University graduates and aligned with the British National Curriculum, comprehensively evaluate students' academic abilities, identifying and nurturing high-achieving learners globally.

SiL IN PAKISTAN

Introducing the International English Subject Contest 2025, proudly hosted by Creative Learning Services in Pakistan. This prestigious platform allows students to showcase their linguistic skills and compete globally. Developed by Oxford University graduates, British Curriculum-aligned tests set a high standard for academic rigor and pedagogical excellence. With carefully crafted questions, the SiL - English Subject Tests accurately assess language proficiency, identifying top performers nationally and internationally.

CONTEST OVERVIEW

The SiL English Subject Test is designed by graduates of the University of Oxford and aligns with the British National Curriculum. While the exact history of the test isn't specified, here's what we know about the test itself:

Test Structure: The test assesses key language skills in Reading, Grammar, and Vocabulary through 24-30 multiple-choice questions, divided into:

Reading  - Evaluates comprehension skills, including inference and critical thinking.

Grammar - Assesses sentence structure, syntax, and accurate use of language.

Vocabulary - Tests word knowledge, contextual usage, and precise expression.

The Contest contents are covered in the English Curriculum.

Use of mobile phone or any other electronic device is not permitted.

The Contest questions for each level are divided into three parts. Each question in first, second and third part is worth 3 points, 4 points and 5 points respectively.

There is a penalty of one point for each incorrect answer. If the question is left unanswered, it is worth 0 points. To avoid negative scores, each student begins with a credit of 24 to 30 points. Hence, the minimum score attainable is 0 points.

The CLS determines and coordinates the participation of the Pakistani students in the International Round.

Each year, several International Summer Camps are organized for national winners of the Contest. The locations, dates, duration, age of participants and availability vary from year to year.

COURSE OUTLINE

Pre Ecolier Level (Class I & II)

The duration of the competition is 60 minutes.

24 questions to answer: eight – 3 points each, eight- 4 points each and eight- 5 points each.

Scope of questions:

Word and Structure Knowledge: adverbs, prepositions, pronouns (possessive, demonstrative, etc.), simple tenses, irregular verbs, modals (of ability and permission, etc.), basic questions, etc. collocations, spellings, words related to household things, clothes, basic emotions, food, animals and pets, comprehension,etc.

Reading: search for and retrieve information from various text types like stories, anecdotes, etc. understand information through pictures, time-table format, etc., acquire broad understanding of and look for specific information in short texts like messages, invitations, etc.

Spoken and Written Expression: ability to understand situation-based variations in functions like apology, greeting, introduction, request, etc.

 Ecolier Level (Class III & IV)

The duration of the competition is 60 minutes.

24 questions to answer: eight – 3 points each, eight- 4 points each and eight- 5 points each.

Scope of questions:

Word and Structure Knowledge: adverbs, prepositions, pronouns (possessive, demonstrative, etc.), simple tenses, irregular verbs, modals (of ability and permission, etc.), basic questions, etc. collocations, spellings, words related to household things, clothes, basic emotions, food, animals and pets, etc

Reading: search for and retrieve information from various text types like stories, anecdotes, etc. understand information through pictures, time-table format, etc., acquire broad understanding of and look for specific information in short texts like messages, invitations, etc.

Spoken and Written Expression: ability to understand situation-based variations in functions like apology, greeting, introduction, request, etc.

 Benjamin Level (Class V & VI)

The duration of the competition is 60 minutes.

30 questions to answer: ten – 3 points each, ten – 4 points each and ten – 5 points each.

Scope of questions:

Word and Structure Knowledge: prepositions, tenses, irregular verbs, pronouns, modals quantifiers, etc. , spellings, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, homonyms and homophones, words related to feelings, travel, food, health, appearance, character, etc.

Reading: search for and retrieve information from various text types like news headlines, messages, letters, etc., understand information given in news reports, time tables, messages, etc., acquire broad understanding of and look for specific information in short texts like messages, menu card dialogues, etc.

Spoken and Written Expression: ability to understand situation-based variations in functions like requests, refusals, apologies, etc. and the use of conjunctions.

 Cadet Level (Class VII & VIII)

The duration of the competition is 60 minutes.

30 questions to answer: ten – 3 points each, ten – 4 points each and ten – 5 points each.

Scope of questions:

Word and Structure Knowledge: perfect tenses, prepositions, modals, adjectives, and adverbs, conjunctions, direct indirect speech, word order, phrasal verbs, etc. spellings, general knowledge, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, and words related to travel, locations, activities, homonyms and homophones, etc.

Reading: search for and retrieve information from various text types like news stories, brochures and advertisements. understand information given in news reports, brochures, itinerary, etc., acquire broad understanding of and look for specific information in short narratives, advertisements, biographies, etc.

Spoken and Written Expression: ability to understand situation-based variations in functions like requesting and refusing, apologies and stating of preferences and expression of intent, etc.

 Junior Level (Grades IX & X)

The duration of the competition is 60 minutes.

30 questions to answer: ten – 3 points each, ten – 4 points each and ten – 5 points each.

Scope of questions:

Word and Structure Knowledge: concord, question forms, tenses, conditionals, modals, reported speech, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, homonyms and homophones, words related to social cause, travel, workplace, etc.

Reading: search for and retrieve information from various text types like flyers, classifieds, dictionaries, etc., understand information presented in instruction manual format, message format and others, acquire broad understanding of and look for specific information in longer texts like editorials, essays, etc.

Spoken and Written Expression: ability to understand situation-based variations in functions like giving advice, stating preferences, discussing probability, making an offer, etc.

Student Level (Class XI & XII)

The duration of the competition is 60 minutes.

30 questions to answer: ten – 3 points each, ten – 4 points each and ten – 5 points each.

Scope of questions:

Word and Structure Knowledge: concord, question forms, tenses, conditionals, modals, collocations, phrasal verbs, idioms, homonyms and homophones, words related to weather, countries, language and people, global problems, etc.

Reading: search for and retrieve information from various text types like encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc., understand information presented in instruction manual format, message format and others, acquire broad understanding of and look for specific information in longer texts like editorials, essays, etc., make inferences from advanced texts.

Spoken and Written Expression: ability to understand situation-based variations in functions like giving/accepting compliments, agreeing, disagreeing, requesting, seeking information, etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All students from class 1 - 12 are invited to participate in SiL-English Subject Contest.

The SiL-English Subject Contest will be held in all participating institutions all over the country at the same time.

We encourage participation of maximum number of students from public & private schools.

Schools should not refuse any student to participate in the Contest who is willing to pay the fee.

Registration includes a fee of Rs. 1100 per student which covers the costs of organizing the Contest. There is no registration fee for institution.

All schools and colleges in Pakistan are welcome to host SiL by registering their students in the Contest. 

Contest will be held in your own institution under the supervision of Principal.

The competition has a form of a multiple choice test. You may see past questions in the download section of this site.

At each level of participation the first prize is awarded at the country level to the students who earn the largest sum of points at their level. Likewise the first prize at district and school levels are also awarded. In addition several other prizes are awarded at each level of participation. 

All participating students receive a certificate.

Students compete in six grade categories.

LEVELS	CLASSES / GRADES
PreEcolier Level	Class 1 - 2
Ecolier Level	Class 3 - 4
Benjamin Level	Class 5 - 6
Cadet Level	Class 7 - 8
Junior Level	Class 9 - 10
Student Level	Class 11 - 12

 

KEY BENEFITS

Student

• International Testing Experience – Gain exposure to a professional assessment setting.
• Holistic Subject Skill Assessment – Evaluates key areas, e.g. in English: reading, grammar, and vocabulary.
• Personalised Performance Feedback – Identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
• Preparation for Future Exams – Develop skills necessary for success in school and in standardised tests.
• Recognition of Academic Excellence – Stand out with a strong test performance.
• Encourages a Growth Mindset – Learn to embrace challenges and develop subject skills strategically.

Educators & Parents

• Clear Performance Insights – Gain a detailed understanding of students’ subject proficiency.
• Aligned with the British National Curriculum – Ensures students are tested and graded on internationally recognized standards.
• Early Identification of Strengths & Weaknesses – Helps educators and
  parents tailor support for students’ learning needs.
• Data-Driven Academic Planning – Provides valuable performance data, this helps educators and parents identify the student’s strengths and areas for development and informs teaching strategies and ensures support for student’s learning needs.
• Goal setting – Encourages and motivates students to prepare and showcase their subject knowledge in the test. 

Schools

• Enhances Academic Reputation – Demonstrates commitment to high-quality education and student excellence.
• Provides Measurable Learning Outcomes – Offers valuable data on student achievement and progress that is comparative with UK native speakers of a similar age.
• Supports Curriculum Development – Helps refine subject teaching strategies based on test results.
• Strengthens School-Parent Collaboration – Provides clear reports that facilitate constructive discussions with parents.

Facilitates International Benchmarking – Enables schools to compare performance against national and global standards