100+ Free SLE Test of Written Expression Practice Questions
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Key Facts: SLE Test of Written Expression Exam
65
Questions (55 scored)
Public Service Commission of Canada
90 min
Maximum Time
PSC
A / B / C
Proficiency Levels
PSC
52-55
Exemption (E) Score Range
PSC
5 years
Result Validity
PSC
2
Question Types
Fill-in-the-blank + error ID
The SLE Test of Written Expression (test code 654) has 65 multiple-choice questions - 55 scored plus 10 unscored pilot items - with a maximum of 90 minutes. It uses two formats: fill in the blank and error identification. Results are reported as level A, B, or C, a score of 52-55 grants an exemption (E) from further written testing, and results are valid for 5 years. The test is administered online in a supervised federal government building for candidates invited to bilingual positions.
Sample SLE Test of Written Expression Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your SLE Test of Written Expression exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Complete the sentence: « Les rapports ___ prêts pour la réunion. » (The reports are ready for the meeting.)
2Choose the correct adjective form: « C'est une décision très ___. » (It's a very important decision.)
3Choose the correct adjective form: « Nous avons plusieurs projets ___. » (We have several major projects.)
4Choose the correct past participle: « Ma collègue est ___ au bureau à huit heures. » (My colleague [f.] arrived at the office at eight.)
5Choose the correct past participle: « Voici les lettres que j'ai ___ hier. » (Here are the letters that I wrote yesterday.)
6Choose the correct form: « ___ les employés doivent suivre la formation. » (All employees must take the training.)
7Choose the correct interrogative adjective: « ___ est la date limite? » (What is the deadline?)
8Choose the correct past participle: « Elle s'est ___ les mains avant de manger. » (She washed her hands before eating.)
9Choose the correct adjective form: « La porte du bureau est ___. » (The office door is open.)
10Choose the correct spelling: « Le rapport compte ___ pages. » (The report has eighty pages.)
About the SLE Test of Written Expression Exam
The Second Language Evaluation - Test of Written Expression (654) assesses the French (or English) grammar, vocabulary, and written-expression skills needed for work-related writing in bilingual federal positions. It has 65 multiple-choice questions (55 scored) and a maximum of 90 minutes, using fill-in-the-blank and error-identification formats.
Assessment
Two question types: fill in the blank and error identification, based on work-related texts such as emails, memos, letters, and reports
Time Limit
Maximum 90 minutes
Passing Score
Results are reported as level A, B, or C; the level you need depends on the linguistic profile of the position
Exam Fee
Free for PSEA-delegated federal organizations (cost-recovery for others) (Public Service Commission of Canada)
SLE Test of Written Expression Exam Content Outline
Grammar and Agreement
Gender and number agreement, adjectives, and past participle agreement
Verb Tenses and Moods
Indicative, subjunctive, conditional, imperative, and tense sequence
Pronouns
Direct/indirect object, y/en, relative, reflexive, and stressed pronouns
Relative Clauses
qui, que, dont, où, lequel, and indefinite relatives (ce qui/ce que/ce dont)
Vocabulary
Workplace vocabulary, prepositions, collocations, and false friends
Error Identification
Spotting grammar and word-choice errors in work-related French sentences
How to Pass the SLE Test of Written Expression Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Results are reported as level A, B, or C; the level you need depends on the linguistic profile of the position
- Assessment: Two question types: fill in the blank and error identification, based on work-related texts such as emails, memos, letters, and reports
- Time limit: Maximum 90 minutes
- Exam fee: Free for PSEA-delegated federal organizations (cost-recovery for others)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
SLE Test of Written Expression Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the SLE Test of Written Expression?
The supervised Test of Written Expression (654) has 65 multiple-choice questions. Only 55 count toward your score; the other 10 are unscored pilot questions spread throughout the test. You have a maximum of 90 minutes to finish.
What question types appear on the test?
There are two question types: fill in the blank and error identification. Both are based on work-related texts such as emails, notes or memos, letters, information bulletins, and excerpts from reports.
What is the passing score for the SLE writing test?
There is no single passing percentage. Results are reported as level A, B, or C, and the level you need depends on the linguistic profile of the bilingual position. A score of 52 to 55 grants an exemption (E) from further second-language written testing.
How long are SLE written expression results valid?
Test results are valid for 5 years. Results can be valid indefinitely for people who held valid results as of April 1, 1993, and remain in the same position, provided the position's linguistic profile is not raised above their level.
Can anyone register for the SLE Test of Written Expression?
If you are not already a federal public servant, you can take a second language evaluation only when invited by a federal department or agency after you apply to a bilingual position. The test is administered online in a supervised environment at a federal government building.
Is there an unsupervised version of the test?
Yes. An unsupervised online variant is administered through the Candidate Assessment Tool and is shorter (about 30 questions in 45 minutes). The skill areas overlap with the supervised test, so practicing grammar, vocabulary, and error identification prepares you for both.