100+ Free ILTS English as a New Language (250) Practice Questions
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The study of meaning in language, including how words and sentences convey ideas and how meaning can change with context, is known as:
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Key Facts: ILTS English as a New Language (250) Exam
240
Passing Scaled Score
ILTS ENL (250) test page
$110
Test Fee (2026)
ILTS ENL (250) test page
100 MC
Test Format
ILTS ENL (250) test page
3 hr 15 min
Testing Time
ILTS ENL (250) test page
4 subareas
Content Domains
ILTS Field 250 test framework
31%
Planning and Instruction Weight
ILTS Field 250 test framework
16
Framework Objectives
ILTS Field 250 test framework
ILTS English as a New Language (250) is Illinois' ENL pedagogy licensure test, delivered by Pearson (Evaluation Systems) as a computer-based exam with 100 multiple-choice questions and a passing scaled score of 240. The content is weighted across four subareas: Foundations of ENL Instruction (25%), Planning, Implementing, and Managing ENL Instruction (31%), Development of English Language Skills (25%), and Professional Collaboration, Conduct, and Growth (19%). The public registration fee is $110, and the appointment runs 3 hours 30 minutes with 3 hours 15 minutes of testing time. This free 100-question bank mirrors the official framework weighting so candidates can practice across every subarea. Note: ISBE retired the ENL endorsement, with the final administration on June 29, 2025.
Sample ILTS English as a New Language (250) Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ILTS English as a New Language (250) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1In linguistics, the study of how meaningful units (morphemes) combine to form words is known as which subsystem of language?
2A teacher wants English Learners to understand that the /p/ sound in English distinguishes meaning, as in the difference between 'pat' and 'bat.' This contrast between two sounds that change meaning is best described by which term?
3According to Stephen Krashen's Input Hypothesis, English Learners acquire language most effectively when they receive input that is at which level?
4Jim Cummins distinguished between two types of language proficiency. Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills (BICS) typically develop in 1-3 years, while the academic language needed for content classes takes longer. What is the term for this academic language proficiency?
5When a Spanish-speaking student says 'I have 15 years' to mean 'I am 15 years old' (from Spanish 'tengo 15 anos'), this is an example of which phenomenon?
6An English Learner produces the form 'mans' for the plural of 'man' and 'goed' for the past tense of 'go.' These errors are best understood as evidence of what?
7The 'silent period' commonly observed in early second-language acquisition refers to a stage in which the learner does what?
8Which statement best reflects the relationship between a student's first language (L1) and learning English as described by Cummins's Common Underlying Proficiency model?
9A new ENL student appears anxious, embarrassed, and reluctant to take risks when speaking English. According to Krashen's theory, which factor is most likely raising a barrier to acquisition?
10Pragmatic competence in English includes knowing when and how to make a polite request. A student who says 'Give me your pencil!' to a teacher rather than 'May I borrow your pencil?' most likely lacks development in which area?
About the ILTS English as a New Language (250) Exam
The ILTS English as a New Language (250) test was the content assessment for the Illinois English as a New Language (ENL) endorsement. The computer-based test includes 100 multiple-choice questions organized into four subareas spanning the foundations of ENL instruction, planning and managing instruction, the development of English language skills, and professional collaboration and growth.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours 15 minutes testing (3 hours 30 minutes total appointment)
Passing Score
240 scaled score
Exam Fee
$110 (Illinois ISBE / Pearson (Evaluation Systems))
ILTS English as a New Language (250) Exam Content Outline
Foundations of ENL Instruction (Subarea I)
Language as an integrative system, including phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics; second-language acquisition and development theory (Krashen's comprehensible input and affective filter, Cummins's BICS/CALP and common underlying proficiency, the silent period, interlanguage, and transfer); the role of culture and acculturation in language and content learning; and approaches that address the diversity and varied needs of the English Learner population.
Planning, Implementing, and Managing ENL Instruction (Subarea II)
Instructional planning with content and language objectives; sheltered instruction (SIOP), scaffolding, comprehensible input, and gradual release; establishing an inclusive, safe, and linguistically and culturally rich learning environment; selecting, adapting, and using ENL instructional resources and technology; and effective communication techniques such as wait time, comprehension checks, and structured interaction.
Development of English Language Skills (Subarea III)
Formal and informal assessment of English Learners (formative, summative, authentic, rubrics, accommodations, WIDA ACCESS, and identification); promoting vocabulary development and the conventions of Standard English; developing oral language for social and academic purposes; and developing literacy in English including phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension strategies, and the writing process.
Professional Collaboration, Conduct, and Growth (Subarea IV)
The professional role of the ENL teacher and reflective practice; advocacy for English Learners and equitable access; collaboration with colleagues, families, and the community; and the legal and policy foundations of ENL education such as Lau v. Nichols, Castaneda v. Pickard, Plyler v. Doe, the EEOA, ESSA Title III, and Illinois TBE/TPI program models.
How to Pass the ILTS English as a New Language (250) Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 240 scaled score
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours 15 minutes testing (3 hours 30 minutes total appointment)
- Exam fee: $110
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ILTS English as a New Language (250) Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the ILTS English as a New Language (250) test?
The test covers four subareas: Foundations of ENL Instruction (25%), Planning, Implementing, and Managing ENL Instruction (31%), Development of English Language Skills (25%), and Professional Collaboration, Conduct, and Growth (19%). All four subareas are assessed with multiple-choice questions.
How many questions are on the ILTS ENL (250) test and what is the format?
The computer-based test has 100 multiple-choice questions. There is no constructed-response or essay component; the entire score is based on the selected-response items distributed across the four subareas.
What is the passing score for the ILTS English as a New Language (250) test?
You need a scaled score of at least 240 to pass the ILTS ENL (250) test, the standard passing score used across ILTS content tests. Scores are reported on a scale with 240 as the cut score.
How much does the ILTS English as a New Language (250) test cost in 2026?
The public registration fee for the ILTS ENL (250) test is $110. Always confirm the exact amount in your Pearson ILTS registration portal before checkout, since fees can change.
How long is the ILTS ENL (250) test appointment?
The total appointment is 3 hours and 30 minutes, which includes about 15 minutes for the computer-based testing tutorial and nondisclosure agreement, leaving 3 hours and 15 minutes for the 100 multiple-choice questions.
Is the ILTS English as a New Language (250) test still offered?
ISBE retired the ENL endorsement, and the final administration of the ILTS ENL (250) test was June 29, 2025. This free practice bank remains a strong study resource for ENL pedagogy and for related ESL/ESOL certification exams in other states.