100+ Free TORFL A1 Practice Questions
Pass your Test of Russian as a Foreign Language — Elementary Level (ТЭУ) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
Прочитайте объявление: «МАГАЗИН. Часы работы: с 9:00 до 21:00. Без выходных.» Когда открывается магазин? (Read the sign: 'SHOP. Working hours: from 9:00 to 21:00. Open every day.' When does the shop open?)
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Key Facts: TORFL A1 Exam
TORFL A1 (ТЭУ) is the Elementary level of Russia's official Russian-as-a-foreign-language certificate, testing basic vocabulary, grammar, reading, and listening through multiple-choice subtests plus writing and speaking, with a 66% pass mark on each subtest.
Sample TORFL A1 Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your TORFL A1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Это … книга. Она интересная. (This is … book. It is interesting.)
2— Где вы живёте? — Я живу … Москве. (— Where do you live? — I live … Moscow.)
3Антон … студент. Он учится в университете. (Anton … a student. He studies at university.)
4Я люблю … . Каждое утро я пью кофе. (I love … . Every morning I drink coffee.)
5Сейчас … час. Мне нужно идти на работу. (Now it is … o'clock. I need to go to work.)
6— Что ты делаешь? — Я … письмо. (— What are you doing? — I … a letter.)
7Это мой брат. … зовут Иван. (This is my brother. … name is Ivan / They call … Ivan.)
8Выберите слово, противоположное по значению слову «большой». (Choose the word opposite in meaning to 'big'.)
9Вчера мы … в кино. (Yesterday we … to the cinema.)
10У меня есть … . Я люблю читать. (I have … . I love to read.)
About the TORFL A1 Exam
The Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL), known in Russian as ТРКИ, is the official state certification system for Russian-language proficiency administered by a consortium of leading Russian universities. The Elementary level (TORFL A1 / ТЭУ) is the entry point of the six-level system (A1–C2) and corresponds to CEFR A1. It certifies that a candidate can satisfy the most basic communicative needs in everyday, socio-cultural, and educational situations — introducing themselves, asking and answering simple questions, reading short notices and messages, and understanding slow, simple speech. The exam is divided into five subtests: Vocabulary & Grammar, Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. The Vocabulary & Grammar, Reading, and Listening subtests are multiple-choice; Writing and Speaking are production tasks. Candidates need an active vocabulary of roughly 700–800 words and must master the Cyrillic alphabet, basic noun cases (nominative, prepositional, accusative, with an introduction to genitive and dative), gender agreement, present and simple past tenses, basic verbs of motion, numbers, and time. Each subtest is graded separately and a candidate must score at least 66% on every subtest to receive the Elementary-level certificate. The certificate is internationally recognised as evidence of beginner Russian proficiency and is a common first milestone for learners and for some study or residency pathways in Russia.
Questions
100 scored questions
Time Limit
About 2.5 hours over two days: Vocabulary & Grammar ~50 min, Reading 30–45 min, Listening 25–30 min, Writing ~40 min, Speaking 10–15 min. The Writing, Vocabulary & Grammar, and Reading subtests are usually taken on day one, Listening and Speaking on day two.
Passing Score
At least 66% on each subtest. Every subtest is scored independently, so a candidate must reach the 66% threshold on Vocabulary & Grammar, Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking individually to pass the Elementary level.
Exam Fee
Approximately 4,200 roubles (in person) or 7,000 roubles (online) at Saint Petersburg State University in 2026; international centres typically charge USD $80–150. Check your local accredited centre for exact pricing. (Saint Petersburg State University Language Testing Centre, together with the Russian State Testing System consortium (Lomonosov Moscow State University, Pushkin State Russian Language Institute, and RUDN University).)
TORFL A1 Exam Content Outline
Vocabulary & Grammar (Лексика-Грамматика)
Multiple-choice items on word choice, noun cases, gender agreement, verb conjugation, prepositions, numerals, and the ~700–800-word A1 active vocabulary across everyday topics.
Reading (Чтение)
Comprehension of short authentic texts — notes, signs, ads, menus, schedules, and simple letters — with questions on key details such as times, prices, places, and people.
Listening (Аудирование)
Comprehension of slow, simple dialogues and short announcements, identifying main ideas and key details about shopping, directions, time, introductions, and daily life.
How to Pass the TORFL A1 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: At least 66% on each subtest. Every subtest is scored independently, so a candidate must reach the 66% threshold on Vocabulary & Grammar, Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking individually to pass the Elementary level.
- Exam length: 100 questions
- Time limit: About 2.5 hours over two days: Vocabulary & Grammar ~50 min, Reading 30–45 min, Listening 25–30 min, Writing ~40 min, Speaking 10–15 min. The Writing, Vocabulary & Grammar, and Reading subtests are usually taken on day one, Listening and Speaking on day two.
- Exam fee: Approximately 4,200 roubles (in person) or 7,000 roubles (online) at Saint Petersburg State University in 2026; international centres typically charge USD $80–150. Check your local accredited centre for exact pricing.
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
TORFL A1 Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TORFL A1 and who administers it?
TORFL A1 (ТРКИ Элементарный уровень / ТЭУ) is the Elementary, entry level of the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. It is administered by the Russian State Testing System, a consortium led by Saint Petersburg State University together with Moscow State University, the Pushkin Institute, and RUDN University.
What score do I need to pass the TORFL A1?
You must score at least 66% on each of the five subtests — Vocabulary & Grammar, Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. Every subtest is graded separately, so falling below 66% on even one subtest means you do not pass the level outright.
Which TORFL A1 subtests are multiple-choice?
The Vocabulary & Grammar, Reading, and Listening subtests are multiple-choice, where you choose one correct answer. Writing requires producing short texts and Speaking is a spoken interview, so those two are not multiple-choice.
What Russian level does TORFL A1 correspond to?
TORFL A1 corresponds to CEFR level A1 and is the lowest of the six TORFL levels (A1 through C2). It certifies the ability to handle basic everyday communication with an active vocabulary of roughly 700–800 words.
How long is the TORFL A1 exam and how is it organised?
The Elementary level takes about 2.5 hours of testing, usually spread over two days. Vocabulary & Grammar, Reading, and Writing are typically taken on the first day, and Listening and Speaking on the second day.
How much does the TORFL A1 cost in 2026?
Fees vary by centre. At Saint Petersburg State University the Elementary level is about 4,200 roubles in person or 7,000 roubles online in 2026, while international testing centres usually charge roughly USD $80–150. Always confirm with your local accredited centre.