English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT)
What is ELAT and who is it for? Find out how to prepare and take the ELAT test for your university application.
Please note that from 2024 the ELAT has been discontinued.
What is the ELAT?
The ELAT is part of the pre-admissions process for students applying to English courses at Oxford University. However, for those applying for 2025 entry, the ELAT is currently not required.
Oxford University released the following statement: “We are currently undertaking a process to consider how we can run the Oxford ELAT in future in a way that gives all candidates the best opportunity to demonstrate the critical skills and thinking we are looking for. Once this process is complete, we hope to be in a position to run the Oxford ELAT again.”
The University will require students applying to read English in 2025 to submit examples of their written work. For help and advice about how best to prepare for an application, please contact our experienced SLT team who will be delighted to help and put you in the best position possible.
What does the test involve?
The ELAT is a 90-minute exam conducted on a computer. In the exam, students are faced with six literary extracts and one question:
“Select two of the passages (a) to (f) and compare and contrast them in any ways that seem interesting to you, paying particular attention to distinctive features of structure, language and style. In your introduction, indicate briefly what you intend to explore or illustrate through close reading of your chosen passages.”
No extra marks are granted for references to other works taken from prior knowledge. Because of this, it is important to remember to keep responses focused on the two extracts you select and try to display your ability to closely analyse specific literary techniques such as imagery, allusion, hyperbole as well as the form and structure of the works.
Most students write around 800-1200 words during this exam but prioritise the quality of ideas rather than worrying about writing enough. If you plan efficiently and stay on track, you should have no difficulty writing a decent essay that you will be able to confidently submit knowing that you have done your best.
Good exam technique is key; you may find it helpful to get support from an SLT private tutor.
Sitting the ELAT
Exam dates: the ELAT takes place in late October or early November
Where to take the test: in most cases, schools and colleges facilitate the sitting of the ELAT, so be sure to contact your Exam Officer for further details. If this is not a possibility then applicants can seek out registered test centres which are located world wide
How to register for ELAT: Oxford is not requesting that applicants sit the ELAT for 2025 entry but be sure to stay updated by checking the official Oxford applicants website which lists all the relevant admissions tests in use: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/guide/admissions-tests
Cost: students can take the ELAT free of charge.
Grade boundaries
Papers are marked by two examiners, each giving you a score out of 30. These two numbers will then be added together to give your work a mark out of 60. Candidates are then split into four bands:
- Band 1: 50 to 60
- Band 2: 43 to 49
- Band 3: 36 to 42
- Band 4: 0 to 35
What is a good ELAT result?
Those who achieve a score of 50 or above can feel confident that they have achieved a very “good” ELAT result which strongly supports their chances of obtaining an interview. However, those in band 2 (43-49 marks) are also fairly likely to pass into the next stage of admissions, providing that the rest of their UCAT application is up to scratch.
How to prepare?
A good way to prepare is to get into the habit of reading more and ensuring that you read varied styles and forms such as philosophical texts, poetry, letters, political tracts, plays and song lyrics. A useful habit to adopt is to include whatever material you are reading in what you must not leave the house without: “keys, phone, wallet, book”. You may also want to bring a pencil or sticky notes so that you can write down any quick thoughts you have or underline phrases that interest you.
Past papers are no longer relevant due to the ELAT being changed as of 2024, but be sure to check back here or on the official Oxford website to see updated information. For those anxious to perform to the best of their ability, the experienced ELAT tutors at Simply Learning Tuition can provide materials with which to practise with, and refine, your exam technique in the absence of past papers. These tutors will also be able to help with the preparation for whatever replaces the ELAT.
How to get the test results
You will not be able to see your test results until after they have been sent to the college you are applying to. However, if you would like to see your mark, you are able to view them online in mid-January, they will also be sent to your school, college or test centre.
Previous papers for reference
2022: https://www.ox.ac.uk/sites/files/oxford/media_wysiwyg/ELAT-2022.pdf
Private tutors for the ELAT
Greg
Greg specialises in Maths tuition up to Undergraduate level, Physics up to A-level and both the IB Standard Level and Higher Level.
Imran
Imran is a Maths specialist, supporting students from Key Stage 3 up to A-Level.
Ritchard
Ritchard is a highly experienced tutor who prepares students from 11+ to A-Levels and IB, in a range of subjects.
Apollon
Apollon tutors English, Maths and Science GCSE and A level. As well as this, he offers university application preparation to Medical School.
Arif
Arif tutors IB Maths, IB History and GCSE Maths. Additionally, he prepares students Oxbridge examinations and provides interview practice.
Which universities require the ELAT?
In 2023, Oxford was the only university using the ELAT but has since postponed its use for the foreseeable future whilst it revises the tests content.
What is a good ELAT score?
Achieving a score of 43 or higher out of 60 is considered good, with candidates scoring 50 or more regarded as outstanding.
Is the ELAT the same for Oxford and Cambridge?
Cambridge does not require the ELAT for applicants to study English courses. Instead, certain colleges administer their own admissions test, but only for applicants who have been shortlisted for an interview. This test is typically based on two examples of written work, along with academic grades and a personal statement submitted as part of the student's initial UCAS application.
How is the ELAT marked?
The ELAT is marked by two examiners, each giving your essay a score out of 30. The sum of these two scores gives you your overall mark. If there is a discrepancy of more than 5 marks between the two examiners' judgement, a third examiner is consulted, and the two closest scores are used to determine the final grade.