ESL Assessment Test for Kids

ESL Assessment Test for Ages 8–10

Hi teachers. After years of teaching ESL to my Italian students aged 8–10, I realised the tests I was finding online just didn’t fit. Either they included grammar points I hadn’t taught yet, or they used examples my students couldn’t relate to. I was spending more time explaining the test than actually assessing.

So I created my own assessment, built from the lessons and methods I use every week in class. My students were already used to dictation practice, daily routine speaking activities, short story reading, and writing about their hobbies. I pulled all of those familiar activities into one assessment that actually reflects what they’ve learned.

Although I designed this test with my Italian students in mind, it can be used with any group of ESL learners. The topics are universal, the skills tested are core to English learning, and the format is simple and flexible enough to adapt to different classrooms.

What’s included

• Student Test (4 pages, ready to print)
• Teacher Marking Guide with clear rubrics
• Answer Keys for grammar, vocabulary, and reading
• Dictation Marking Guide with two scoring methods and worked examples
• Writing Rubric (content, grammar, spelling, punctuation)
• Speaking Rubric (fluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation)
• Scoring Sheet and Results Page with levels (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Needs More Practice)
• Extra Writing and Speaking Feedback Sheet for detailed reporting
• Parent Letter ready to send home
• Teacher Tips and Timing Suggestions (around 45–60 minutes, but flexible)

Skills covered

• Grammar: Present Simple vs. Present Continuous, Prepositions of Place
• Vocabulary: Daily routine sequencing and spelling
• Reading: short text with comprehension questions
• Listening and Dictation: students write a short story as you read it aloud
• Writing: 5–6 sentences about their favourite hobby
• Speaking: a short talk about daily routine

Why this test works

Because the assessment mirrors classroom practice, students recognise the format and feel more confident. You’ll see better results because you’re testing what you’ve actually taught, and marking becomes quicker with the rubrics provided. Parents also appreciate the results page and letter, which clearly show how their child is doing.

Click here for this ESL Assessment Test for Kids

I’ve tested this with my Italian students, adjusted the difficulty, and refined the rubrics. Everything is ready to use, saving you hours of planning.

This test is perfect for ESL, ELA, and home-school teachers working with 8–10 year olds who want a reliable way to measure progress across all four language skills. Although designed for my Italian learners, it works equally well with students from any background.

Happy Teaching!