ELAT Preparation and Key Concepts

Ed Richardson and Andy Winbusch discuss the English Literature Admissions Test (ELAT), its format, skills assessed, and importance in university applications. They provide preparation tips, emphasizing reading widely and trusting intuition. The test is not designed to be difficult but assesses skills like interpretation and comparison. Scoring involves two examiners, and a score of 50+ is generally favorable for interviews. Preparation should start in the summer, with practice essays in September and October.

Who is Ed Richardson?

• A student at Cambridge

• Keystone's Director of Education

• An Oxford professor

• A novelist

What is Andy Winbusch's area of expertise?

• Mathematics

• History

• English

• Physics

What does ELAT stand for?

• English Learning Aptitude Test

• English Literature Admissions Test

• English Language Assessment Test

• English Literature Analysis Test

Which university requires the ELAT for English literature applicants?

• University of Edinburgh

• Stanford University

• University of Oxford

• Harvard University

How long is the ELAT exam?

• 60 minutes

• 90 minutes

• 120 minutes

• 150 minutes

What type of texts are included in the ELAT?

• Only novels

• Various types including letters and diaries

• Only plays

• Only poems

What is the main skill assessed by the ELAT?

• Interpretation of unseen texts

• Mathematical reasoning

• Historical analysis

• Memorization

What is considered a good score on the ELAT?

• 60 and above

• 50 and above

• 40 and above

• 30 and above

How many examiners score the ELAT?

• Four

• Three

• Two

• One

What is a key preparation tip for the ELAT?

• Memorize all classic novels

• Ignore modern literature

• Read widely and curiously

• Focus only on poetry