1. What the Versant Test Actually Measures
Here's the thing most people get wrong: Versant is not a knowledge test. It doesn't care how many words you've memorised or how well you understand grammar rules on paper.
Versant measures how quickly and clearly you can process English in real time — listening, understanding, and responding, all under time pressure. It's scored by AI, not a human, which means it's looking for very specific things.
Common myths that waste your time:
- ❌ "I need to learn more vocabulary first"
- ❌ "If I study grammar harder, my score will go up"
- ❌ "I just need to memorise some good answers"
The AI evaluates four core skills:
�� Sentence Mastery
Can you build correct sentences on the spot — not from memory, but naturally?
📚 Vocabulary
Can you choose the right word instantly, without pausing to think?
🗣️ Fluency
Do you speak smoothly, with natural rhythm and no awkward pauses?
🎯 Pronunciation
Is your speech clear enough for the AI to understand easily?
Kōjō tip: Think of Versant like a conversation, not an exam. The AI rewards people who sound natural and confident — not people who sound rehearsed or overly careful.
2. The 6 Parts at a Glance
The test takes about 17 minutes and has six parts. Each one tests a different skill. Knowing what's coming removes the surprise factor — and that alone can improve your score.
| Part | Task | Time | Key to Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Short answers | 10 sec | React instantly — don't overthink |
| B | Sentence repetition | 10 sec | Listen for rhythm, not individual words |
| C | Conversation questions | 10 sec | Catch the intent, answer in full sentences |
| D | Passage questions | 10 sec | Focus on who, what, when, why |
| E | Story retelling | 30 sec | Summarise the main idea, don't memorise |
| F | Open response (opinion) | 40 sec | Structure your answer, keep talking |
💡 Tip: Each part has its own detailed guide — click the part letter above to read it. This page focuses on overall strategy to get you ready fast.
3. Five Mistakes That Kill Your Score
After coaching hundreds of Versant candidates, I see the same patterns again and again. These are the mistakes that cost the most points — and they're all fixable.
❌ Mistake 1: Long pauses and silence
The AI measures how much of the recording window you actually use. Silence kills your fluency score. Even a 2-second pause at the start is costly.
✅ Fix: Start speaking immediately. If you're unsure, say something — "Well, I think..." buys you time while keeping your fluency score alive.
❌ Mistake 2: Speaking too fast or mumbling
Some candidates rush through answers thinking speed = fluency. It doesn't. If the AI can't understand you clearly, your pronunciation and sentence mastery scores drop.
✅ Fix: Speak at a natural, steady pace. Clear is better than fast. Imagine you're explaining something to a colleague, not racing through a script.
❌ Mistake 3: Memorising scripted answers
Memorised answers sound robotic and unnatural. The AI detects unnatural rhythm patterns, and your fluency score suffers. Plus, if the question is slightly different from what you prepared, you freeze.
✅ Fix: Learn answer structures, not scripts. For example, learn the "opinion sandwich" pattern for Part F, then fill it with whatever content fits the question.
❌ Mistake 4: Only practising Parts A and B
Parts A and B feel easier, so people spend all their time there. But Parts E and F carry significant weight in your overall score — and they're where most people lose points.
✅ Fix: Spend 60% of your practice time on your weakest parts. If you're comfortable with A and B, move on.
❌ Mistake 5: Stopping and restarting when you make an error
Making a grammar mistake and going back to correct it creates pauses and broken rhythm. The AI penalises this more than the original mistake.
✅ Fix: Keep going. A small grammar error with smooth delivery scores better than a perfect sentence with three restarts.
For a deeper dive into common pitfalls, read 10 Common Mistakes in the Versant Test.
4. Your 2-Week Study Plan
This plan assumes 30–45 minutes of practice per day. It's designed for people with a test coming up soon who need to make every session count.
📋 Before You Start (Day 0)
- • Read this page to understand the test format
- • Take one mock test in Versant Pro Trainer to find your weak parts
- • Read the guide for your two weakest parts (links in the table above)
- • Set up a quiet space with a good microphone or headset
🎯 Week 1: Find and Fix
- Every day: 15 min shadowing (BBC, CNN, or any clear English podcast)
- Every day: 15 min practising your 2 weakest parts in the app
- Day 3: Record yourself and listen back — check for pauses and clarity
- Day 5: Take a second mock test to measure progress
- Day 7: Review your scores and adjust your Week 2 focus
🚀 Week 2: Sharpen and Simulate
- Every day: 15 min shadowing (increase speed slightly)
- Every day: Full run-through of all 6 parts (simulating real test)
- Day 10: Third mock test under real conditions (no pausing, no replaying)
- Day 12–13: Final adjustments on remaining weak spots
- Day 14: Light review only. Rest your voice. Get a good sleep.
Kōjō tip: Consistency beats intensity. 30 minutes every day for two weeks will improve your score more than cramming 5 hours the night before. Build the habit, trust the process.
5. Quick-Win Tips for Every Part
These are the techniques that make the biggest difference in the shortest time. Each one is something you can start using today.
🎧 Parts A & B: Daily Shadowing
Listen to clear English audio (news, podcasts) and repeat what you hear immediately — matching the rhythm, stress, and speed. Start with 10 minutes a day and build up.
🔑 Key: Do it without subtitles. Train your ears to process sound, not text.
🎙️ Parts C & D: "Listen and Summarise" Training
Listen to a short clip (2–3 minutes), then immediately say what happened in 1–2 sentences. Focus on: Who was involved? What happened? Why?
🔑 Key: Active listening — don't just let it wash over you. Ask yourself questions while you listen.
📖 Part E: The 3-Sentence Framework
You have 30 seconds to retell a story. Use this structure every time:
- 1. Setting: "The story is about..." (who + where)
- 2. Event: "What happened was..." (the main action)
- 3. Outcome: "In the end..." (the result)
🔑 Key: Don't try to remember every detail. Capture the main flow and keep talking.
💬 Part F: The Opinion Sandwich
You have 40 seconds to give your opinion. This structure keeps you organised and fluent:
- 1. State your opinion: "I think... because..." (5 seconds)
- 2. Give a reason + example: "For example..." (25 seconds)
- 3. Wrap up: "So that's why I believe..." (10 seconds)
�� Key: Your opinion doesn't need to be "correct." The AI only cares about how clearly and fluently you express it.
🎯 Pronunciation: Record, Compare, Repeat
Record yourself saying a sentence, then compare it to the original audio. Pay special attention to:
- • Word stress — are you stressing the right syllable? (e.g., "de-VE-lop" not "DE-ve-lop")
- • Sentence rhythm — English has a "bounce" pattern; some words are louder and longer
- • Final consonants — don't drop the ends of words (e.g., "helped" not "help")
6. Test Day Checklist
- ✅ Quiet environment — no background noise (even air conditioning can interfere)
- ✅ Use a headset — built-in laptop microphones pick up too much noise
- ✅ Test your microphone before the exam starts
- ✅ Have water nearby — you'll be speaking non-stop for 17 minutes
- ✅ Start speaking immediately when the recording begins — silence costs points
- ✅ Never stop and restart — keep going even if you make a mistake
- ✅ Speak at a natural volume — don't shout, don't whisper
- ✅ Stay calm — if you've practised, you're ready. Trust your preparation.
7. How Kōjō Academy Can Help
Self-study gets you far, but the right tools make the difference between guessing and knowing. Here's what we offer:
🤖 Versant Pro Trainer
Practice all 6 test parts with AI-powered feedback. The format mirrors the real test exactly, so there are no surprises on test day. Start with free trial sessions.
Learn More →🗣️ Pronunciation Dojo
A structured pronunciation training system with 9 belt levels. Targets the specific clarity and rhythm skills that Versant measures.
Try It Free →Ready to Start Practising?
Try Versant Pro Trainer free — practice any part, get instant AI feedback.
Start Free PracticeRelated Guides
📊 Versant Score Guide
What your score means, CEFR levels, and how to improve
🧭 How to Prepare for the Versant Test
A weekly study plan with daily practice suggestions
📈 Score Improvement Timeline
How long it realistically takes to move up a level
🔍 The Hidden Skills Behind Your Score
What the test actually measures — and how to target each skill