Grammar and English Proficiency Tests for Remote Work Kenya

English proficiency tests are gatekeepers for most remote work opportunities. Whether you’re applying to Upwork, pitching to international clients, or seeking VA positions, strong grammar scores prove your communication skills. Here’s how to ace them.

Why Grammar Tests Matter

For freelance platforms:

• Upwork: English Spelling Test (UK/US)
• Freelancer.com: English Language Test
• LinkedIn: Grammar Assessment
• Indeed: Communication Skills Assessment

For direct job applications:

• Many companies require grammar screening
• Virtual assistant positions almost always test grammar
• Content writing jobs require 90%+ scores
• Customer support roles test written communication

Impact on earnings:

• Top 10% grammar score: Can justify 20-30% higher rates
• Failed grammar test: Often auto-rejected by clients
• Strong grammar: Reduces revision requests, saves time

Client perspective:

• Grammar errors in proposals = instant rejection
• Test scores = objective proof of skill
• Easier to trust someone with verified English proficiency

Common Grammar Tests

1. Upwork English Spelling Test

Two versions:

• US English Spelling
• UK English Spelling

Choose based on: Target clients (US clients = US test, UK/Europe = UK test)

Test details:

• 40 questions
• 40 minutes
• Multiple choice
• Covers: Spelling, punctuation, grammar, word usage

Topics covered:

• Correct spelling identification
• Commonly confused words (affect/effect, then/than)
• Punctuation rules (commas, semicolons, apostrophes)
• Sentence structure
• Subject-verb agreement

Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced

Results shown as: Top 10%, Top 20%, Top 30%, Top 40%

Strategy:

• Only take when you’re confident of Top 20% or better
• Prepare for 2-3 weeks minimum
• Can’t retake for 6 months
• Hide result if below Top 30%

Pass rate: Approximately 40% get Top 30% or better

2. Freelancer.com English Language Test

Test details:

• 30-40 questions
• 30 minutes
• Pass score: 70%
• Categories: Grammar, spelling, comprehension

Topics:

• Error identification in sentences
• Correct word choice
• Punctuation
• Verb tenses
• Reading comprehension

Difficulty: Intermediate

Easier than Upwork test: Generally considered more passable

Strategy:

• Good starter test to build confidence
• Can retake after 30 days if failed
• Failed result shows on profile (take seriously)

3. LinkedIn Grammar Assessment

Test details:

• 15 questions
• 15 minutes
• Pass: Top 30% get badge
• Can retake if you don’t pass

Topics:

• Grammar rules
• Punctuation
• Sentence structure
• Common errors

Advantage: Failures don’t show publicly

Strategy:

• Take it, retake until you pass
• Badge very visible on LinkedIn
• Quick win for profile credibility

4. Indeed Communication Skills Assessment

Used for: Job applications through Indeed

Test details:

• 15-20 questions
• 20 minutes
• Scored: Expert, Proficient, Familiar, Completed
• Tests: Written communication, grammar, professionalism

Results:

• “Expert” and “Proficient” shown to employers
• Can improve application response rate significantly
• Valid for 6 months

Topics:

• Email writing scenarios
• Grammar correction
• Professional tone
• Word choice

Most Common Grammar Mistakes

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

Wrong: “The team of writers are working on the project.” Right: “The team of writers is working on the project.”

Rule: Singular subject = singular verb, even if there’s a plural noun in between

Common traps:

• Each, every, everyone, everybody = singular
• Team, group, committee = singular (when acting as unit)
• None = usually singular
• Some, all, most = depends on noun

Practice:

• “Everyone ____ ready.” (is/are) → is
• “The data ____ been analyzed.” (has/have) → has (US) or have (UK)

2. Pronoun Agreement

Wrong: “Each freelancer should submit their invoice.” Right: “Each freelancer should submit his or her invoice.” OR “Freelancers should submit their invoices.”

Rule: Pronoun must match noun in number

Common errors:

• Everybody… they (wrong) → Everybody… he or she
• Anyone… their (wrong) → Anyone… his or her
• Company… their (wrong) → Company… its

3. Comma Usage

Comma splice (wrong): “I finished the work, I sent the invoice.” Right: “I finished the work, and I sent the invoice.” OR “I finished the work; I sent the invoice.”

Rule: Two independent clauses need:

• Comma + conjunction (and, but, or, so)
• Semicolon
• Period (two sentences)

Common comma rules:

• After introductory phrase: “After finishing, I sent the file.”
• Before coordinating conjunction in compound sentence
• To separate items in list: “apples, bananas, and oranges”
• Oxford comma: Use it (safer in tests)

4. Apostrophe Mistakes

Common errors:

• it’s vs its

  • it’s = it is
  • its = possessive
  • “It’s sunny today.” / “The dog ate its food.”

• your vs you’re

  • your = possessive
  • you’re = you are
  • “You’re going to love your new design.”

• their vs there vs they’re

  • their = possessive
  • there = location
  • they’re = they are

Possessive rules:

• Singular noun: Add ‘s → “the client’s feedback”
• Plural noun ending in s: Add ’ → “the clients’ feedback”
• Plural not ending in s: Add ‘s → “the children’s toys”

5. Verb Tense Consistency

Wrong: “I completed the task and send the file.” Right: “I completed the task and sent the file.”

Rule: Keep tenses consistent within sentence/paragraph unless time changes

Common errors:

• Switching between past and present unnecessarily
• Incorrect perfect tenses
• Conditional mistakes

Practice:

• “If I had known, I would have ____ differently.” (act/acted) → acted

6. Commonly Confused Words

affect vs effect

• affect = verb (to influence)
• effect = noun (result)
• “The changes affect productivity.” / “The effect was positive.”
• Exception: “Effect change” (to bring about) - rare usage

then vs than

• then = time
• than = comparison
• “First do this, then that.” / “Better than before.”

lose vs loose

• lose = to not win, to misplace
• loose = not tight
• “Don’t lose the file.” / “The screw is loose.”

accept vs except

• accept = to receive
• except = excluding
• “I accept the offer.” / “Everyone came except John.”

compliment vs complement

• compliment = praise
• complement = complete/enhance
• “She complimented my work.” / “The colors complement each other.”

7. Sentence Fragments

Wrong: “Because the client requested changes.” Right: “I revised the document because the client requested changes.”

Rule: Complete sentence needs subject + verb and must express complete thought

Watch for:

• Starting with subordinating conjunction (because, although, since) without main clause
• Missing subject or verb
• Incomplete thoughts

8. Run-on Sentences

Wrong: “The project is complete I will send it now.” Right: “The project is complete. I will send it now.” OR “The project is complete, so I will send it now.”

Rule: Can’t join independent clauses without punctuation or conjunction

9. Modifier Problems

Misplaced modifier (wrong): “I only sent the email to three clients.” Right: “I sent the email to only three clients.”

Dangling modifier (wrong): “Walking to the office, the rain started.” Right: “Walking to the office, I noticed the rain started.”

Rule: Modifying phrase should be next to what it modifies

10. Who vs Whom

who = subject (does action) whom = object (receives action)

Test: Replace with he/him

• If “he” fits, use who
• If “him” fits, use whom

Examples:

• “Who sent this?” (He sent this.) → who
• “To whom did you send it?” (Sent it to him.) → whom

Modern note: “Whom” is declining in casual use, but tests often include it.

UK vs US English Differences

Spelling Differences

Common patterns:

Other differences:

• UK: grey, practise (verb), licence (noun)
• US: gray, practice (verb), license (noun)

Test strategy:

• Choose test version (UK/US) based on target market
• Be consistent throughout test
• Don’t mix UK and US spellings

Grammar Differences

Collective nouns:

• UK: “The team are playing well.” (team = plural)
• US: “The team is playing well.” (team = singular)

Present perfect:

• UK: “I’ve just finished.” (more common)
• US: “I just finished.” (past simple more common)

Prepositions:

• UK: “at the weekend”, “in hospital”, “different to”
• US: “on the weekend”, “in the hospital”, “different from/than”

Test focus: Usually on spelling differences, occasionally grammar

Preparation Strategy

Phase 1: Assessment (Week 1)

Day 1-2: Take diagnostic test

• Find free grammar practice test online
• Take without studying first
• Score yourself honestly
• Current baseline: _____%

Day 3-7: Identify weak areas

• List topics you got wrong
• Rank by: most errors → least errors
• Common weak spots for Kenyan learners:
  • Articles (a/an/the)
  • Prepositions
  • Verb tenses
  • Subject-verb agreement
  • Punctuation rules

Phase 2: Learning (Week 2-3)

Daily study schedule (1-2 hours):

Monday: Subject-verb agreement

• Learn rules
• Complete 20 practice questions
• Review errors

Tuesday: Pronoun agreement

• Study rules
• 20 practice questions
• Error review

Wednesday: Comma usage

• Learn comma rules (6 main rules)
• 20 practice questions
• Apply in writing exercise

Thursday: Apostrophes & commonly confused words

• Memorize rules
• Create flashcards
• 20 practice questions

Friday: Verb tenses

• Review all tenses
• Focus on perfect tenses
• 20 practice questions

Weekend: Comprehensive practice

• 50-question practice test
• Timed (match real test time)
• Review all errors thoroughly

Repeat Week 3 with focus on remaining weak areas

Phase 3: Practice Testing (Week 4)

Full mock tests:

• Take 3 full-length practice tests
• Simulate real conditions (quiet, timed, no distractions)
• Goal: 85%+ on each test

Test timing practice:

• Most tests: 1-2 minutes per question
• Practice speed reading questions
• Practice eliminating wrong answers quickly

Final review:

• Day before test: Light review only
• Don’t cram new rules
• Review your error log
• Get good sleep

Best Free Study Resources

Websites:

1. Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab)

• purdue.edu/owl
• Comprehensive grammar rules
• Examples for every rule
• Free and authoritative

2. Grammar Girl (Quick and Dirty Tips)

• quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl
• Easy explanations
• Memorable tips
• Podcast and articles

3. Grammarly Blog

• grammarly.com/blog
• Practical grammar tips
• Common mistakes
• Clear examples

4. BBC Learning English

• bbc.co.uk/learningenglish
• Grammar lessons
• Practice exercises
• Video explanations

5. British Council Learn English

• learnenglish.britishcouncil.org
• Grammar reference
• Practice tests
• Interactive exercises

Practice test sites:

1. ExamEnglish.com

• Free grammar tests
• Timed options
• Immediate feedback

2. Perfect English Grammar

• perfect-english-grammar.com
• Topic-specific quizzes
• Downloadable worksheets

3. English Grammar Online

• ego4u.com
• Comprehensive tests
• All levels

4. GrammarBook.com

• Free quizzes
• Detailed explanations
• Rule summaries

YouTube channels:

1. EnglishClass101

• Grammar lessons
• Test strategies
• Common mistakes

2. Oxford Online English

• Clear explanations
• British English focus

3. mmmEnglish

• Pronunciation + grammar
• Natural speaking

Books (if you prefer offline study):

1. “English Grammar in Use” by Raymond Murphy

• Most popular grammar book worldwide
• Clear explanations
• Hundreds of exercises
• Available in Nairobi bookstores (Ksh 2,000-3,000)

2. “The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation”

• Simple format
• Quick reference
• Good for test prep

Test-Taking Strategies

Read questions carefully

Watch for:

• “Which is CORRECT?” vs “Which is INCORRECT?”
• “EXCEPT” questions (all are right except one)
• “BEST” vs “CORRECT” (all may be right, find best)

Elimination method

Process:

1. Read all options
2. Eliminate obviously wrong answers
3. Choose between remaining 2-3
4. Select best answer

Example: “Each of the students ____ completed their homework.” A. have B. has C. having D. is having

Eliminate: C (incomplete verb), D (wrong tense) Between A and B: “Each” is singular → B (has)

Trust your ear, but verify

If a sentence sounds wrong, it probably is

But don’t rely only on ear:

• You might be used to incorrect usage
• Verify with grammar rule
• Colloquial speech ≠ written grammar

Skip and return strategy

For questions you’re unsure:

1. Make best guess
2. Mark question (if system allows)
3. Move on (don’t waste 5 minutes)
4. Return at end if time permits

Time management:

• 40 questions in 40 minutes = 1 minute per question
• Spend 30-45 seconds on questions you know
• Save time for harder questions

Watch for patterns

Common test patterns:

• Every 3-4 questions on same grammar topic
• If you see multiple comma questions, review comma rules mentally
• Recognition helps you switch mental context

After the Test

If you pass with high score:

Leverage it:

• Add to profile (Top 10%, Top 20%)
• Mention in proposals when relevant
• Add badge to LinkedIn
• Include in resume/portfolio

Don’t:

• Don’t spam every message with “I passed grammar test”
• Let it be visible credential, not bragging point

If you score low or fail:

On Upwork:

• Hide result if below Top 30%
• Study more and retake in 6 months

On Freelancer:

• Failed test shows permanently
• Focus on building portfolio to offset

On LinkedIn/Indeed:

• Retake immediately until you pass
• No penalty for retaking

Improvement plan:

• Identify exactly where you went wrong (review error types)
• Study those specific areas
• Retake practice tests until 90%+
• Retake real test when eligible

Grammar in Real Work

Tests measure grammar knowledge, but real work is:

Proofreading your work:

• Always use Grammarly (free version sufficient)
• Read proposals aloud before sending
• Check for common errors you make
• Have friend review important messages

Client communication:

• Use proper punctuation in messages
• Complete sentences (not fragments)
• Professional tone
• Proofread emails before sending

Content deliverables:

• Run through Grammarly Premium or Hemingway Editor
• Second pair of eyes helpful
• Allow time for proofreading
• Don’t submit first draft

Grammar test success doesn’t mean perfection:

• Everyone makes mistakes
• Tools help catch errors
• Continuous improvement mindset

Timeline to Test-Ready

If you’re starting from 60-70% accuracy:

• Timeline: 4-6 weeks preparation
• Study time: 1-2 hours daily
• Practice tests: 6-8 full tests
• Expected result: 80-85% on real test

If you’re starting from 70-80% accuracy:

• Timeline: 2-3 weeks preparation
• Study time: 1 hour daily
• Practice tests: 3-5 full tests
• Expected result: 85-90%+ on real test

If you’re starting from 80%+ accuracy:

• Timeline: 1-2 weeks review
• Study time: 30 minutes daily
• Practice tests: 2-3 tests
• Expected result: 90-95%+ on real test

Common Questions

Q: Do I need to score 100%? A: No. Top 20% is excellent for Upwork. 85%+ is very good anywhere.

Q: Is UK or US English better? A: Choose based on target clients. US if targeting American market, UK for European/Commonwealth.

Q: Can I use grammar checker during test? A: No. Tests are timed and monitored. Using tools may get you banned.

Q: What if English isn’t my first language? A: Doesn’t matter. Tests measure proficiency, not native status. Many non-native speakers score higher than natives.

Q: Are these tests hard? A: Yes, particularly Upwork tests. But with proper preparation (2-4 weeks), very passable.

Q: Do I need to take grammar test if I have degree? A: For freelance platforms, tests still help. Clients filter by test results. Degree doesn’t show in search.

Strong grammar opens doors. Poor grammar closes them. Invest 20-30 hours in preparation, pass with a strong score, and let your test results speak for your communication skills. One high grammar score can be worth thousands of shillings in increased trust and higher-paying projects.