As of 2025, the Selectividad in Spain will be renamed the Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad (PAU), leaving behind the EBAU/EvAU. With this change, modifications have been introduced in the English exam, aligned with the new competency-based assessment methodology. Below, we explain the key aspects you should be aware of as an English teacher.
Main changes in the PAU 2025 English exam
- Unified structure of the exam: The format of the English exam will be homogeneous throughout Spain, eliminating regional variations. This standardization seeks to guarantee equity in university access.
- Increased focus on competency-based assessment: 20-25% of the exam will include competency-based questions, meaning that students will be required to demonstrate their ability to apply the language in real-world contexts, rather than just theoretical knowledge.
- More open-ended questions: Seventy percent of the exam will be composed of open-ended or semi-constructed questions. This will encourage critical thinking and speaking skills in English, reducing reliance on multiple-choice answers or memorization.
- Emphasis on linguistic accuracy: A more rigorous assessment of spelling, grammar and linguistic accuracy will be applied, making it even more important that students practice writing and speaking correctly.
- Extended duration: The time to complete the English test will be 90 minutes, allowing students to develop their answers in greater depth and without such a time limit.
Implications for English teachers
- Methodological adaptation: It is recommended to incorporate strategies that promote the practical use of the language, through activities that reflect real situations and develop communicative competence.
- Preparation for open-ended questions: It is key to guide students in structuring clear, well-argued and grammatically correct answers.
- Support materials: It is advisable to use resources that promote critical thinking and contextual application of English, beyond traditional memorization.
The PAU 2025 reform represents a significant change in the way English is assessed in the Selectividad. As teachers, it is essential to adapt to these new criteria in order to prepare students effectively and ensure that they approach the exam with confidence and success. At Milton we are already working to align our pedagogical proposal with the indicators mentioned above. If you want to know more, do not hesitate to contact us.