The General Test of English Language Proficiency assess English Language Proficiency
at five different levels of functional ability
LEVEL 4
Basic English in Simple Communication
- General Description
- This level assesses the abilities of a test taker to handle basic communicative functions. The test taker is capable of basic formulaic expressions such as those used in greetings and introductions, and is successful with basic communicative transactions. Although a test taker at this level has had only limited exposure to English outside of the classroom, he/she is able to use English in simple communication with native speakers in a narrow range of tasks.
- Skill Area Description
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Grammar
An examinee at this level is required to demonstrate understanding of basic grammatical structures in one-and-two sentence contexts.
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Listening
An examinee at this level understands the literal meaning, as well as some inference,
in basic conversations with native speakers of English.
The rate of speech is slow and intended for a person who has had limited exposure to the language in or outside the classroom.
Tasks at this level include:
. single statements or questions
. short questions associated with a picture
. short transactions in a familiar setting
. instructions centering on how to perform simple tasks
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Reading and
Vocabulary
An examinee at this level can read texts composed of simple vocabulary for limited English speakers.
Tasks at this level include:
. simple instructions found in business forms, public signs, and application forms
. simple organizational or public announcements
. basic facts about well-known current or historical figures, information, or activities
. simple information in personal correspondence or office memos
A person at this level is also required to demonstrate understanding of selected vocabulary in the context of the reading tasks described above.
LEVEL 3
Modified English in Simple Commnucation
- General Description
- This level assesses the ability of a test taker to communicate in English at an elementary level. This person's exposure to English has been limited mainly to the classroom, with little extended contact with native speakers. It should be noted, however, that while a person at this level is not an independent user of the language and is not expected to cope with unmodified English, he/she would be able to function within a limited range of authentic English language situations.
- Skill Area Description
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Grammar
An examinee at this level is required to demonstrate mastery of basic grammatical structures in two-to three-sentence contexts.
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Listening
An examinee at this level can understand native speakers of English who are speaking at a slower than normal rate, with pauses, repetitions, and paraphrasing intended for non-native speakers.
Tasks at this level include:
. public announcements which give simple information
. explanations of the physical functions or attributes of familiar objects
. personal accounts in which a personal event and its chronology are described
. directions for a procedure
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Reading and
Vocabulary
An examinee at this level can read simplified and/or simple authentic texts of the type found in textbooks written for learners of English as a second or foreign language.
Tasks at this level include:
. descriptions of landmarks and places of interest based on texts from tourist guidebooks, travel magazines, and brochures
. historical biographies based on texts from travel literature and history texts
. informal narratives in personal correspondence between friends; and
. announcements concerning the activities, meetings, and accomplishments of organizations such as clubs and professional groups
A person at this level is also required to demonstrate understanding of selected vocabulary in the context of the reading tasks described above.
LEVEL 2
Authentic and Modified English in Normal Communication
- General Description
- This level assesses the ability of a test taker to use the language outside of classroom situations. This test taker is able to cope with some authentic English, has had contact with some authentic English, and has had contact with native speakers. Although his/her learning of the language has been classroom-based, the examinee is able to communicate with a native speaker within a wide range of tasks.
- Skill Area Description
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Grammar
An examinee at this level is required to demonstrate understanding of the basic grammatical structures of English and some of the more complex grammatical structures.
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Listening
An examinee at this level can understand authentic English which has been reworded, paraphrased and simplified, but which is delivered at a normal rate of speech.
Tasks at this level include:
. everyday conversations involving informal situations
. formal monologues in which a particular product or course of action is recommended
. discussions on pros and cons of certain situations
. explanations of a non-technical procedure or process, or informative/useful/helpful tips for specific situations
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Reading and
Vocabulary
An examinee at this level can read authentic and modified texts of a general nature. Modified texts are defined as texts in which low-frequency and idiomatic vocabulary is simplified. At this level, syntax is not modified.
Tasks at this level include:
. narratives that focus on historical or contemporary figures
. magazine and newspaper articles that describe current social or technological subjects, or study/survey results
. encyclopedic articles that are general and non-technical
. commercial correspondence that is descriptive and persuasive
A person at this level is also required to demonstrate understanding of selected vocabulary in the context of the reading tasks described above.
LEVEL 1
Authentic English in Complex Communication
- General Description
- This level assesses the abilities of the examinee who is a fully independent user of the language. This person has had extensive contact with native speakers, either through travel and/or living and working abroad.
- Skill Area Description
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Listening
An examinee at this level is able to fully understand authentic English at a normal rate of speech.
Tasks at this level include:
. news reports or general interest segments from talk shows in which recommendation and suggestion on a variety of personal topics are given
. conversations or interviews that describe a procedural sequence or give a detailed description of an object or event
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Reading and
Vocabulary
An examinee at this level can read and fully understand authentic texts from a variety of sources such as newspapers, journals, encyclopedias, reference works, and anthologies.
Tasks at this level include:
. biographical and autobiographical narratives
. commentaries or editorial opinions on topics of general social concern
. evaluation or critical review of a product, media event or artistic work
. expositions of scientific or technological subjects
. magazine articles for general readership
A person at this level is also required to demonstrate understanding of a wide range of idiomatic and non-idiomatic vocabulary in context of the reading tasks described above.
