How do I arrange to take the SPEAK Test?
Is there a charge for the SPEAK Test?
How do I prepare for the SPEAK Test?
How long does it take to get the results of a SPEAK Test?
Can I use this SPEAK score at other institutions?
What does my SPEAK Test score mean?
If you have additional questions, please
contact the ITA Program Office:
237 Behavioral Sciences Building (BSB), 312-413-2235, itap@uic.edu
How do I arrange to take the SPEAK Test?
| To take the SPEAK Test, | participants must sign up at least one day before the test date. |
| To sign up | call 312- 413-2235, e-mail itap@uic.edu or sign the registration sheet at the ITA Program Office, 237 Behavioral Sciences Bldg (BSB). |
| All tests are given | in Scailab, rm 110, Addams Hall. |
| The SPEAK test requires | approximately 40 minutes (the actual test approximately 25 minutes). |
Please contact the ITA Program Office, 237 BSB, 312-413-2235, if you have any questions.
Is there a charge for the SPEAK Test?
There is no charge for the first regularly scheduled administration of the SPEAK Test or for students completing ESL 401 or other recommended proficiency work. Students may not retest within 3 months without the approval of the ITA Program coordinator, Barbara Boockmeier.
How do I prepare
for the SPEAK Test?
- Sample tests are available at the ITA Program Office (237 BSB) or by e-mail to itap@uic.edu.
- All forms of the test follow the sample format so be sure you become familiar with the types of questions given and how you would respond.
- Most effective preparation involves actually going through the sample test aloud 3 or 4 times and getting some feedback from a native speaker about what could be adjusted to make your answers more intelligible.
- Practice keeping the pace of your speaking slow and smooth and pausing between ideas.
- Be sure to practice keeping your organizational markers consistent (for example: There are two reasons for my opinion - The first reason is … The second reason is ….).
How long does it take to get the results of a SPEAK Test?
Scores are generally ready in 3-5 work days.
Scores are automatically sent to the home department of the participant and e-mailed to the test participant.
Can I use this SPEAK score at other institutions?
Scores from SPEAK tests given at UIC are not valid outside of UIC.
Yes, but you must wait three months, show evidence of work to improve your spoken English, and receive the approval of the ITA Program Coordinator. No exceptions will be granted unless there is reason to question the validity of the initial rating.
Each SPEAK test is listened to and rated by two trained raters.
What does my SPEAK Test score mean?
A score of "50", "55", or "60" is an unconditional pass for UIC.
A score of below "50" results in a recommendation to enroll in ESL 401 - Teaching/Communication Strategies of ITAs.
Although there are very specific criteria,
the following is a general interpretation of the meaning of the total score.
- 60 The participant understood the question, answered appropriately and the rater was able to receive and understand the answer with little effort (native-like efficacy, effective).
- 50 The participant understood the question, answered appropriately and the rater was able to receive and understand the answer with reasonable listening effort. The rater may have a question about the answer but he/she clearly knows what to ask for (near native efficacy, generally effective).
- 40 Communication breaks down, the participant's answer was not appropriate to the question, or the rater understands the basic idea of the answer but not all the details, or there are several gaps in reception and it would take considerable effort, visual support, questioning to feel that all the necessary information was exchanged (somewhat effective) - one-on-one communication is probably most effective.
- 30 The rater catches only words and an occasional idea, or the speaker's constant restarts, hesitations, inappropriate pace or pausing make it extremely difficult to understand, it is not clear what the function of the response was (not very effective).
- 20 The participant did not give any response, the participant's response was not intelligible, or the rater has no idea of the function of the response was (not effective).
