| Testing
Services
Speaking Proficiency English Assessment
Kit (SPEAK) Test Information
The SPEAK test is administered
by appointment. For optimum availability, a two-week notice prior
to a desired test date is recommended. Information on test requirements,
fees, and policies is available by contacting Testing Services.
The SPEAK test is a Kansas Board
of Regents requirement for non-native English speakers applying
for graduate teaching assistantships.
SPEAK testing at FHSU is available ONLY to
FHSU students.
Overview
The purpose of the SPEAK test is to evaluate the English
speaking ability of persons whose native language is not English.
The examinee is given a test book at the beginning
of the administration. The test itself consists of 12 items, each
of which requires the examinee to perform a particular speech act,
also called a language function. An interviewer on the test tape
leads the examinee through the test, the examinee responds into
a microphone, and responses are recorded on a separate answer tape.
The time allotted for each response ranges from 30 to 90 seconds.
The questions on the test are of a general nature
and are designed to inform the raters about the examinee's oral
communicative ability. All the questions asked by the interviewer,
as well as the response times, are printed in the test book. All
responses for the test are spoken; examinees do not write at any
time during the test. The SPEAK test takes approximately 20 minutes.
What to Bring to the Test Appointment
Each examinee must bring government-issued photo identification
to the test appointment (driver's license, passport) and payment
for the SPEAK test. Pencils, papers, reference materials, and books
of any kind are not permitted in the test room.
Score Information
Trained raters evaluate each response and assign score
levels using descriptors of communicative effectiveness related
to functions, coherence, use of cohesive devices, appropriateness
of response to audience and situation, and linguistic accuracy.
The assigned score levels for all responses are averaged to arrive
at the final score, which is reported on a scale from 20 to 60 in
increments of five. Score level performance is described below.
SCALE |
DESCRIPTION |
60 |
Communication almost always effective. |
55 |
|
50 |
Communication generally effective. |
45 |
|
40 |
Communication somewhat effective. |
35 |
|
30 |
Communication generally not effective. |
25 |
|
20 |
No effective communication. |
Passing Scores
Each institution that uses SPEAK scores determines
for itself what scores are acceptable.
The passing score at Fort Hays State University is a score
of 50.
Questions regarding this score requirement should
be directed to the FHSU
Graduate School.
Official Score Reports
An examinee can expect to receive their official score
report approximately 7-10 business days from the date of the test.
The examinee must submit written permission to the Testing Services
office to have an official score report forwarded to the FHSU Graduate
School.
Retaking the SPEAK Test
There are specific institutional policies on retaking
the SPEAK test. There is no time restriction between the first
and second attempt. However, at least THREE months must lapse
between the second and third attempt. There is no time restriction
between the third and fourth attempt. However, at least THREE
months must lapse between the fourth and fifth attempt. There
is no time restriction between the fifth and sixth attempt.
Practicing for the Test
A Practice Test which is similar to the actual SPEAK
test is available to help examinees become familiar with the types
of questions that might be asked during the actual test. To help
overcome nervousness before the day of the test, an examinee may
want to practice recording their responses to the practice test
questions. Examinees can then listen to their voice and content
and/or have a friend listen listen and give feedback on the responses
to the questions. The questions on the SPEAK Practice Test are similar
but not identical to the questions on an actual test.
The SPEAK Practice Test booklet and cassette are available
for LOAN to examinees for a period of one week. The examinee must
submit a $20 CASH deposit for the practice materials. The deposit
fee is returned to the examinee upon return of the practice test
booklet and cassette. Examinees are financially responsible for
lost, stolen, or damaged practice materials.
The SPEAK is a product of the Test of English
as a Foreign Language program, which is sponsored by Educational
Testing Service.
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