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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
Do I need to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement in order to receive an appointment as a GSI?
Which test should I take?
What courses are offered for prospective GSIs who do not speak English as a native language?
Should I sign up for a Language Proficiency Program course?

SPEAK test
What is the SPEAK test?
What will my SPEAK results mean?
What is the SPEAK test experience like?
What else should I know about the SPEAK?
If I don't finish an answer, or have extra time left and have nothing more to say, will I receive a low score on the SPEAK?
Should I take the test as soon as my plane gets in?
Can I practice the test?
Who rates SPEAKs and how they are rated?
If I know I did badly on the test, can I retake it again right away?
Have there been any studies about the SPEAK test?

Oral Proficiency Test (OPT)
What is the OPT?

When should I take the OPT?
What will my OPT results mean?

What should I do if I do not pass the OPT?

Can I enroll in Lan Pro 100A and take the OPT during the semester?

If I do not pass the OPT, can I take the SPEAK test?

Do I need to satisfy the English language proficiency requirement in order to receive an appointment as a GSI?

Take the English Language Proficiency Eligibility Quiz to find out.

Which test should I take?

If you do not take the internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT) or the Test of Spoken English (TSE) before you arrive in Berkeley, you will need to take the SPEAK test on the UC Berkeley campus.

What courses are offered for prospective GSIs who do not speak English as a native language? Answer

Should I sign up for a Language Proficiency Program course? Answer

What is the SPEAK test?

The SPEAK test is an oral proficiency test that measures how well you understand and express yourself in spoken English. In the test, your responses to questions that you hear are recorded. The responses are then rated by trained evaluators.

What will my SPEAK results mean?

If you receive a score of 50 or above ("Pass"), you may complete your application for a GSI position. If you score 40 or 45, you may demonstrate readiness to assume GSI duties by passing the Oral Proficiency Test (OPT). (See information on the OPT below.) If your score on the SPEAK test falls below 40, you must enroll in a Language Proficiency Program course and take the OPT at the end of the semester. Once you have passed the OPT, you may complete your application for a GSI appointment.

What is the SPEAK test experience like?

When you take the SPEAK test, you will be in a language-lab environment, speaking into a microphone, in front of a computer. There will be other people in the room taking the test at the same time. When you practice the test, keep in mind this environment, which is different from speaking to a person, or practicing in a quiet room alone.

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What else should I know about the SPEAK?

There is a time limit for each response, clearly marked in the test book. It may help to practice with a stopwatch.

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If I don't finish an answer, or have extra time left and have nothing more to say, will I receive a low score on the SPEAK?

Not necessarily. If you address the question well and run out of time, this will not affect your score. If you have extra time, but have answered completely, again, this will not affect your score.

Should I take the test as soon as my plane gets in?

We recommend that you give yourself at least 2 days after flying a long distance before taking the SPEAK. Fatigue and jet lag can have an adverse effect on your ability to do well.

Can I practice the test?

Not only can you practice, you should practice. Even if you feel your oral skills are good, you should practice. This type of test has a particular format which may be unfamiliar. Being familiar with the SPEAK test format makes it more likely you will be able to demonstrate the extent of your proficiency. Practicing will help you feel more comfortable on the day of the test. You can practice by

• Seeing the sample materials for the Test of Spoken English (TSE), a modified version of the SPEAK test. Looking at the TSE Sample Test can help you to become familiar with the SPEAK test format and the types of questions you will be asked. Please note however, there is one significant difference between the TSE and the SPEAK test – test takers do not write or make notes on the SPEAK test. The TSE Sample Test is available on ETS's website .
• Using the SPEAK test practice materials at the Berkeley Language Center (BLC) on campus. The SPEAK Practice Test is available in the computer lab in B-21 Dwinelle Hall. You should check the BLC schedule to find out what the lab hours are. When you are in B-21 Dwinelle, follow the posted instructions to log on (Username: student, etc.). Then click on the "Languages" folder; then click on "SPEAK Practice Test".
• Reading and listening to the SPEAK practice test on reserve at the Moffitt Library Media Center, Room 150 Moffitt Library (bottom floor).
• Consulting the book Toward Speaking Excellence, The Michigan Guide to Maximizing your Performance on the TSE Test & SPEAK Test by Dean Papajohn (Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 1998). This guide is on reserve at the Engineering Library in 110 Bechtel Engineering Center (call number: ENGI GSI-Langpro 100A Item 1 Copy 1), and can also be checked out at the GSI Teaching & Resource Center in 301 Sproul Hall.

Who rates SPEAKs and how they are rated?

The SPEAK test is rated by qualified and trained language specialists. Each test is rated by at least two different raters, who do not know the score that each other has given to your test. The test is rated not only for pronunciation, but for how well you address the question. The scoring guide used to evaluate the SPEAK test is the same as the scoring guide used to evaluate the TSE, and this is described on the ETS website:

If I know I did badly on the test, can I retake it again right away?

Unfortunately, you can only take the SPEAK test once every 2 years. Therefore, it is important to practice, to ensure you do your best.

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Have there been any studies about the SPEAK test?

Yes, many studies have been done. You can see the abstract of one of them, for example, at: http://www.toefl.org/research/rrpts.html#rr49

What is the OPT?

The Oral Proficiency Test (OPT) is a videotaped oral English proficiency test administered on an individual basis. During the OPT test takers perform the following activities in a classroom setting:

• Meet one or more UCB undergraduate students who will play the role of students in a discussion section or lab class.
• Read some passages from a discipline-specific undergraduate textbook, which will be provided at the test.
• Play the role of a GSI in presenting some course-related information; answer questions posed by the undergraduates.
• Present prepared materials from their disciplines; answer questions posed by the undergraduates.
• Respond to questions posed by the test administrator.

When should I take the OPT?

If you received a score of 23 – 25 on the TOEFL iBT, or a score of 45 or 40 on the SPEAK test or TSE within two years of your application for a GSI appointment, you may take the OPT to demonstrate your oral English proficiency for the screening requirement. Since the OPT is an individual test administered in a classroom setting and requires preparation time, you should contact langpro@berkeley.edu to request a test appointment well before you plan to apply for a GSI appointment. Please consult the list of key deadlines in the testing program.

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What will my OPT results mean?

Oral Proficiency Tests administered at UC Berkeley are evaluated by professional English as a Second Language (ESL) specialists. The rating scale for the OPT is based on nationally recognized standards on oral English proficiency and goes from 0 (low) to 4 (high). Each test is evaluated in the areas of pronunciation, speech flow, grammar, vocabulary, organization, listening comprehension, and question handling.

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Last update: 10/26/09