Overview
The Avant PLACE test Writing and Speaking responses are evaluated by Avant Certified Raters using the rubric shown below. Scoring reflects a test taker’s language ability according to Benchmark Levels that are based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. As shown below, the resulting score can be in the one to seven range, or Not Ratable. Text type is the main criteria for determining Writing and Speaking scores. The scores are available to educators on the Test Results screen (see the Avant PLACE Reporting Guide for more information). Scores are not provided to test takers.
Avant PLACE Rubric:
| Benchmark Level | Text Type and Language Control |
|---|---|
| 7 | Paragraph: Language production at this level shows ability to create paragraph structure using advanced language with complexity, syntactical and grammatical control with transitional words and phrases found within the text creating a natural flow. Demonstrates a connection of thoughts that create a coherent and extended discourse. |
| 6 | Pre-Paragraph: Language production at this level shows ability to demonstrate an Intermediate-High control of the language. Complexity is evident. Transition words and connectors are used correctly and efficiently a majority of the time to create a flow within the response. Does not have Advanced vocabulary or language to move into the Advanced level. |
| 5 | Connected Sentences: Language production at this level is identified by samples that are written/spoken mostly at the linked or connected sentences level with some occasional paragraph structure. Some evidence of cohesion is evident by use of simple connecting or cohesive devices. |
| 4 | Strings/Extended Sentences: Language production at this level is identified by samples that are written/spoken mostly at the strings-of-sentence level with occasional connected sentences. |
| 3 | Simple Sentences: Language production at this level is identified by samples that are written/spoken mostly at the formulaic sentence or simple sentence level. |
| 2 | Phrases: Language production at this level is identified by samples that are written/spoken mostly at the phrase level. |
| 1 | Words: Language production at this level is identified by samples that are written/spoken mostly at the word/list-of-words level. Responses that are off-topic, include violent or inappropriate language, or not in the target language will also be scored at this level. |
| NR | No written or spoken language |
Updated: