The Avant PLACE language test is a semi-adaptive test that allows test takers to self-identify their language abilities. Upon logging in, the test taker answers a series of questions indicating what they believe they can do in the language across five modes of communication (Reading, Writing, Listening, Presentational Speaking, and Interpersonal Speaking). Test takers will be asked to select the Can-Do statement that best represents their skill/ability level in each mode, so that level specific prompts can be delivered. The Can-Do statements are provided in both English and the target language of the test.
Can-Do Questions for Avant PLACE
Test takers will be asked to rate themselves on each of the five modes of communication. Test takers will need to select the option that best represents their skill/ability level.
Interpretive Mode – LISTENING (Understanding Spoken Language):
0 – I have no functional ability with this language.
1 – I can understand familiar names, words, and very basic phrases concerning my family, my immediate surroundings, and myself when people speak slowly and clearly.
2 – I can understand phrases and the commonly used vocabulary related to areas of personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
3 – I can understand main points in a conversation on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programs on current affairs or topics of interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
4 – I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programs. I can understand the majority of films in standard language.
5 – I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signaled explicitly. I can understand television programs and films without too much effort.
6 – I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get familiar with the accent.
Interpretive Mode – READING (Understanding Written Language):
0 – I have no functional ability with this language.
1 – I can understand familiar names, words, and very simple sentences, for example on notes, memos, emails, posters or in catalogs.
2 – I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, menus, and schedules and I can understand short simple personal letters.
3 – I can understand texts that consist mainly of everyday or job- related language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.
4 – I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose.
5 – I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialized articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field.
6 – I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written languages, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialized articles and literary works.
Interpersonal Mode – SPEAKING (Speaking with another person):
0 – I have no functional ability with this language.
1 – I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I am trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
2 – I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I cannot usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself.
3 – I can deal with most situations likely to arise when traveling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar. Of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family hobbies, work, travel and current events).
4 – I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, and support my views.
5 – I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without obviously searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate my contribution skillfully to those of other speakers.
6 – I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it.
Presentational Mode – SPEAKING (Speaking to another person or audience):
0 – I have no functional ability with this language.
1 – I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know.
2 – I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job.
3 – I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions.
4 – I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
5 – I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating sub- themes, developing particular points and formulating an appropriate conclusion.
6 – I can present a clear, smoothly flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient notice and remember significant points.
Presentational Mode – WRITING (Writing to another person or audience):
0 – I have no functional ability with this language.
1 – I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.
2 – I can write short, simple notes and messages. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.
3 – I can write simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest. I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.
4 – I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write an essay or report that conveys information or gives reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.
5 – I can express myself in clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write about complex subjects in a letter, an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the key issues. I can select a style appropriate to the reader in mind.
6 – I can write clear, smoothly flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles that present a case with an effective logical structure, which helps the recipient notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works.