Language proficiency examinations are intended to measure or test the proficiency of an individual in various foreign languages. Language proficiency tests, unlike other examinations, are not based on any particular scope, course materials, or software programs. These are accumulated with different grammar and vocabulary questions which can be found in any language book.
Some institutions offer language proficiency examinations for evaluation purposes. Some schools would be required for a student to pass language proficiency tests to assess the capability of the student in writing and reading the foreign language.
Let’s take English, for example, there are English proficiency tests which are very important, especially for students whose native tongue is not English. English would have proficiency tests like FCE, CAE, IELTS, and TOEFL. In these tests, language skills are tested through sentence structure and completion, paragraph development, and reading and comprehending texts.
If you aim to take and pass a language proficiency exam, you would need to address the issue of finding good teachers. There are also language programs that offer different areas of focus. Some programs focus on strengthening listening and speaking activities. These programs would include proper pronunciation and vocabulary rather than grammar structures. Hence, you would have to know what language areas the language program is noted for. However, if you wish to have a balanced language development, then there are some instances in that language programs are instructed to create programs that will target all the fields.
When planning to take the exam, the most crucial mistake that test-takers would commit is to be misguided that they are ready to take the exam. Most of the time, individuals would be taking the proficiency test because they have already developed their grammar and vocabulary knowledge. Others would take the exam because they know some techniques that will help them pass. Unfortunately, these are not true. Exam-takers need to be fully aware that they need to be at least on the intermediate level before taking the exam.
Here are some practical tips that could help you.
• Different workshops could help you in the writing proficiency part of the exam.
• Some would like to take an English class before actually taking the test. This would give them a chance to refresh their knowledge about grammar, writing, and vocabulary.
• Make use of your grammar, vocabulary, and English books to do some exercises. The benefit of having the net is that they have stimulated or sample tests that would help you at least have an idea of what to expect from the language exams.
Some colleges would have an oral proficiency test, so make sure that you would also be prepared for that. Do not talk too fast or too slow, just take the speed at which you are comfortable speaking using the required language. There is nothing wrong with pausing to formulate your answers. During oral proficiency exams, it is strongly recommended to expound on your answers. In this case, a simple yes or no will not get you anywhere.
Our knowledge and proficiency of languages can be measured by taking language proficiency tests. But for some individuals, it is not just about getting evaluated but it could mean better education and better career opportunity.
