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Student Name: Date:

Suggested Picture Questions!

! !
! Tell me about the picture. !!
! Is this a living room? !!
! Is this a caf? !!
! How many people are there in the picture? !
! What is person D doing? !!
! Does person D like coffee? !!
! Is he wearing glasses? !!
! Does person D have a pet? !
Suggested ! What kind of pet does he have? !
questions
based on ! Where is the dog? !!
the picture. ! Is there any fruit in the picture? !!
! How many bananas are there in the picture? !!
! Is person C standing or sitting? !!
! What are persons A and C doing? !!
! What is the weather like? !!
! What time is it? !!
! Ask me three questions about the picture. !!
! !!
! !!

Comments on Student's Skills

Grammar

Vocabulary

Pronunciation

Fluency

Confidence

Other Comments

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Introduction
This level check is for low-level students. (Generally 'False Beginners')

This test is an oral check of English. The student should not see the examiner's cues.

This test can be combined with the first few blocks of questions from the main spoken level check.

Before the Picture Level Check

Familiarise yourself with the picture. Think about what you would say if talking about the picture in a foreign language.

The student needs a copy of the picture to refer to throughout the picture level check.

The student also needs to know the format of the check. This might be best provided in the student's native language.

Instructions for the student

Please answer in full sentences.

Please do not give very long answers. One sentence is enough.
The interviewer can repeat a question once. Say 'Could you repeat that?'.

Using the Picture

Make sure the student knows the instructions and format of the test.
You could begin by asking the student to tell you about the picture, making as many sentences as possible. This should
demonstrate the areas of language about which the student is most confident. Give a demonstration sentence. (e.g. It is sunny.)
Ask questions about the picture. A number of suggestions are given on the mark-off sheet. You may wish to speak a little more
slowly than your natural pace.
Repeat a question once, if requested by the student.
While performing the test, you might want to write brief notes on the question sheet regarding errors the student makes with a
particular target structure.
Stop the test when it is clear that the questions have become too difficult for the student.

Grading a Student's Answers

There are no fixed answers for the test.
The answer can be marked correct if it is grammatically correct and makes logical sense to the question.
The student must answer within a reasonable time.
The student's pronunciation must be intelligible.

FAQs about the Level Check

Q) What should I do if the student gives a one-word answer?
A) Say: Please use a sentence.

Q) What should I do if the student doesn't use the specified target language?
A) Say: Please use [have to] in your answer.

Q) What should I do if a student becomes unable to answer the questions?

A) Tell the student that the check has finished. Be positive if the test finishes quickly. Explain that it's a short test.

Q) After the test, can I tell the student the answers or show the questions?
A) It's best not to. It won't help improve the student's English. You might also want to retest the student in the future using the
!
same test in order to gauge the student's progress.

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