Rubric Pronunciation

Grammar/Sentence Structure

Vocabulary Listening Conversational

No

vice

Lo

w

1He cannot pronounce words properly. Native speakers may not understand his pronunciation at all.

He uses isolated words within very predictable range. Grammatical order is completely out of order.

He needs to focus on weak vocabulary usage.

He makes no attempt to understand or is completely incomprehensive.

He uses English occasionally and would not be understood by a native speaker. In addition, he is not confident at using the target the target language.

No

vice

2He can pronounce most single words correctly. Though native speakers may have great difficulty in understanding his pronunciation.

He uses isolated words with heavy reliance on memorized phrases. He has little knowledge of grammar.

He often uses vocabulary not enough for the simplest conversations.

He may only understand too little for the simplest type of conversation.

His speech is so halting and fragmentary that conversation is virtually impossible.

No

vice

Hig

h

3His native accent is very much present. Native speakers may still have some difficulty in understanding his pronunciation.

He only speaks in words/phrases. He commits consistent errors in grammar that strain intended meaning.

The way he speaks English is majorly affected by his native language. (i.e., salary man=business man/ eye shopping=window shopping).

He may have been very difficult to hear. He failed to answer some questions appropriately.

He tries to conjugate Korean and English words/phrases in his sentences. However, he can ask questions or make statements involving learned material.

Inte

rmed

iate

Lo

w

4He can mimic the teacher’s pronunciation when done slowly. But has some difficulty with particular sounds and it is quite noticeable.

He can construct simple sentences, but in wrong order. Grammatical errors were severely hampered communication.

Communication was severely hampered due to lack of vocabulary.

He can listen to teacher’s instructions when spoken slowly. He understands simple speech on common social and familiar topics.

He has difficulty constructing sentences. He struggles at explaining his/her answer.

Inte

rmed

iate

5He can pronounce almost every word correctly. Though he still has prominent Korean dialect accent when speaking English.

He also uses some common sentence patterns in speaking/answering. Grammatical errors led to many minor difficulties or one major breakdown in communication.

He has some choice of good vocabulary. He can understand familiar expressions but struggles in using them in everyday conversations

He understands careful, somewhat simplified speech when engaged in conversations. Adjustment in speech rate is still done occasionally to accommodate the comprehension of the student.

He is now a bit confident in using the language. He is participative in speaking English though with some errors in either pronunciation or grammar.

Inte

rmed

iate

Hig

h6

He has some prominent English accent. Native speakers occasionally have difficulty in understanding his pronunciation, but it is noticeable.

He has almost perfect his sentence structure. He uses gerunds & infinitives, perfect tenses, simple & perfect progressive, some passive in his sentences.

He has good choice of vocabulary/expressions. Though, a few minor difficulties arose from not using appropriate vocabulary.

His listening is pretty much used to native English speakers. He comprehends almost all of the simple to complex questions.

He has built confidence to speak English. But shows some breaks in flow of communication.

Ad

van

ce L

ow

7T

He can answer in correct sentence structure. He can do self- corrections. However, he may have problems with inconsistent verb endings and parallelism in constructing sentences.

He is very much familiar with different vocabulary/expressions.

He can get the hidden meaning (connotation/denotation) of almost all of the questions.

He is prepared to have a conversation regarding any topic. He is able to organize and present his thoughts quite well.

Ad

van

ce

8His accent is almost neutralized. He is quite good and easy to understand. He pronounces difficult words slowly but is still a bit tinged with the native intonation.

He speaks in complex sentences with clauses. (with conjunctions) (ex: however/though/nevertheless)

Vocabulary studied in class was used to express ideas eloquently.

He has very adjusted listening skills. He is highly familiar with American/British slang.

He can manipulate the conversation. He shows relatively smooth flow of communication.

Ad

van

ce H

igh

9He is excellent. His pronunciation is clear and easy to understand, but would not be taken for a native speaker.

He uses variety of sentence structure with no patterns of failure.

He uses a rich and broad range of vocabulary that suits different situations.

He understands everything in normal educated conversation except exceptionally rapid or slurred speech.

His speech is effortless and continuous, and able to comfortably lead a conversation with a native speaker.

Na

tive

Sp

eak

er

10He has neutralized pronunciation, with noTrace of "regional accent".

He uses a variety of sentence structure with no patterns of failure. He uses all tenses, active & passive, all progressive and conditional types in his sentences.

His vocabulary is as accurate and extensive as that of a native speaker.

He understands everything in both formal and colloquial speech to be expected of a native speaker.

His speech on all professional and general topics is as effortless and smooth as a native speaker.

ORAL PROFICIENCY DESCRIPTION

Level 1The Student has very little knowledge of the proper forms of English. Has very limited English vocabulary, is grasping for words and is having a difficult time understanding most of the questions and terms. Teacher needs to repeat questions and, if necessary, provide choices. Has very little or sometimes no intonation at all. But could improve stocks of vocabulary and communicative skills if would enroll in a phone English class.

Level 2The Student has minimal skills in using English. However, his sentence structure is still of the broken English type or structure that follows his native language construction. Native intonation is very much audible and he may not be very much aware of it. He could hardly understand questions asked and therefore he gives a different response. Teacher has to make sample sentences made simpler for him. Though if there will be continuous participation in an on-line English class where he can talk to an English speaker, he would be able to improve his stocks of vocabulary and communicative skills.

Level 3The Student has basic skills in English communication discussing simple everyday topics. Native intonation in his speech is still present and it may still be difficult to understand. Speech continues to consist of learned utterances rather than of personalized. His sentences are lacking in structure. His pronunciation, intonation, vocabulary and communicative fluency will be greatly enhanced through constant interaction with English speakers.

Level 4The Student has a good knowledge base of English Grammar rules although when left alone has difficulty. Native language intonation in his speech is still audible and pronounced, but he can already recognize proper English intonation. He is able to communicate using simple sentence structures. He recognizes simple and familiar thought groups or phrases. A phone class is more fitting for a busy person like him. Doing so, will definitely enrich his vocabulary, enhance his conversational skills and improve his diction or his enunciation of English words.

Level 5The Student can hold simple conversations in an arranged normal setting though he still hesitates while speaking. His intonation in native language is still present though there is already a presence of appropriate English intonation markers noticeable in simple statements and questions. He recognizes simple and familiar thought groups or phrases but has difficulty recognizing medium to difficult. Continued interaction with an English speaker will enable him to improve his communicative skill which includes grammar and enunciation of English words. In addition, his accent which is tinged with the native tongue will be fine-tuned.

Level 6The Student has considerable amount of confidence and has some awareness of personal difficulties in the use of the language. English is used as a tool for conversation and his confidence level is pronounced. He can hold a conversation much longer even with difficult or heavy topics though with occasional grammatical errors. Repetitions are done once occasionally for him to be able to recognize and give his response to the question. He needs conversation practice in a phone English context to help improve communicative skill. In addition, his accent which is still a bit tinged with the native tongue will be fine-tuned.

Level 7The Student is able to use English as a tool of communication and he also has a good command of the language and vocabulary, although he sometimes still commits grammar inaccuracies. He commits pronunciation errors only in difficult words. He uses more medium to difficult vocabulary words. He can correct his own mistakes and makes an effort to be more aware of the problems encountered. His pronunciation, intonation, vocabulary and communicative fluency will be greatly enhanced by constant interaction with English speakers.

Level 8The Student has a good working knowledge of the language. He can communicate well in various complicated situations in a second language environment and can make appropriate input in a conversation when necessary. Intonation and pronunciation is still not as good as can be expected but the student is already aware and can actually correct own mistakes. Though still faces some confusion in difficult words. Constant interaction with native speakers would maintain communication skills.

Level 9The Student can match wits with the fluent English speaker even though won't be taken as a native speaker. Blended words and complex sentences are already easy for the student to comprehend. Can understand the hidden meaning of Western humor and even match the humor. With constant practice and more interaction with native speakers, the student can adapt to any English speaking environment without hitches.

Level 10The Student is comfortable in using the language in a spontaneous conversation. He can communicate in situations or discussions that may involve intellectual participation. Native speakers can easily understand the student because of the strong vocabulary and syntax used. Has a highly developed listening skill. He is able to follow the speed of a native speaker and is able to recognize proper English intonation and pronunciation. He needs to continue having meaningful discourse with an English speaker to maintain communicative skill.