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University of Arkansas

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SLPT
(Spoken Language Proficiency Test)

ELIGIBILITY:

International students and resident aliens whose native language is not English must demonstrate competency in spoken English by submitting a test score of at least 7 on the IELTS (speaking) sub-test, or 26 on the iBT TOEFL speaking section to be eligible for a graduate assistantship that requires direct contact with students in a teaching or tutorial role. This test cannot be waived. However, students who do not achieve a score of at least 7 on the IELTS (speaking) sub-test, or 26 on the iBT TOEFL speaking section may take the SLPT. See the Graduate Handbook or contact the Graduate School.

TEST DESCRIPTION:

The SLPT is a test that measures speaking skills of international students during a 25-minute interaction. Examinees will be instructed to prepare a 10-minute oral presentation on a given topic (the topic will be sent to the examinee's e-mail address the day before the exam). The evaluation period will begin with questions regarding the examinee’s personal background, field of study, and/or culture. The questions asked will be general in nature, and no prior knowledge will be necessary. Next, students will be asked to deliver and defend their presentation.

The SLPT evaluators will assess the examinee’s overall comprehensibility by indicating “pass” or “not pass”. They will not assess the examinee’s knowledge of the subject matter, academic success or their teaching technique, but focus only on their ability to communicate effectively.

Examinee’s oral English proficiency will be rated in the following areas:

  • Ability to speak clearly in English (easily understood by listener).
  • Ability to communicate ideas in a coherent manner (vocabulary, relevance and grammar).
  • Quality of overall oral communication (fluency, intonation, stress, etc.).
  • Ability to appropriately address the intended audience.
  • Overall comprehensibility of the speaker.

TEST DATES:

Test Dates
Deadlines
May 8, 2009
April 8, 2009
June 12, 2009
May 12, 2009
July 17, 2009
June 17, 2009
August 5, 2009
July 5, 2009
October 9, 2009
September 9, 2009
November 6, 2009
October 6, 2009
December 4, 2009
November 4, 2009

REGISTRATION:

To register for this exam come to Testing Services in 700 Hotz Hall. The fee for this exam is $60.00 and is paid at the time of registration. After the registration deadline, a late fee of $15 will be assessed in addition to the $60 test fee.  Click here for >Registration Form.

ID REQUIREMENT:

For examinees testing within their country of citizenship any government-issued identification such as passport, drivers license, state ID, and military ID are all acceptable. If you are not testing in your own country of citizenship, you MUST bring your passport in order to be tested.

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