Evaluation Standards
CELPIP test score levels are based on a complex set of evaluation standards as outlined below.
Evaluating Listening Proficiency
Scoring of the Listening section is based on an evaluation of listening comprehension for various listening tasks. The evaluation assesses the examinee’s level of listening competency in terms of the following:
- Comprehension of the overall meaning of an oral text
- Comprehension of vocabulary and grammar cues
- Comprehension of specific details and relevant points
- Demonstration of the ability to compare and integrate information
The tasks of the Listening section include listening to messages, instructions, public announcements, dialogues, and general everyday transactions.
Evaluating Speaking Proficiency
Scoring of the Speaking section is based on an evaluation of speaking competency for various oral tasks. The evaluation considers the speaker’s overall organization, coherence, and fluency. Scores are given for each of the following four elements:
- Intelligibility
- Grammar
- Comprehension
- Clarity
The tasks of the Speaking section include answering questions, summarizing, paraphrasing, and talking about a subject in response to instructions or passages which the examinee will hear read aloud. As well, the examinee is expected to be able to convey information and engage in a presentation that may demand persuasion, analysis, or criticism.
Evaluating Reading Proficiency
Scoring of the Reading component of the Reading and Writing section is based on an evaluation of reading competency for various reading tasks. The evaluation assesses the level of reading comprehension based on an examinee’s demonstrated ability to perform the following:
- Identify the overall meaning or purpose of textual material
- Locate specific information
- Compare or integrate several pieces of information
- Comprehend main ideas
- Comprehend supporting details
- Interpret and use information found in the textual material
CELPIP-General reading tasks include both formatted and unformatted text. Examples of unformatted text are social interaction messages, business letters or messages, passages, as well as other informational text. Examples of formatted text are charts, tables, agendas, diagrams, maps, classified ads, sets of instructions, and forms such as invoices, licenses, and warranties.
CELPIP-Academic reading tasks include identifying errors in sentence structure, identifying errors in English usage, and summarizing short prose passages.
Evaluating Writing Proficiency
Scoring of the Writing component of the Reading and Writing section is based on an evaluation of writing competency for various writing tasks. The evaluation assesses the examinee’s level of writing competency in each of the following:
- Expression of ideas and factual information
- Use of grammar, syntax, and punctuation
- Demonstration of organization and coherence
- Demonstration of diction, idiom, and development
CELPIP-General writing tasks include writing letters or other social messages, responding to business messages or requests, and giving information about processes, events, attitudes, or people.
CELPIP-Academic writing tasks include summarizing and answering questions related to short prose passages and writing an argumentative essay.