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Steering Committee for the Test Of Proficiency (SC-TOP) now presents Test of Proficiency-Speaking (TOP Speaking), a communication-oriented test which assesses Chinese learners’ non-academic speaking ability. The test materials are based on authentic situations which are close to everyday life. The purpose of the test is to evaluate test takers’ ability to effectively express themselves by speaking in assorted situations.
TOP speaking is a foreign/second language speaking test designed especially for non-native speakers of Chinese. Those who wish to measure their Chinese speaking ability or to study or work in Chinese-speaking areas are all welcome to take the test. Test takers can evaluate their Chinese speaking skills via the test and identify their strength and weaknesses for further improvement.
TOP Speaking for Beginner focuses on test takers’ ability to describe their experiences and their likes and dislikes. Also, test takers should be able to discuss topics concerning daily life. TOP Speaking for Learner concentrates on expressing personal emotions and delivering ideas or thoughts based on information provided. TOP Speaking for Professional measures the ability to present an argument and support it with cogent reasoning. TOP Speaking for Specialist is still under development.
TOP |
CEFR |
Description |
Beginner |
A2 |
- Can describe people, life, living or working conditions, daily routines, or likes and dislikes in a simple way
- Can describe a coherent story with simple phrases and sentences
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Learner |
B1 |
- Can give a direct and coherent description of a topic related to personal experience in a logical and fluent way
- Can comment on books or movies based on their content
- Can describe dreams, hopes, and expectations; describing real or imaginary events
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Superior |
B2 |
- Can describe and present an extensive topic related to personal experience in a clear and structured way; can provide adequate examples to support the argument
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Master |
C1 |
- Can present a complicated topic in a clear and well-structured way; can use explanations, reasons, and examples to extend and support the argument
- Can develop specific points and reach an appropriate conclusion
- Can announce events in a fluent and effortless way, with proper stress and intonation to deliver connotations
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For each level, the test adopts a 1-5 holistic scoring scale with 3 as the minimum passing score.The purpose of the test is to evaluate test takers’ ability to effectively express themselves by speaking in assorted situations.
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