Certificates and Exams

Italian

UAB Languages exams are proficiency exams, meaning that they test knowledge and communicative skills from an external perspective, regardless of the course taken, in line with the descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) for each level.
UAB Idiomes courses match the CEFR levels, but its exams assess different levels of language proficiency, not the specific content of courses, nor any other particular areas that may have been covered.

DESCRIPTION
 
Exam: Level A1 Italian exam consists of four parts.
 
1.    Reading comprehension test
 
Evaluates reading comprehension capacity using simple informative or descriptive texts, instructions, messages, signs, posters and adverts.
 
Consists of two or three exercises which may be multiple choice questions or short answer questions, sentence completion of relating and sequencing tasks. The test has a total of 25 items, and all questions carry the same weight in the test.
 
2.    Listening comprehension test
 
Evaluates overall listening comprehension with the capacity to understand conversation between native speakers, advertisements and instructions, media texts and recorded materials.
 
Consists of two or three exercises which may be multiple choice questions or short answer questions, sentence completion of relating and sequencing tasks. The test has a total of 25 items, and all questions carry the same weight in the test.
 
The recordings will be played twice.
 
3.    Writing test
 
Includes the production of two written texts, one interactional (for example, a form) between 20 and 30 words and another descriptive between 50 and 70 words. The first task is worth 10 points and the second 15 points.
 
4.    Speaking test
 
The test is done in pairs and consists of three parts:
1)    Questions about personal information.
2)    A controlled conversation between candidates on everyday and personal matters.
3)    Individual comments on topics related to daily activities.
 
SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS
 
We are currently working to provide sample test questions.
 
DURATION
 
The reading comprehension, listening and writing texts last a maximum of 90 minutes. The speaking test lasts approximately 15 minutes.
 
PASS CRITERIA
 
The four parts of the exam carry the same weight (25%) within the exam as a whole.
 
Level A1 is accredited when the following two conditions are fulfilled:
1. Obtain at least 50% in each of the tests for the evaluation of production and comprehension skills (written and spoken).
2. Obtain the overall minimum established for accreditation of the level (60%). 
 
MARKING PROCEDURES
 
The reading comprehension and listening comprehension tests are corrected by an examiner using a marking model.
 
The writing test is evaluated by an examiner using the established evaluation criteria which include: a) overall impression, fulfillment of the task and register; b) range and accuracy of vocabulary; c) range and accuracy of grammar and d) organisation, coherence and cohesion. In the case of doubt, the examiner may consult a second evaluator.
 
The speaking test is evaluated by two examiners using the established criteria  which include: a) fluency, coherence and cohesion; b) range and accuracy of vocabulary; c) range and accuracy of grammar and pronunciation, intonation and intelligibility. The examiners must agree the grade to be awarded.
 
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS TAKING UAB IDIOMES COURSES
 
For students taking a level at UAB Idiomes Campus, the exam indicates whether the student has passed. For students who have passed, the grade obtained in the final exam is dependent on their continuous assessment; in other words, whether the final grade is A, B or C.
 
Continuous assessment can consist of a series of small tests and the grade given by the teacher for effort, participation, attendance, etc.
           
 

DESCRIPTION
 
The Level A2 Italian exam consists of four parts.
 
1.    Reading comprehension test
 
Evaluates the capacity for overall reading comprehension using simple informative or descriptive texts, instructions, messages, personal correspondence, advertisements, notices and leaflets.
 
Consists of two or three exercises which may be multiple choice questions or short answer questions, sentence completion of relating and sequencing tasks. The test has a total of 25 items, and all questions carry the same weight in the test.
 
2.    Listening comprehension test
 
Evaluates overall listening comprehension with the capacity to understand conversation between native speakers, advertisements and instructions, media texts and recorded materials.
 
Consists of two or three exercises which may be multiple choice questions or short answer questions, sentence completion of relating and sequencing tasks. The test has a total of 25 items, and all questions carry the same weight in the test.
 
The recordings will be played twice.
 
3.    Writing test
 
Includes the production of two written texts, one interactional (for example, an e-mail) between 50 and 70 words and the other descriptive, narrative or informative of between 100 and 120 words. Both tasks carry the same weight.
 
4.    Speaking test
 
The test is done in pairs and consists of three parts:
1)    Questions about personal information.
2)    A controlled conversation between candidates on everyday and personal matters.
3)    Brief individual commentary on family topics.
 
SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS
 
We are currently working to provide sample test questions.
 
DURATION
 
The reading comprehension, listening and writing texts last a maximum of 120 minutes. The speaking test lasts approximately 15 minutes.
 
PASS CRITERIA
 
The four parts of the exam carry the same weight (25%) within the exam as a whole.
 
Level A2 is accredited when the following two conditions are fulfilled:
1. Obtain at least 50% in each of the tests for the evaluation of production and comprehension skills (written and spoken).
2. Obtain the overall minimum established for accreditation of the level (60%). 
 
MARKING PROCEDURES
 
The reading comprehension and listening comprehension tests are corrected by an examiner using a marking model.
 
The writing test is evaluated by an examiner using the established evaluation criteria which include: a) overall impression, fulfillment of the task and register; b) range and accuracy of vocabulary; c) range and accuracy of grammar and d) organsation, coherence and cohesion. In the case of doubt, the examiner may consult a second evaluator. 
 
The speaking test is evaluated by two examiners using the established criteria  which include: a) fluency, coherence and cohesion; b) range and accuracy of vocabulary; c) range and accuracy of grammar and pronunciation, intonation and intelligibility. The examiners must agree the grade to be awarded.
 
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS TAKING UAB IDIOMES COURSES
 
For students taking a level at UAB Idiomes Campus, the exam indicates whether the student has passed. For students who have passed, the grade obtained in the final exam is dependent on their continuous assessment; in other words, whether the final grade is A, B or C.
 
Continuous assessment can consist of a series of small tests and the grade given by the teacher for effort, participation, attendance, etc.
           
 

DESCRIPTION
 
The Level B1 Italian exam consists of four parts.
 
1.    Reading comprehension test
 
Evaluates the capacity for reading comprehension using simple informative, descriptive and argumental texts, instructions, messages and personal correspondence.
 
Consists of two or three exercises which may be multiple choice questions or short answer questions, sentence completion of relating and sequencing tasks. There is a variable number of multiple choice questions of 3 or 4 options. The test has a total of 25 items, and all questions carry the same weight in the test.
 
2.    Listening comprehension test
 
Evaluates overall listening comprehension with the capacity to understand conversation between native speakers, advertisements and instructions, media texts and recorded materials.
 
Consists of two or three exercises which may be multiple choice questions or short answer questions, sentence completion of relating and sequencing tasks. The test has a total of 25 items, and all questions carry the same weight in the test.
 
The recordings will be played twice.
 
3.    Writing test
 
Includes the production of two written texts, one interactional (for example, an e-mail) and the other descriptive, narrative or opinion of between 100 and 120 words. Each text must be at least 125 words long and no more than 200 words. Both tasks carry the same weight.
 
4.    Speaking test
 
The test is done in pairs and consists of three parts:
1)    Questions about personal information.
2)    A controlled conversation between candidates on everyday and personal matters.
3)    Brief individual commentary on family topics.
 
SAMPLE TEST QUESTIONS
 
We are currently working to provide sample test questions.
 
DURATION
 
The reading comprehension, listening and writing texts last a maximum of 150 minutes. The speaking test lasts approximately 15 minutes.
 
 
PASS CRITERIA
 
The four parts of the exam carry the same weight (25%) within the exam as a whole.
 
Level B1 is accredited when the following two conditions are fulfilled:
1. Obtain at least 50% in each of the tests for the evaluation of production and comprehension skills (written and spoken).
2. Obtain the overall minimum established for accreditation of the level (60%). 
 
MARKING PROCEDURES
 
The reading comprehension and listening comprehension tests are corrected by an examiner using a marking model.
 
The writing test is evaluated by an examiner using the established evaluation criteria which include: a) overall impression, fulfillment of the task and register; b) range and accuracy of vocabulary; c) range and accuracy of grammar and d) organisation, coherence and cohesion. In the case of doubt, the examiner may consult a second evaluator. 
 
The speaking test is evaluated by two examiners using the established criteria  which include: a) fluency, coherence and cohesion; b) range and accuracy of vocabulary; c) range and accuracy of grammar and pronunciation, intonation and intelligibility. The examiners must agree the grade to be awarded.
 
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS TAKING UAB IDIOMES COURSES
 
For students taking a level at UAB Idiomes Campus, the exam indicates whether the student has passed. For students who have passed, the grade obtained in the final exam is dependent on their continuous assessment; in other words, whether the final grade is A, B or C.
 
Continuous assessment can consist of a series of small tests and the grade given by the teacher for effort, participation, attendance, etc.