Interactive English Assessment
Q: Is his English good enough...
A for our London office?
B to make that important presentation?
C to negotiate on the companyís behalf?
D for promotion?
Working out the answer isnít always that simple. External language testing was
once the only option, but at £100 a test itís both expensive and
time-consuming. The hidden cost of external language testing can hit employers
hard in terms of lost productivity. Also, external language assessment of 300
employees each year can amount to 600 lost working days. Add to this, test
preparation courses and the lengthy wait for test results to arrive, and you
soon discover that external testing is an extremely expensive option.
Even the highest quality general English tests cannot tell employers what they
need to know. A test of professional English such as the Delaso Interactive
English Test assesses language skills from a practical perspective. It can
tell you an employeeís current level of professional English and indicate how
well they can use the language successfully in a wide range of professional
situations in an international office/business environment.
In short, if your business or organisation needs to...
assess new employeesí English skills quickly, reliably and accurately
confirm an employee has the required level of English for the job
monitor an employeeís progress in English
know that an employee can follow a training course in English
report employee test scores on an international scale
...we have the solution for you.
With the Delaso Interactive English Test, you can...
cut your companyís language training costs.
administer tests where and when you want.
use one test for all language levels.
get test results at the touch of a button.
assess an employeesí level of English anytime you want.
set employee learning goals.
report employeesí English level on the internationally-recognised CEFR* scales.
(*Council of Europe Framework of Reference for Languages)
Why choose the Delaso test?
You save money. Our test is extremely cost-effective.
You slash the number of working days lost through lengthy external testing.
You reduce employee turnover by ensuring candidates have the right level of English for the job.
Test administration is straightforward, so no special training is required.
You use ONE test for all language levels.
All questions can be answered by mouse click.
Each employee takes a personalised test
All questions are automatically shuffled to enhance test integrity and security.
Test instructions are in clear, easy-to-understand English.
You get immediate, internationally-standardised test results.
Reporting format is clear and easy to understand.
Delaso Interactive English Test
Our test has been professionally designed according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and is aimed at anyone required to use English in a professional working environment e.g. office, business.
How is the test structured?
The test comes to you on an easy-to-install CD with full instructions in plain English. It assesses reading, writing, use of English, and listening skills in a business/professional context in three parts
1 Reading
2 Writing & Use of English
3 Listening
The test consists of a computer programme and a large bank of test questions, covering all levels of ability, from A1 (beginners level) to C2 (native speaker level). The computer selects questions according to whether the previous answer chosen was right or wrong; in this way, the questions become progressively easier or harder until the system has a reliable assessment of the candidate's level for each skill. This means that motivation is maintained throughout the test, as no test-taker is expected to attempt series of questions that are either too easy or too difficult for them.
Time taken to complete the test will, naturally, vary according to each test-takerís level, from approximately 40 minutes for levels A1 and A2 to 90 minutes for levels C1 and C2.
All questions are multiple choice format.
The ëWriting & Use of Englishí test does not require direct written (or typed) input. Written knowledge is assessed by choosing the best option from authentic written texts including notes, emails, letters, memos, messages, reports, professional articles, etc.
Which areas does the test cover?
Our test is bang up-to-date and immediately relevant for anyone using English at work. It is not aimed at specialists in any one particular function, but considers the following broad areas and skills for generic business purposes:
Communication at work (formal and informal spoken interaction)
Business writing (emails, letters, reports, memos, publicity)
Reading business publications (newspapers, magazines, journals)
Telephoning (making, receiving calls, taking messages, voicemail)
Understanding workplace documentation (memos, reports, proposals, contracts)
Meetings, conferences and presentations (in-company and external)
To read more about the content of the Delaso Interactive English Test, please click here.
What about the test results?
At the end of the test, each test-taker receives a report detailing their current level in reading, writing and listening according to the Council of Europe Framework of Reference for Languages. The report will also detail what the test-taker can do in each skill at the level reached.
The report may indicate, for instance, that a test-taker has reached level B2 in reading, B2 in listening, and B1 in writing. This allows Human Resource and training managers to identify any skill area(s) on which an employee needs to improve for a particular post, assignment or promotion.
For a sample report, as well as details of the CEFR scales used, please click here.
How much does the test cost?
The Test comes as a CD and cost depends on the number of tests purchased.
50 Tests £1,000
100 Tests £1,600
200 Tests £3,000
300 Tests £4,200
If you would like to purchase fewer than 50 tests or more than 300, please contact us for a quote.
Please note that UK-based purchasers will be required to pay VAT in addition to the above costs.
Customised Tests
Our testing specialists can also customise interactive tests to reflect the needs of your business or organisation. This might include:
Content: Tailored test questions that reflect your core business activities e.g. banking, insurance, pharmaceutical, airline, oil & gas, engineering, defence and aerospace, computing, journalism, advertising.
Structure & Format: Tailored skills tests to reflect your specific needs. You might also like to set specific time limits per section, introduce a speaking test, or have a test that focuses on a limited number of levels. Just tell us what you need and leave the rest to us.
Level Focus: You choose the level or levels you need to assess.
Branding: Have your company logo appear on all test pages
If you feel that a customised test might best meet your requirements, please click here to read about the benefits.
Tests you can Trust
Language testing is our business, so when it comes to world class language test design, youíre in safe hands. Our test designers all have many yearsí experience in language test construction and also in training testers. In addition to Masters level qualifications in foreign languages, applied linguistics, English for Specific Purposes and International Business, our testers also all have MAs in Language Testing.
Delasoís testers have designed the following tests:
IN2ENGLISH
Online level tests for the British Council/BBC, China (A1 ñ C2)
Learn English
Online level tests for the British Council (A1 ñ C2)
Learn English Professionals
Online level tests for the British Council (A1 ñ C2)
Test Availability
The Delaso Interactive English Test is available from October 2007.
Contact us
Email us today to order the Delaso Interactive Test. If you have any questions you would like to discuss, you can also talk to us on +44 (0)1700 500 020.
Delaso Interactive English Test - Content
Reading
Test questions for reading are carefully selected from a wide range of authentic international materials including:
Letters, emails, memos, notes, forms, newspapers, magazines
Reports
Legal documentation
Policies & procedures
Contracts, bids & proposals
Tender documentation
Professional publicity documentation
Professional journals, articles
Manuals (software, equipment)
Software (instructions, messages, warnings)
CVs, performance appraisals
Agendas & minutes
Listening
Listening test questions focus on English for:
Everyday spoken interaction in the workplace (formal and informal)
Spoken professional interaction outside the office (trade fair, travel, etc)
Telephone calls (messages, voicemail)
Meetings, presentations, briefings
Conference participation
TV/Radio news/broadcasts
Public announcements
The listening materials have been recorded in a professional studio and feature an authentic mix of different English accents.
Writing and Use of English
Test questions for Writing and Use of English are carefully selected from a wide range of authentic international materials including:
Letters, emails, memos, forms, notes
Reports
Professional papers (contracts, bids, proposals)
Position papers
Publicity briefs & documentation
Articles for professional/international publications
Summaries
Invitations
Delaso Interactive English Test
Test results will be reported according to the following scales:
Council of Europe Framework of Reference for Languages Scales
CEFR READING COMPREHENSION SCALE
C2 Can understand and interpret critically virtually all forms of the written language including abstract, structurally complex, or highly colloquial literary and non-literary writings. Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts, appreciating subtle distinctions of style and implicit as well as explicit meaning
C1 Can understand in detail lengthy, complex texts, whether or not they relate to his/her own area of speciality, provided he/she can re-read difficult sections.
B2 Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. Has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low frequency idioms.
B1 Can read straightforward factual texts on subjects related to his/her field and interest with a satisfactory level of comprehension.
A2 Can understand short simple texts containing the highest frequency vocabulary, including a proportion of shared international vocabulary items.
Can understand short simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high frequency everyday or job-related language.
A1 Can understand very short, simple texts a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names and basic phrases and re-reading as required.
CEFR WRITING SCALE
C2 Can write clear, smoothly flowing, complex texts in an appropriate and effective style and a logical structure which helps the reader to find significant points.
C1 Can write clear, well-structured texts of complex subjects, underlining the relevant salient issues, expanding and supporting points of view at some length with subsidiary points, reasons and relevant examples, and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion.
B2 Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
B1 Can write straightforward connected texts on a variety of subjects within his/her field of interest, by linking a series of shorter discrete elements into a linear sequence.
A2 Can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like ëandí, ëbutí and ëbecauseí.
A1 Can write simple isolated phrases and sentences.
CEFR LISTENING COMPREHENSION SCALE
C2 Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast native speed.
C1 Can understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics beyond his/her own field, though he/she may need to confirm occasional details, especially if the accent is unfamiliar.
Can recognise a wide range of idiomatic expressions and collocations, appreciating register shifts. Can follow extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly.
B2 Can understand the main idea of propositionally and linguistically complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in a standard dialect, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
Can follow extended speech and complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar, and the direction of the talk is sign-posted by explicit markers.
Can understand spoken language, live or broadcast, on both familiar or unfamiliar topics normally encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. Only extreme background noise, inadequate discourse structure and/or idiomatic usage influences the ability to understand.
B1 Can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job-related topics identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent.
Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, leisure etc., including short narratives.
A2 Can understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
Can understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
A1 Can follow speech which is very slow and carefully articulated with long pauses for him/her to assimilate meaning.
CEFR GRAMMATICAL ACCURACY SCALE
C2 Maintains consistent grammatical control of complex language, even while attention is otherwise engaged (e.g. in forward planning, in monitoring of othersí reactions).
C1 Consistently maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy; errors are rare and difficult to spot.
B2 Shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. Does not make mistakes which lead to misunderstanding.
Good grammatical control; occasional ëslipsí or non-systematic errors and minor flaws in sentence structure may still occur, but they are rare and can often be corrected in retrospect.
B1 Uses reasonably accurately a repertoire of frequently used ëroutinesí and patterns associated with more predictable situations.
Communicates with reasonable accuracy in familiar contexts; generally good control though with noticeable mother tongue influence. Errors occur, but it is clear what s/he is trying to express.
A2 Uses some simple structures correctly, but still systematically makes basic mistakes.
A1 Shows only limited control of a few simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns in a learnt repertoire.
Delaso Interactive English Test - Sample Report
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Name
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Test Date
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Language |
ENGLISH
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The test results suggest that the candidate has reached the following Common European Framework of Reference Language Levels for English.
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Skill |
Reading |
Writing |
Listening
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Level |
B2 |
B2 |
B1
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Interpretation
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Reading |
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At level, B2, a candidate can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively. S/he has a broad active reading vocabulary, but may experience some difficulty with low frequency idioms.
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Writing |
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At level B2, a candidate can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of work, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
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Listening |
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At level B1, a candidate can understand straightforward factual information about common everyday or job- related topics identifying both general messages and specific details, provided speech is clearly articulated in a generally familiar accent.
S/he can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, leisure etc., including short narratives.
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GRAMMATICAL ACCURACY |
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At level B2, a candidate shows a relatively high degree of grammatical control. S/he does not make mistakes which lead to misunderstanding.
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