FOR NLSC USE ONLY
NATIONAL LANGUAGE SERVICE CORPS (NLSC)
CONTROL NUMBER
GLOBAL SKILLS SELF-ASSESSMENT
SECTION 3 SPEAKING
LANGUAGE:
INSTRUCTIONS: Read and consider the following six descriptions of speaking proficiency (numbered 0 through 5, including 1+ through 4+). Afterwards, decide which
description most accurately represents your overall speaking proficiency in the language named above. If your language proficiency is substantially better than one level
but not consistently as good as the next higher level, select the appropriate “plus” level.
(X one)
NO
I am unable to function in the spoken language. My oral production is limited to occasional isolated words. I have
PROFICIENCY
essentially no communicative ability
0
I can engage in simple face-to-face conversations on familiar topics. People often misunderstand me, but I am able
to make myself understood to people used to dealing with nonnative speakers by repeating myself. I have a very
ELEMENTARY
1
simple vocabulary and make a lot of grammatical errors, but I am able to take care of a lot of survival needs such
PROFICIENCY
as greeting people, introducing people, telling people about myself, and asking for basic information about hours of
operation, how much things cost, simple directions to destinations, etc.
1+
I can handle informal conversations successfully. I can begin, continue, and bring to completion a variety of
LIMITED
communication tasks. I can handle most everyday social conversation with some confidence, but not with ease,
2
WORKING
including casual conversations about current events, work, family, and autobiographical information. I can describe
PROFICIENCY
events occurring in the past, present, and future. I have control of everyday vocabulary sufficient to discuss general
topics of a concrete nature.
2+
I can participate effectively and with ease in both formal and informal conversations on abstract and professional
GENERAL
topics as well as practical and social topics. I can discuss my particular interests and fields of competence with ease.
3
PROFESSIONAL
In conversation, I can answer objections, clarify points, justify decisions, state and defend policy, or give a briefing.
PROFICIENCY
I show some breadth of vocabulary. I make occasional errors with low frequency and complex language, but these
almost never impede communication.
3+
I can speak the language fluently and accurately and with a high degree of effectiveness, reliability, and precision
ADVANCED
for all purposes within the range of my personal and professional experience and scope of responsibilities, even
PROFESSIONAL
4
when communicating in sophisticated and demanding conversations. I can communicate effectively with varied
PROFICIENCY
audiences, purposes, tasks and settings. If a nonnative speaker, I may exhibit a slight foreign accent, although this
never disturbs the native listener.
4+
I speak the language as well as a highly articulate, well-educated, native speaker. I can use the language with
complete flexibility and intuition, so that my speech on all levels is fully accepted by, and equivalent to, a well-
EDUCATED
5
NATIVE
educated native speaker in all of its features, including breadth of vocabulary, colloquialisms, and pertinent cultural
PROFICIENCY
references. My pronunciation is consistent with that of an educated native speaker of a standard dialect of the
language.
DD FORM 2934, JAN 2016
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