What
is the SPEAK Test?
The SPEAK Test is produced and distributed by the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) program. The test is designed to measure the comprehensibility,
fluency, grammar, and pronunciation skills of a non-native speaker's oral
English.
Who
is required to take the SPEAK Test?
The Office of Graduate Studies requires that all international graduate students,
for whom English is not their native language, take the SPEAK test of oral
English proficiency before they begin duties as teaching assistants or associate-instructors.
Waivers from the exam may be granted to international students from English-speaking
countries (routinely) or to those who have strong English-speaking backgrounds
(e.g., foreign students from non English-speaking countries who have been
educated extensively in English-speaking schools). To apply for a waiver,
your department chair should submit a short written request to Graduate Admissions
in the Office of Graduate Studies - not the Teaching Resources Center - requesting
a SPEAK test waiver, identifying the student and explaining the justification
for the waiver.
When
is the test given?
The SPEAK Test is given several times at the beginning and end of each quarter.
Please refer to the SPEAK Exam
Schedule for the current academic year's dates.
How
do I register for the test?
In order to take the exam you must first schedule a test date, in-person,
at the Teaching Resources Center, basement of Wellman Hall, Room 17.
How
do I prepare for taking the SPEAK Test?
Prior to coming to take the test, review the SPEAK Practice Test booklet
and audio cassette. Please do not mark or write in the booklet.
RETURN
THE PRACTICE TEST BOOKLET TO THE EXAM INSTRUCTOR AT THE TIME
OF YOUR TEST.
Where
is the test given? What should I bring?
When you register, you will be told where the test will be given. When you
come to take the test, please bring with you any one of the following pieces
of current photo identification: a) Passport, b) UC Davis student ID card,
c) California driver's license.
All materials needed to take the SPEAK Test will be provided for you. Please
do NOT bring any other items with you into the classroom. Any items (such
as backpacks, handbags, briefcases, etc.) brought to the exam must be left
outside the classroom.
How
is the test Administered?
The test is administered by computer. Student responses are recorded and
later scored independently by two trained SPEAK Test evaluators. The scores
given by the evaluators are averaged, and those averages become your official
SPEAK Test score.
How
much time does the test require?
The test only takes about 30 minutes of your time.
Where
and when are the test results made available?
You will be told when you can pick up your results at the TRC. A copy is
sent to your department chairperson approximately five to six days after
you have taken the exam. Therefore, if you plan to take the exam during the
same quarter that you are scheduled to begin TAing, it is very important
that you schedule your examination as early in the quarter as possible.
What
do I have to do to pass the test?
First, there are no passing or failing scores. The exam is for informational
purposes only. High (or low) SPEAK Test scores do not guarantee that you
will be successful (or unsuccessful) as a TA. The exam does indicate how
fluent one is with the English language and whether UCD students may have
difficulty understanding you. This is not a reflection on you or your expertise
within your discipline. Second, the individual departments are free to set
their own SPEAK Test standards. Most departments use the SPEAK scores as
just one of the several criteria they consider in hiring TAs.
Can
the test be taken repeatedly until a higher score is attained?
Because there is seldom a significant increase in test scores if the exam
is repeated within 3 months, and because the University wishes to ensure
that test score improvement reflects real improvement in oral English skills
and not simply "learning the test," the exam may generally be taken
only once every 6 months or twice within the academic year. Exceptions can
be made if you are offered a TAship contingent upon your retaking the SPEAK
Test. Call the Teaching Resources Center at (530) 752-6050 for more information.
How
can I improve my test performance?
Tests are generally stressful situations. However, the SPEAK Test is easy
to take, requires only a few minutes of your time, and doesn't require that
you study a large volume of material. To alleviate some of your test anxiety
you should show up for your exam about ten minutes early. This will allow
you to become more comfortable with the test environment and give you a chance
to look over your Practice Test booklet once more before taking the exam.
How
can I improve my English language skills?
The University and Davis community offer a number of programs for
improving English language proficiency. A list of these resources is available
from the Teaching Resources Center.
Where
can I get more information?
Any questions regarding the administration of the SPEAK Test, or a request
for a change in your examination date, should be directed to the Teaching
Resources Center trc@ucdavis.edu 752-6050,
or stop by our office in the basement of Wellman Hall, Room 17.
Programs for Improving Teaching Skills and English Language Proficiency