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General Test Information Purpose Test Specifications Nature of Test Test Structure Item Types & Tasks Specific Test Information		The initial Global English Proficiency Test (GEPT) will assess the English language proficiency of Korean students from year 3 to year 10. Test results may be used to indicate to parents their child's general English proficiency level in the four macro skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. The results may also be used to indicate the student's likely ability to undertake study in a native English speaking country. The Test Specifications underpin the development of the test items. Test specifications are the main tool of the test writer as they guide the writer in generating test items which are consistent in content and which have similar measurement characteristics. A substantial research component preceded and runs parallel to the development of the Test Specifications. Research was undertaken to assist in the development of the test specifications for the GEPT. The research focused on reviewing and analyzing L2 (Language 2) proficiency descriptors, language curricula, language and literacy tests, and test development processes, particularly those designed for audiences similar to those proposed for the GEPT. The frameworks and tests reviewed included: The National Korean English Language syllabus Years 3-10 Association of Language Teachers of Europe (ALTE) Framework Education Queensland - Aspects of Literacy Test Framework Educational Testing Service (ETS) Test of Spoken English (TSE)/Secondary Level English Proficiency Test (SLEP) International Second Language Proficiency Ratings - General Proficiency Version University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations - Young Learners Examinations NLLIA Bandscales (General and ATSI versions) Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) Washington, DC, ESL Standards for Pre-K -12 Students Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (including DIALANG) The Ontario ESL and FSL Curriculum Frameworks, Canada Choral English College Core English vocabulary lists. The analysis of these documents has assisted in ensuring that the GEPT contains the most appropriate: 1. Vocabulary 2. Subtest structures and lengths 3. Item types 4. Text types 5. Language functions 6. Scale and level (0 - 9) descriptors The GEPT is an proficiency test, i.e. it will assess the level of language proficiency that a child has acquired. Following the research component, the Test Development Team decided to present the test at three levels - A, B, and C. These levels correspond to different stages of English language development. Each test level allows a candidate the opportunity to succeed in demonstrating that they have acquired the language that has been presented to them and to score well in the test. The GEPT is therefore suited to students in three different age groups who are studying English as part of their compulsory Elementary or Middle School Education in Korea. The intended audiences for the three test levels are: Level A: Students in years 3 & 4 Level B: Students in years 5 & 6 Level C: Students in years 7 & 10 The tests will be designed for these target audiences taking account of the cognitive skills, English proficiency levels, and interests of the three different age groups. However, as many Korean students learn English outside of school, a student may take a test above their age group. Therefore, · Level A can be attempted by any student in Year 4 or below; · Level B can be attempted by any student in Year 6 or below; and · Level C can be attempted by any student in Year 10 or below. Each GEPT will be divided into 3 or 4 subtests which focus on one or more of the macro skills of Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. At Level A, Reading and Writing will be combined in a single module. The length of the subtests at each level will differ to take account of the varying age and ability levels of the intended candidature. Test Level Age Range (from DOB) Speaking(in minutes) Listening(in minutes approximately) Reading and Writing (in minutes) A 8-10 years 4 - 6 14 30 B 10-12 years 5 - 10 20 35 + 30 C 12-14years 7 - 12 20 45 + 40 Within each subtest there are a number of different test items which assess different aspects of language competence. The test tasks and items are designed to assess a candidate's English language competence in three areas: 1. Linguistic competence Lexical range Grammatical knowledge and use Semantic accuracy Phonological features 2. Sociolinguistic Competence Range of formulaic language Conventions of polite behavior Sensitivity to register 3. Pragmatic Competence Functional ability Discourse management Examples are given where the item type may be considered unfamiliar to the candidate.