Test results provide an overall evaluation of general ability and meaningful diagnostic information on the different language subskills of grammar, listening, reading and vocabulary.
The multiple-choice format ensures the reliability of results through standardized administration and objective scoring and is efficient and cost-effective. Parallel forms, developed continuously, afford opportunities for re-testing or for pre- and post-testing with different test items at each of the five levels.
Subtests at the different levels vary somewhat in length, as is appropriate to skill level as well as differences in the nature and complexity of the language tasks being assessed.
For example, more emphasis is placed on listening skills at the lowest level (Level Five), with tasks that include understanding simple classroom instructions. In contrast, more emphasis is placed on reading skills at the highest level (Level One), with tasks that include understanding an exposition of a complex scientific topic.
The G-TELP battery assesses English language proficiency in the following skill areas:
Level One: Listening, Reading and Vocabulary
Levels Two, Three, Four, and Five: Grammar, Listening, Reading and Vocabulary
An appropriate proficiency level can be selected by examining the G-TELP Test Descriptors. These are comprehensive descriptions of the language tasks that are examined at each of the five proficiency levels, and by reviewing the sample test questions.
| Level | Skill Area | Number of Questions | Time | Skill Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Listening | 30 | Approx. 30 min | Authentic English in Complex Communication |
| Reading and Vocabulary | 70 | 70 min | Authentic Modified English in Normal Communication | |
| Level 2 | Grammar | 26 | 20 min. | Authentic Modified English in Normal Communication |
| Listening | 26 | Approx. 30 min | ||
| Reading and Vocabulary | 28 | 40 min. | ||
| Level 3 | Grammar | 22 | 20 min. | Modified English in Simple Communication |
| Listening | 24 | Approx. 20 min | ||
| Reading and Vocabulary | 24 | 40 min. | ||
| Level 4 | Grammar | 20 | 20 min. | Basic English in Simple Communication |
| Listening | 20 | Approx. 15 min | ||
| Reading and Vocabulary | 20 | 25 min. | ||
| Level 5 | Grammar | 16 | 15 min. | Basic Classroom English |
| Listening | 16 | Approx. 15 min | ||
| Reading and Vocabulary | 18 | 25 min. |
The test scores are determined by the number of correct answers. A score for each section (Listening, Reading and Vocabulary, Grammar) is expressed as a percentage of correct answers and the total score is determined by the average percentage of three sections.
| Section | Percentage Scores | Mastery |
|---|---|---|
| Grammar | 100 |
- Mastery: An examinee who achieves 75% or greater in all three sections - Near Mastery: An examinee who achieves 75% or greater in two of three sections - No Mastery: An examinee who achieves 75% or greater in less than two sections |
| Listening | 100 | |
| Reading and Vocabulary | 100 | |
| Total Score | 300 | |
| Average Percentage of the Scores | 100 |
*The degrees of mastery don’t indicate whether or not a test-taker passed or failed.
The score report provides overall proficiency with three indicators.
- Mastery: An examinee who achieves 75% or greater in all three sections
- Near Mastery: An examinee who achieves 75% or greater in two of three sections
- No Mastery: An examinee who achieves 75% or greater in less than two sections
In the G-TELP, the emphasis is on determining functional ability to carry out well-
defined language tasks as well as knowledge of the structure of the language. The
grammar section includes ample context and realistic situations. In the listening
section, a variety of speakers are presented. In the listening and reading sections, two
types of questions assess the examinee's ability to understand explicitly stated
information and to draw inferences from explicitly and implicitly stated information.
Reading comprehension questions include an appropriate proportion of selected
vocabulary in the context of the specific reading tasks.
The G-TELP can be administered on demand to individuals or groups at the premises
of an institution or organization, or at designated testing locations (depending on the
country). Local licensing for distribution can be arranged.
The duration of the G-TELP tests varies depending on test level. Levels four
and five take approximately one hour to administer, with additional time for
instructions. Levels one through three take approximately one and a half hours to
administer, with additional time for instructions.
Examinees' scores are interpreted in relation to degree of mastery of clearly defined
learning tasks or objectives. Several different scores are reported on a score report
that presents a detailed diagnostic profile. Scores are also summarized
by class or group, and provide both individual and summarized data.
The G-TELP is scored at the International Testing Services Center (ITSC). Local scoring
of the G-TELP is conducted in certain country locations by special arrangement and
under strict ITSC guidelines.