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Discovering the benefits of Maki's Spoken Language Proficiency Assessment
Discovering the benefits of Maki's Spoken Language Proficiency Assessment

This article will detail Maki’s spoken language proficiency and how it can help with the application process.

Solène avatar
Written by Solène
Updated over 5 months ago

At Maki, we are committed to providing comprehensive tools for evaluating candidates' skills. The Spoken Language Proficiency assessment is designed to measure a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a given language, focusing on pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar. It is particularly beneficial for roles that require strong verbal communication skills, such as customer service representatives, sales personnel, and team leaders. By accurately measuring candidates’ communication skills, employers can ensure they select individuals who are capable of performing their roles effectively, leading to better customer interactions, improved teamwork, and overall organizational efficiency.

How It Works

  1. Assessment Delivery: Candidates are prompted to answer a series of questions or perform specific tasks verbally. These prompts are designed to elicit responses that showcase their language abilities.

  2. Recording: Candidates' responses are recorded using a reliable speech-to-text system.

  3. Analysis: Advanced AI algorithms analyze the recorded responses to assess various language parameters.

  4. Scoring: Each candidate is assigned a score based on their performance in different language aspects.

Parameters Measured in the Assessment

The assessment measures the following parameters:

  • Pronunciation: Evaluated by the clarity and correctness of speech sounds.

  • Fluency: Assessed by the flow and speed of speech.

  • Vocabulary: Judged by the variety and appropriateness of words.

  • Grammar: Evaluated by the correctness and complexity of sentence structures.

  • Coherence and Cohesion: How logically ideas are connected and presented.

Each parameter is evaluated individually, and scores are aggregated to provide a comprehensive assessment of the candidate's spoken language proficiency.

How the Results Are Computed

Results are computed using a combination of automated speech recognition (ASR) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques. The system transcribes spoken responses and evaluates them against predefined linguistic criteria. Scores for each parameter are calculated and combined to provide an overall proficiency score.

Mapping to CEFR Levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is widely used to categorize language proficiency levels. Our assessment maps the overall proficiency score to CEFR levels using an established correlation with IELTS scores. Here’s how the mapping works:

  • A1 (Beginner): Basic ability to communicate and understand simple messages.

  • A2 (Elementary): Ability to handle simple, straightforward information and express basic needs.

  • B1 (Intermediate): Capable of handling everyday situations and expressing opinions.

  • B2 (Upper Intermediate): Ability to interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity.

  • C1 (Advanced): Effective operational proficiency, capable of complex communication.

  • C2 (Proficient): Near-native speaker level of proficiency.

The equivalent IELTS scores for these CEFR levels are as follows:

CEFR

IELTS Score

A1

1.0 - 2.5

A2

3.0 - 3.5

B1

4.0 - 5.0

B2

5.5 - 6.5

C1

7.0 - 8.0

C2

8.5 - 9.0

❗️ Helpful Tips for Acing a Spoken Language Proficiency Assessment

  1. Practice Regularly: Engage in regular speaking practice to enhance fluency and pronunciation.

  2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases to use in various contexts.

  3. Listen and Imitate: Listen to native speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation and intonation.

  4. Record Yourself: Record your speech and analyze it to identify areas for improvement.

  5. Stay Calm: Maintain composure during the assessment to ensure clear and coherent responses.

By integrating our Spoken Language Proficiency Assessment into your hiring process, you can ensure that your candidates possess the necessary language skills to excel in their roles. Our AI-driven technology provides accurate, unbiased, and efficient assessments, making your recruitment process more robust and reliable.

💡 Need help with anything?

If you want to know more about our Spoken Language Proficiency or want it to be part of your application process, do not hesitate to reach out to our support team at [email protected]. We’re here to help you make the most of our platform and facilitate your recruitment process.

Thank you for being part of our Maki community!

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