Are you curious about the world of English language assessments and how they can help your child’s learning journey? If so, you’ve likely come across terms like AR, Lexile, and GRL. These are not just random acronyms; they are systems designed to measure the difficulty of books and the reading level of individuals. Let’s dive into the details of PET, SM, and AR, and understand how they can be beneficial for your child’s English learning experience.
Understanding PET
The PET, or Preliminary English Test, is an English language proficiency test designed by the University of Cambridge. It is aimed at learners who have an intermediate level of English. The test is divided into four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. It is widely recognized and accepted by educational institutions and employers worldwide.
Here’s a brief overview of the PET test:
| Section | Duration | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 minutes | 40 questions |
| Writing | 45 minutes | 2 tasks |
| Listening | 25 minutes | 40 questions |
| Speaking | 8-11 minutes | Interview with two candidates |
Exploring SM
SM, or Standard Marking Scheme, is a system used to evaluate the performance of candidates in the PET test. It provides a clear and consistent way to assess the candidates’ abilities in the four language skills. The SM is based on a scale of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score.
Here’s how the SM works:
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Level 0: No relevant language used.
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Level 1: Some relevant language used, but with many errors.
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Level 2: Some relevant language used, with some errors.
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Level 3: Relevant language used, with some errors, but generally clear.
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Level 4: Relevant language used, with some errors, but generally clear.
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Level 5: Relevant language used, with some errors, but generally clear.
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Level 6: Relevant language used, with some errors, but generally clear.
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Level 7: Relevant language used, with some errors, but generally clear.
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Level 8: Relevant language used, with some errors, but generally clear.
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Level 9: Relevant language used, with some errors, but generally clear.
Delving into AR
AR, or Accelerated Reader, is a reading program developed by Renaissance Learning. It is designed to help students become more effective readers by providing them with books that are at their reading level. The AR system assigns a book a specific level, which is determined by its readability and complexity.
Here’s how the AR system works:
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Books are assigned an AR level based on their readability and complexity.
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Candidates take a quiz after reading a book to test their comprehension.
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The quiz results determine the candidate’s reading level.
Here’s a table showing the AR level range and corresponding reading levels:
| AR Level | Reading Level |
|---|---|
| 0.0 – 1.9 | Kindergarten – Grade 1 |
| 2.0 – 2.9 | Grade 1 – Grade 2 |
| 3
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