6. Of the time spent using the target language, what percentage is: Responses must add up to 100%
8. Who does most of the talking? What percentage of a conversation is your part, and what percentage is the part of the average client? Responses must add up to 100%
10. What type of conversation do you have with clients, and how often in a typical day do you use each type?
16. What types of communication are you using when you speak to clients, and how often do you use each type?
32. What is the percentage ratio of reading to writing? Percentages must add up to 100%
34. What type of reading or writing is it, and how often do you use each type?
39. What form is the reading material, and how often do you encounter each type?
41. What types of material do you write in the target language, and how often?
Overall
ALTA Scale Descriptions of Written Performance
Level
General Description
1
The candidate has no ability to write in the target language.
2
The candidate's writing uses only isolated words and demonstrates no knowledge of grammatical structures. Excessive spelling, punctuation, and/or vocabulary mistakes are present.
3
The candidate’s writing uses only isolated words or phrases, and their knowledge of grammatical structures is very limited. Excessive spelling, punctuation, and/or vocabulary mistakes are present.
4
The candidate’s writing uses simple sentences, words, and/ or phrases. The candidate displays very basic knowledge of grammatical structures, but makes frequent mistakes. Excessive spelling, punctuation, and/ or vocabulary mistakes are present.
5
The candidate’s writing uses simple language structures with no elaboration. The candidate displays some knowledge of grammatical structures, but
mistakes are present. The candidate does not demonstrate the ability to effectively express opinions and/or explain procedures. Frequent spelling, punctuation, and/ or vocabulary mistakes are present.
6
The candidate’s writing uses basic structures to convey meaning, but no advanced or formal structures are used correctly. The candidate demonstrates a basic understanding of grammatical structures, but many mistakes are present. The candidate is unable to effectively express opinions and/or explain procedures. Spelling, punctuation, and/ or vocabulary mistakes are present.
7
The candidate’s writing uses basic structures to convey meaning, but almost no advanced or formal structures are used correctly. The candidate demonstrates a basic understanding of grammatical structures, but mistakes are present. The candidate might be unable to effectively express opinions and/or explain procedures in a coherent manner. Spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary are good in areas of frequent usage, but mistakes are present in advanced areas.
8
The candidate’s writing uses basic structures to convey meaning, but few advanced or formal structures are used correctly. The candidate demonstrates an understanding of basic grammatical structures, but mistakes are present in advanced areas. The candidate might have a limited ability to express opinions and explain procedures in a coherent manner. Spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary are very good in areas of frequent usage, but there are mistakes in advanced areas that may confuse the reader.
9
The candidate’s writing uses basic and advanced structures to convey his or her intended meaning. The candidate displays an understanding of basic and advanced grammar, but some mistakes are present. The candidate has a basic ability to express opinions and explain procedures. Spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary are very good in areas of frequent usage, but there are mistakes in advanced areas that distract but do not confuse the reader.
10
The candidate’s writing structure is clear and concise, but lacks style and fluidity. The candidate understands basic and advanced grammar, though a few mistakes are present in advanced grammatical structures. The candidate is able to express opinions and explain procedures in an informal style. Spelling, punctuation, and/or vocabulary are very good in areas of frequent and infrequent usage, but mistakes still occur in advanced areas.
11
The candidate’s writing structure is clear and concise, but may lack style and therefore seem similar to that of a less-educated writer. The candidate uses basic and advanced grammar correctly, with only very minor errors. The candidate is able to express opinions and explain procedures, but he or she may not use formal and informal styles effectively. Spelling, punctuation and/or vocabulary mistakes are very few and minor
12
The candidate’s writing structure is equivalent to that of a well-educated writer. The candidate is able to express opinions and explain procedures in a way that demonstrates an ability to write formal and informal styles. Any mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and/or vocabulary are very minor mistakes that a native speaker would make.
12+
The candidate’s writing structure is equivalent to that of a well-educated native writer. The candidate displays a complete range of linguistic nuance with no mistakes present.