Four-level Rating Distribution
Introduction
English proficiency is an essential skill for many people in their academic and professional lives. The four-level rating system is a widely-used measure of English proficiency in China, with level four being the highest rating. The four-level rating system measures proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English. Let's take a closer look at the scoring distribution for each section.
Scoring distribution for Listening, Reading and Writing
Each section of the four-level rating system is scored out of 710 points. The listening section is composed of 40 questions, each question being worth 3 points. The reading section is composed of 30 questions, each question again being worth 3 points. Finally, the writing section has two parts; one is worth 30 points and the other 40 points, making up a total of 70 points.
The distribution is as follows:
| Score Range | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 600-710 | 15% |
| 500-599 | 40% |
| 400-499 | 35% |
| 300-399 | 10% |
The score range for each section of the four-level rating system sets an accessible and meaningful goal for English learners. While students that score above a 500 may be able to communicate with English-speakers, a score of 600 or above may indicate that the person can communicate at a professional level. With a score of 400-500 or above, the individual shows that they have a basic understanding of the language and are able to communicate with people in everyday situations.
Scoring distribution for Speaking
The Spoken English Proficiency Test (SEPT) is the only evaluation component that is carried out face-to-face. The test is conducted by a human examiner and assesses a person's ability to converse on familiar topics in English. The SEPT test scores are divided into three parts, with a highest score of 50 and a minimum passing score of 20. The distribution is as follows:
| Score Range | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 45-50 | 5% |
| 35-44 | 30% |
| 20-34 | 65% |
The SEPT test demonstrates a critical element of English proficiency - conversational ability. Scores of 45 or higher indicate that the individual has an excellent command of English and is capable of communicating effectively in most situations. Scores between 35 and 44 show that the individual's English is sufficient for everyday use, although some difficulties may be encountered in complex or demanding situations. Scores between 20 and 34 indicate that the individual has a significant difficulty in communicating in English and may require further study and practice to improve their English level.
