What is the ACTFL/ILR OPIc?

The ACTFL/ILR Oral Proficiency Interview - computer (OPIc) is an international test of spoken language proficiency. The OPIc assesses a test takers ability to use the language effectively and appropriately in real-life situations regardless of when, where, why or the way in which the language has been acquired. The ILR OPIc answers the question: What communication tasks can a person DO in a language? The ILR OPIc is designed to replicate an oral proficiency interview (OPI), a proficiency assessment conducted live by a Certified ILR tester. Instead of the live interviewer, the OPIc uses an Avatar who delivers pre-recorded test questions.

Taking the ILR OPIc

The test taker goes to a website address and enters a test ID. Once the OPIc program begins, the test taker is guided through the following. Test Description - A description of the test is given. Volume Check The test taker is required to do a sound check to ensure that the microphone and headset are working properly. Background Survey The test taker completes a survey to gather information about their interests, education, work, etc. Self Assessment The test taker chooses a set of statements about their language ability. Overview of OPIc procedures A review of the OPIc navigation keys and test procedure. Sample test question The test taker is given an opportunity to listen to a sample question and record response to ensure understanding of how the OPIc works.

The OPIc Avatar

The Avatar is a digital Tester who guides the test taker through the OPIc. The Avatar asks questions in the target language and the test taker then responds. The responses are digitally recorded, uploaded via the internet, and submitted for rating.

INTERMEDIATE Language Tasks Give simple explanations describe people, places and things in simple terms narrate events in the past, present and future deal with somewhat complex work related situations Sample Questions Describe your typical day. Tell about a good experience you had lately. Compare two things: cities VS countryside, peace VS war When are your next holidays and which you will make during these holidays? Sample Role Play Cancel an important meeting with a supervisor Explain basic office procedures to a new co-worker (work hours, breaks, location and use of photocopy machine, how to apply for vacation leave...) ADVANCED : Language Tasks give detailed explanations with precision deal with hypothetical issues defend an opinion, convey a point of view or justify an action give advice and counsel deal with complex work related situations Sample Questions Tell something about your career until now. Which are personal qualities necessary to do your work? What is your best personality that youd like continue in the future, that is to sayfor work or your personal development? Which is your opinion on the problem of obesity in our young people? Sample Role Play Convince your supervisor to let you take training that requires a two monthreplacement for your job. The training is not outlined in current PerformanceDevelopment plan but you feel it is important for your career advancement. You are a good friend. I confide in you that I am feeling stressed at work andvery tired. You know me very well, so give me some advice on what mighthelp me through this situation.

SUPERIOR Language Tasks Persuade and negotiate tailor language to fit audience (adopt different registers) deal diplomatically with sensitive work related issues represent different points of view convey a specific tone or attitude Sample Questions Which is your greater achievement with work or in your personal life?Why? If you could change something with the public office or with your work,what that would be and which would be the consequences? Which councils would you give to a new employee about themaintenanceof balance between work and the personal life? Describe your ideal holidays, the ideal retirement, or your idealemployment. Sample Role Play You are not satisfied with this years performance appraisal becauseyour

Tips for the Oral Proficiency Exam 2.Try to warm up in the learned language before you arrive for your interview. Talk to yourself or to someone else. Think whatyou might say in response to questions about yourself.3.Arrive a bit early so you have time to compose yourself. If you have to wait because the previous interview is running late,take the time to think about the things you can say about yourself in the learned language.5.Be sure to greet the interviewer back when you are greeted.6.If you start out poorly or make some stupid mistakes, don't get shaken. In the first part of the interview you will be getting usedto the interviewer's speaking style. Interviewers know you may be nervous and will try to make you feel at ease so you can doyour best.7.Choose your own speaking speed which is comfortable for you. If you know you make more mistakes when you speak too fast,slow down. If you're a slow speaker by nature, that's okay, but make an effort not to speak more slowly than you usually do.8.Don't be embarrassed by pauses. The interviewer

knows you have to pause sometimes to formulate your answer and will letyou do so unless it seems you really can't go on. But do try to answer as directly and spontaneously as possible. Don't stop tothink about every answer. Try to keep your end of the conversation going as naturally as possible.9.Keep talking. Don't stop the conversation by saying simply "yes" or "no". Be generous. Give details. Explain your point. Developyour thoughts. Make comparisons. Ask questions. Any device that demonstrates that you can carry a topic through will help your performance. Silence is your enemy. If you are not a talkative person by nature, you must make an extra effort for the test.10.Don't get hung up on a word. Avoid words you are uncertain of. All too often candidates will rack their brains for a particular word they feel they must use and paralyze the sentence. If you do get stuck, find a simple substitute or paraphrase and go onwith the conversation.11.Avoid English at all costs. The premise of the interview is that the interviewer speaks and understands only French. If you askthe interviewer for a translation of an English word, you won't get a response. Try to work around the word you don't know bydescribing the concept.12.Don't avoid grammar points. If you are asked what you would do if you were the University's president, the tester is probablytrying to make you use a specific grammatical structure. If you can handle it, comply. This may help raise your level.13.Don't get rattled because of the mistakes you know you've made. Isolated mistakes do not affect your rating.14.Show what you can do with what you know, mistakes and all. When you are engaged in a free conversation, a lot of thegrammar and vocabulary that you know will break down. The interviewer knows this and is more interested in finding out how wellyou can function despite your mistakes.