Frequently Asked Questions
- Who must take the SPEAK® Test?
- I have a Bachelor's degree from UT. Do I have to take the SPEAK® Test?
- I learned British English. Won't this put me at a disadvantage on the SPEAK® Test?
- How long does the test take?
- How do I register for the SPEAK® test?
- When is the SPEAK®Test given?
- Where is the SPEAK® Test given?
- What is a passing score on the SPEAK® Test?
- Can I retake the SPEAK® Test if I do not achieve the score I need?
- Will I lose my Teaching Assistantship if I do not pass the SPEAK® Test?
- What do I need to bring to the SPEAK® Test?
- What function do the various tests of English play?
- What is the difference between the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the SPEAK® Test?
- I get nervous when I speak to a machine. What can I do?
- Where can I get more information on the SPEAK® Test?
- Why do only teaching assistants take the SPEAK® Test?
- Who must take the SPEAK® Test?
All teaching assistants whose native language is not English must take the SPEAK® Test.
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- I have a Bachelor's degree from UT. Do I have to take the SPEAK® Test?
Yes. The criterion for taking the SPEAK® Test is your native language. This applies to all persons regardless of citizenship status, previous educational experience, or scores on other tests. Obviously, persons with significant experience in an English-speaking environment may have excellent command of spoken English, and the SPEAK® Test quickly confirms this in those cases.
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- I learned British English. Won't this put me at a disadvantage on the SPEAK® Test?
No. The SPEAK® Test has been tested on speakers of British English and no differences in scores were observed.
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- How long does the test take?
The SPEAK® Test takes about 20 minutes.
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- How do I register for theSPEAK® test?
Register online.
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- When is the SPEAK® Test given?
The normal official SPEAK® Test dates are in the week before the beginning of class in August, January, and May. The actual day of the week may shift because university is officially closed, or for other reasons. (In 2003, for example, the first day of class was moved to Monday and the test had to be scheduled on Friday, January 3.) The test is given at 8:30 a.m. and the schedule can be found on the SPEAK® Test web page.
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- Where is the SPEAK® Test given?
This January it will be given in 1210–1211 McClung Tower (the tall building across the street from Hodges Library). Maps of McClung Tower and the surrounding plaza can be found online at http://www.utk.edu/maps/buildings/.
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- What is a passing score on the SPEAK® Test?
SPEAK® Test grades range from 20 (lowest) to 60 (highest). Intermediate grades are in steps of five points, i.e. 25, 30, 35, etc. There are three passing categories and one non-passing category of SPEAK® Test scores:
Score Category 50 or higher Unconditionally Approved for Classroom Teaching. This score means that the department may assign the TA any instructional duties it chooses. Departments are not required to assign teaching duties to persons in this range, but may do so as their needs require.
45 Conditionally Approved for Classroom Teaching. This score means that the department may assign the TA any instructional duties it chooses, but that the TA's approval for teaching is probationary.
Conditionally approved TAs need to make an appointment with the SPEAK® Test coordinator early in the semester to review how they can best improve their spoken English. Also, conditionally approved TAs will be observed by a member of their department and a faculty member appointed by the Graduate School to establish that they are successful in the performance of their teaching duties. These faculty members will then determine if the TAs can continue teaching or need to improve before resuming teaching duties.
40 Approved for Limited Assistance Roles. This score means that the department may assign the TA duties involving one-on-one contact in an instructional role. This may include assisting in a laboratory, tutoring individuals, grading papers and discussing them with individuals, or other roles of a similar nature.
35 or lower Not Approved for Instructional Duties. This score means that the TA's English is not adequate for instructional roles.
- Can I retake the SPEAK® Test if I do not achieve the score I need?
Yes. It is also advisable to schedule a meeting with the SPEAK® Test Coordinator as early as possible to discuss the best way to improve your score.
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- Will I lose my Teaching Assistantship if I do not pass the SPEAK® Test?
No. If you were promised a teaching assistantship as a condition for entering the U.S., you are subject to deportation if your teaching assistantship is withdrawn. University policy does not permit withdrawing the teaching assistantship that you were promised. You will be assigned other duties consistent with your performance on the SPEAK® Test. Many departments review the academic progress of their graduate students, and continuation of your teaching assistantship in the following academic year may depend on your improving your SPEAK score as well as on other aspects of your academic performance.
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- What do I need to bring to the SPEAK® Test?
Bring some personal identification, your student ID number (the one you use when you register at the Center for International Education), and a pen or pencil to fill out the form at the SPEAK® Test site.
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- What function do the various tests of English play?
The three tests we use at UT test different skills and are used for different purposes.
The TOEFL Test focuses on grammar, reading comprehension and listening comprehension skills. It is an entrance requirement to the university and establishes that you have the English skills sufficient to understand the instruction you will receive.
The English Placement Examination focuses on your ability to organize and write English compositions. It is a curricular requirement and establishes that you have the English skills necessary to write the papers, theses, reports, and dissertations necessary to complete your degree requirements.
The SPEAK® Test focuses on your ability to speak English. It is an administrative requirement for those people who need to assume teaching duties and establishes that you have the English skills necessary to provide the instruction that your students have paid for.
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- What is the difference between the Test of Spoken English (TSE) and the SPEAK® Test?
The Test of Spoken English is given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in connection with the TOEFL Test at selected sites around the world. The TSE costs $125. ETS reports TSE scores to institutions after about about 30 days.
The SPEAK® Test is given on the UT campus. There is no cost to the student. The scores are reported orally to the department within a week of the official test date and in writing to the student and the department within the next few weeks.
There is no substantive difference between the tests. The question types and score levels are the same. UT accepts TSE scores in place of SPEAK scores.
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- I get nervous when I speak to a machine. What can I do?
For many people, it is admittedly unnerving to speak into a microphone. It may help you to remember that you are really talking to a friendly and interested person who is listening to what you have to say. Imagine that you are talking to one of the persons in your department who has been helpful to you, such as your advisor, another graduate student, or the secretary when you give your answers.
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- Where can I get more information on the SPEAK® Test?
Educational Testing Service (ETS) describes the "new generation" of TOEFL speaking test and gives you an opportunity to practice your oral skills. See TOEFL practice questions!
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- Why do only teaching assistants take the SPEAK® Test?
Faculty members are subject to the same requirements of command of spoken English as are teaching assistants. Because faculty members are recruited and hired in a process which includes interviews, colloquia, lectures, teaching demonstrations, etc. in the presence of colleagues, administrative personnel, and students, their spoken English is assessed in many ways before they are hired. Teaching assistants may be recruited solely on the basis of a paper record without any opportunity to evaluate their speaking proficiency. The SPEAK® Test provides a common measure for all teaching assistants.
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