Spectrum Academic English is a secure test of general English ability, set in a US college environment. There are listening and reading modules, with further modules following.

The test is ideal for student placement, and/or tracking student progress in ESL study programs. It is especially suitable for programs that prepare students for US college study.

However, this is a test of general English, which does not require knowledge of any particular academic discipline. Nor does it require knowledge particular to the university environment. As a result, the test can be used as a convenient, cost-effective test of general English proficiency.

Currently two forms of the Spectrum Academic English are available in both listening and reading, Form A and Form B. It is designed to cover the full range of ESL ability, from beginner to advanced speaker. On the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) this is from A1 to C1, and on the US government ILR scale, 0+ to 3.

The test reports scores on both a numeric scale, and on a set of proficiency descriptors. The numeric scale runs from 0 to 80. Each level is associated with detailed proficiency descriptors that help interpret the scores. The Spectrum Academic Scale has the following levels:

 

Spectrum Academic English is available in both paper and pencil versions and internet-based versions. The Internet-based version is delivered by Prism, Lidget Green's proprietary online test delivery system. Written in Java, it is browser and operating system independent, and can deliver tests quickly and efficiently, to any computer connected to the internet.

 

If you wish for more details, please contact us.

If you are interested, see our online demonstration  test.

If you would like to see technical information about the test, contact us for a copy of our technical manual.

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