The Global Seal of Biliteracy has developed a free adaptive language proficiency self-assessment based on the commonly used NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements. These Can-Do Statements are reflective of your language ability based on the ACTFL Language Proficiency Levels. Take one or all of the six short Self-Assessments to discover your likely level in each skill area. Regardless of your current language abilities, we hope you continue to level up. Here are some ideas to help you improve.
There are many free ways to “level up” your language skills in order to earn a Global Seal of Biliteracy. Apps may help you acquire new vocabulary and free online courses, podcasts and YouTube videos offer lots of content for language learners. These may be especially useful to understand how a language works or its “grammar.” The best way, however, to learn a language may just be to IMMERSE yourself in it. We’ve included a few ideas below to help you do that in each skill area.
How to Practice to “LEVEL UP” your Reading and Listening Skills
Authentic materials (made by native speakers for native speakers) are rich resources to practice your reading and listening skills. Look for favorite topics to keep you interested; language learning does not have to be boring. If you are new to the language, seek out shorter content with supporting images or videos to help you make guesses about words you may not yet know. Ideas include articles, videos, music and lyrics, websites, video series and podcasts, movies, infographics, graphic novels, and social media. Follow sites or individuals on social media to receive regular language input. You can follow celebrities, museums, travel sites, magazines and news agencies.
What you can do with authentic resources to demonstrate your comprehension:
List/Circle words you recognize
Find “Just the facts”: Who, What, When, Where, Why or How
For text, use different colored highlighters to code words (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.)
Add new words to your personal vocabulary list and begin to use them
Describe the person, place or activity with as much detail as you can
Sequence the events in a story
Summarize the information or retell the story
Say/Write questions you would want to ask
Say/Write your opinion on the topic. Do you agree/disagree?
If possible, comment or interact with the speaker, author or share/discuss it with a friend
How to Practice to “LEVEL UP” your Speaking Skills
Practice, practice, practice. Listening to the language will help you with pronunciation and flow. It’s great to find a fellow language learner or native speaker who is willing to practice with you, but you can also record or video yourself. Save your speaking samples to a folder so you can measure and celebrate your progress. If you don’t know what to say, read aloud. It’s a great way to practice speaking while gaining new vocabulary and confidence. Language Apps allow you to hear native speakers and record your own pronunciations. As you speak, try to create original sentences with words you know. Add detail and interest with descriptions and explanations to make your text longer. Your goal is to move from short 3-word sentences to paragraphs with an introductory sentence, supporting details and a conclusion. If you’re interested, there are also social media sites and private language tutors that will provide you with real interactions with native speakers.
How to Practice to “LEVEL UP” your Writing Skills
Practice, practice, practice. The more you read the language, the easier it will be for you to form your own sentences. Just like with speaking, your goal will be to incorporate new words as you expand your vocabulary to create original sentences. If you have a language learning partner or know a native speaker, try exchanging texts or emails in the language you’re learning. It may help to write out ideas or questions you want to ask prior to a conversation. Join social media groups in the target language and add comments or questions to posts. You can practice by keeping a journal that includes descriptions of daily events, people, thoughts or ideas. As your skills grow, try writing a story that includes both action and descriptions. Remember to add your practice writing to a folder to see your progress.