Assessment of Listening and Speaking
As you learn to listen and speak in a second language, you will become more and more fluent. There are some things we need to keep in mind, though. Listening and speaking are both important social skills. These skills are influenced by socio-emotional factors. For example, how the child sees himself, how confident he is, and how willing he is to try new things and make mistakes without being judged will all affect how well he listens or speaks. We need to think about how children think. The assertive child or the shy and timid child will react very differently when they have to speak. Their performance may not have anything to do with their level of language skills.
It could just be a reflection of how they are as people. It is very important to know what assessment is for, and to make sure that this purpose is not harmed in any way.
If you look at assessment in a positive way, it can help you learn more. It is more effective if the students enjoy this process. The teacher’s job is to make sure that assessment is friendly and not scary.
Assessment of Listening and Speaking, or ASL, is introduced as part of the curriculum for classes 11 and 12 in CBSE schools to evaluate students’ listening, speaking, and communication skills in the English language.
ASL enables students to be evaluated on a variety of abilities, including articulation, knowledge, grammar, comprehension of the question, and prompt response. Thus, it is critical to choose topics that students are familiar with, as this will aid in their preparation and provide time for them to practise and master the above-mentioned skills.
For instance, “IPL and its Advantages and Disadvantages,” “Mobile Phone Addiction,” “Advantages of Social Media,” and “Importance of Mathematics in class 11 and 12” are all examples of topics. Topics that are easily relatable to students’ thoughts and imaginations are optimal because they will elicit additional content from their speech.
Listening Task
The best way to communicate with other people is to listen and to be listened to. And in order to see how well a student can listen, they have to sit in an audiovisual room where two audio clips are played in front of them to show them. You can listen to one of those audios as a speech, and the other one is more like a conversation. Play both audios twice before students. After they’ve listened to both, students will only be asked about the audios that were played. The audios will be played all at once and will not be repeated more than twice or paused in between, so the student needs to pay attention to the audios. Afterwards, the student must answer all of the questions correctly, but there will be no negative marks for wrong answers.
A series of questions will be asked to a student. Throughout the task, an audio clip will play. There will be four brief discussions in this clip about various topics such as the health benefits of chocolate, Indian tribes, and a trip to a particular location. Four distinct types of questions will be posed in response to these clips, one for each of the four discussions. The student must respond to all questions concurrently. The nature of the question now varies. They will, for instance, ask:
- Multiple Choice Questions ( MCQs)
- Selecting from a group of statements the sentences that the speaker believes are correct
- Select the proper sequence for the statements.
- Use one or two words to fill in the blanks.
- The speaker will repeat himself twice to allow you to double-check your responses.
- I would recommend that you read the question paper once more before the audio clip begins.
Speaking Task
The speaking test is used to see how well the student can speak. The student will be required to present a topic in this task. You must select one from a list of possible topics that your teacher will provide prior to conducting the ASL. To make this task, the students are put together in groups that aren’t chosen by the teacher. Both students then have to write a speech on one of the topics that their school gives them. The students can choose their own topic, depending on how their school does things. The two students will each give a speech on the topic they have chosen, and then the examiner will ask them some general questions about what they have learned. The answers that the students will give will be kept in a file.
Some important Tips for ASL
Students should not rush through their speech and should maintain proper unnecessary poses with regular breathing. This will give them the appearance of being both confident and knowledgeable about their subject.
- Students should maintain a consistent pronunciation and avoid fumbling or speaking incoherently.
- The students’ content should be succinct, succinct, and clear, without being overly flowery or difficult to comprehend.
- Students should be expressive and speak with appropriate vocal modulation. The tone of the speech should not be monotonous or dull.
- While interrogating their opponent, students should ask insightful and one-of-a-kind questions about the topic.
- Students should refrain from becoming defensive during the question and answer period, as this is a discussion, not a debate. They should attempt to maintain their composure as they respond to the questions.
Some of the best & the most popular ASL topics :
- Future of technology in India
- Sports and sportsmanship
- How to Become a Doctor?
- My Idea of Ideal India
- Health and fitness
- Ethics and Values
- Science and technology
- What You Miss During Lockdown
- Make in India campaign
- Tourism in India
- India is a land of great personalities
- Cricket team captains
- Responsibility of citizens
- Mother Teresa
- Power cuts
- Pollution
- Martial Arts
- Concepts and Methodologies of Teaching
- T.V. Shows
- Music
- Standard of living
- Compassion
- Respect to children
- Your Possession
- Celebrity
- Memorable journey
- Need for celebrations
- Rapid increase in sale / purchase
- Buildings
- Animals
- Newspaper, Mobile, Computers
- Good values
- Picnics, Outings
- Life in cities
- Environment
- Computers
- Natural disaster
- Saving mother earth
- Rapid urbanization
- Effects of reading books
- A craze among students
- Unidentified objects
- Sound physical fitness
- Crimes in students
- Empowering women
- Smart phones in school
- Terrorism in India
- Nature
- Generation Gap
- Urging students to say no to plastics
- Competitions
- Women are not fit for defense services
- Exploitation of children in school
- The need to promote tourism in India
- Do something to come in limelight
- Commercialization of education
- Beggars
- Corruption in India
- Views on ideal India
- Problem of piracy in India
- Poverty in India
- Censorship of films in India
- Digital India
- My dream for India
- TV viewing is harmful
- Advantages of leaving with grandparents
- Traffic conjunction
- Coaching Institute support school teaching
- Clean & green country
- Child labour – a real abuse to human
- Hill station
- Peer pressure acts as a morale boost
- Metropolitan cities
- TV is better than books
- Plastic bags
- Environment
- Duties and Responsibilities of Citizens
- Qualities of a Good Leader
- Science and technology.
- Human resources.
- Child labour.
- Democracy.
- Possibility of World War 3
- Regulation of international trade
- Distribution of the commonwealth
- Global warming
- Inflation and recession
- Importance of Moral Education
- Women – Crime
- Education for all
- Hatred
- Is Grading system better than marks
- Future
- The Importance of Descipline
- Environmental Degradation
- Wild Life and Our Responsibility
- The Pros and Cons of Online Education
- The Importance of Trees
- Environmental Pollution and its Control.
- LGBT rights
- The true idea of feminism
- Modern Education System
- Poverty in India
- Global Warming
- Religion should not be mixed with politics
- Responsibilities and Government
- How we can promote literacy
- Old culture
- Ethics
- Highlight Progress / Poverty / Crime
- National heritage
- The Changing Face of India
- Environment Conservation
- Sustainable Development
- Exam pressure on teenagers
- Handling peer pressure
- Drug abuse
- Educational Technology
- There is no life after death.
- TV adverts are not a work of art.
- Allow social media at school.
- Cash will be discontinued.
- Music has the power to heal.
- Old buildings must be preserved.
- There needs to be a one car per family rule.
- Marriage should only be allowed from age 25
- Parents home schooling their children should have to pass tests first.
- The Bermuda triangle is fact, not fiction.
- Medication doesn’t help hyper active children.
- Fake news circulation
- Plastic ban
- Lack of knowledge about our traditions and history
- It is possible to live without the internet.
- Leadership cannot be taught.
- Hard work vs smart work
- Generation gap
- Importance of Mental Health
- Overcoming fear
- Importance of reading books
- Importance of yoga in a students life
- Value of discipline
- The most memorable day of my life
- What if I were a millionaire
- Inspiration from great personalities
- Importance of time management
- Greatest inventors and their inventions
- A friend in need is a friend indeed
- Married couples should have affairs with each other.
- Businesses should not open on Sundays.
- Countries must have closed borders.
- Teenagers lack survival skills.
- Gadgets have restricted children’s imaginations.
- Virtual relationships will not survive in the real world.
- Modern art only requires ambition.
- Lie detector tests are a waste of time.
- Full moons do affect children’s behaviour.
- In the end opposites don’t actually attract.
- It’s not true forgiveness if it’s not forgotten.
- Technology makes people lonely.
- AIDA formula for advertising is too restrictive.
- Word of mouth will always remain the best form of advertising.
- The Only Dream of My Life
- Businesses social media accounts lack personality.
- Racism will never die out.
- No one is too old to go study.
- Sale leaflets don’t work.
- Whatsapp killed text messages.
- Impact of Bollywood Films.
- Clothes do influence how people react to you.
- Make 50 the cut out age to adopt.
- Having a will should be law.
- Fair trade isn’t really fair.
- Save water
- Climate change
- Environment conservation
- Save electricity
- Save environment
- Environment and its importance
- Consequences of Deforestation
- Essay on environment
- Sustainable development
- Problem of overpopulation
- Alternative sources of energy
- Sustainable management of natural resources
- Causes and Effects of Soil Errosion
- Preservation of wildlife
- Environment and Ecotechnology
- Working for bigger companies is better than working for smaller ones.
- America needs to stop interfering with other countries problems.
- Boarding schools are not beneficial to teens.
- Democracy is the best way to govern a country.
- Farmers should only farm organic foods.
- Reincarnation is real.
- Stress does not cause acne.
- Bottled water is not as safe as you think.
- Wild animals will never be tamed.
- Young teachers are the most enthusiastic teachers.
- Women are the better cooks.
- Adultery leads to happier marriages.
- Retirement age must depend on the industry.
- Advantages of Co-education
- Modern Education System
- Should the education system in independent or regulate with the government
- Merits and Demerits of Online Exams
- Curbing the distance between urban and rural schools
- The rat race of Competitive exams
- The death sentence is hypocritical.
- Nobody speaks English correctly.
- The Olympics is a dying sport.
- Environmental factors are the cause of cancer.
- Contact lenses are more effective than glasses.
- Rap is poetry, not music.
- Red wine is not good for your heart.
- Piracy is not stealing.
- Prostitution is never going away.
- Untidy people are more creative.
- Why companies should hire lazy people.
- High heels are bad for women.
- Anti rape nail polish won’t stop rapists.
- Do not rake leaves.
- Polygamy should be a personal choice.
- Guideline to drink 2L of water per day is wrong.
- Artificial Christmas trees are better than real ones.
- Coffee is a healthy food.
- Everyone does have a price.
- Hair dye does not cause cancer.
- If healthy food was cheaper, people would eat healthier.
- Headphones are damaging teenagers hearing.
- Prison doesn’t reform prisoners.
- Casinos should set limits for pensioners.
- Organic food isn’t better.
- Guardian angels are real.
- Humans should walk barefoot.
- Adoption process is too long at animal shelters.
- Depression is not a disease.
- Electric cars are going to harm the environment.
- Extreme premature babies must be saved.
- Coconut oil is unhealthy.
- Masturbation does not cause hair loss.
- Children have the right to know that they are adopted.
- Blood is thicker than water.
- Bumper stickers are dangerous.
- Pregnant teens must stay at school.
- Sons only belong to their families until they get married.
- Never give money to the homeless.
- Smacking children only teaches them violence.
- Children need to believe in magic.
- Brexit is a huge mistake.
- Psychics and mediums shouldn’t charge a fee.
- Pros and Cons of Advertisement
- Does Technology make us less human.
- Disaster Management in India.
- Electric vehicles in India.
- Plastic Ban: Economy or Environment?
- Media attention to sports: Cricket vs other sports
- Status of women in India
- Effects of video games on Children.
- The Impact of Social Media on the youngsters
- Who serves the country most – Teacher or the soldier?
- Animated Series spoil or entertain children?
- Gender equality in the work place
Additional Questions and Notes
ANSWERED QUESTIONS
Question 1.
What is the full form of ASL?
The full form of ASL is “Assessment of Speaking and Listening.”
Question 2.
What are some ASL topics based on human rights?
There are various ASL topics that revolve around human rights. These topics can be explored in different contexts such as interviews, group discussions, and presentations. They not only demonstrate the students’ perspectives but also shed light on their political and ideological beliefs, as well as their prowess in public speaking. Here are a few examples of ASL topics based on human rights:
1. Equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community: This topic brings attention to the struggles and discrimination faced by individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, focusing on the need for equal rights and acceptance.
2. Eradicating child marriage: Addressing the issue of child marriage emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of children and working towards ending this harmful practice that denies their freedom and well-being.
3. Understanding true feminism: Exploring the concept of feminism delves into the pursuit of gender equality, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for women’s rights in society.
4. Combating child labor: This topic raises awareness about the exploitation and violation of children’s rights through their forced involvement in labor, shedding light on the need for effective measures to eradicate this issue.
5. Tackling human trafficking: Discussing human trafficking examines the global problem of modern-day slavery, focusing on raising awareness and finding solutions to prevent the trafficking of individuals and protect their rights.
6. Debating Article 370: This topic involves a discussion on the abrogation of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to the region of Jammu and Kashmir. It provides an opportunity to analyze the implications of the decision and understand its impact on human rights.
7. Advocating for the right to vote: Highlighting the significance of the right to vote, this topic encourages individuals to understand the power of their voice and the importance of participating in the democratic process.
8. Promoting the right to education: Exploring the right to education emphasizes the accessibility and quality of education for all individuals, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds, promoting equal opportunities and empowering marginalized communities.
While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a starting point for discussing ASL topics that center around human rights.
Question 3.
What is the listening test in the ASL test?
The listening test in the ASL test consists of two sections focused on communication. These sections are listening and speaking. During the exam, students are seated in a room equipped with audio-visual capabilities. They are then presented with two videos: one featuring a conversation and the other containing a speech. The examiner plays the audio in these videos twice, and students are expected to answer specific questions based on what they have heard. It is important for students to pay close attention during the audio playback as the recording cannot be paused. Additionally, there is no penalty for incorrect answers in this test.
Question 4.
What are the two sections of the ASL test?
The ASL test is divided into two sections to assess different aspects of communication.
The first section is the Listening Test. During this test, students are placed in an audio-visual-enabled room and two videos are played. One video features a conversation while the other includes a speech. The examiner plays the audio twice, and students are expected to listen attentively as they will be required to answer questions based on the audio. It is important to note that the audio cannot be paused. There is no penalty for incorrect answers in this section.
The second section is the Speaking Test. In this part, students are randomly paired with either students allocated to them by their teachers or with students they have chosen themselves. Each pair is given a topic from the ASL Topics list to prepare a speech on. When their turn comes, both students present their respective speeches to the examiner. After the speeches, the examiner may ask a few general questions related to the topic. Answers given by the students are recorded on voice recorders during this section. Additionally, students are given the opportunity to ask questions to each other about their respective topics.
Therefore, the two sections of the ASL test are the Listening Test, which assesses students’ listening comprehension, and the Speaking Test, which evaluates their ability to deliver a speech and engage in a conversation related to a specific topic.
Question 5.
What is the ASL test and what does it evaluate?
The ASL test, which stands for Assessment of Speaking and Listening, is an important component that has been incorporated into the CBSE Curriculum. This test specifically focuses on evaluating students’ abilities in listening and speaking skills in the English language. It consists of two distinct sections, namely the listening and speaking tests.
During the listening test, students are required to actively engage with audio materials and answer questions based on their comprehension of the given content. This section measures their ability to understand spoken English and interpret the information presented to them.
In the speaking test, students are given the opportunity to produce and present a speech on a designated ASL topic. Additionally, they are expected to confidently respond to general questions related to the chosen topic. This particular segment aims to assess students’ proficiency in spoken English, their ability to express their thoughts clearly, and their effectiveness in communicating with others.
The ASL test goes beyond assessing basic language skills by also evaluating students’ critical and analytical reasoning abilities. Through this examination, students are challenged to demonstrate their capacity to think critically about the topic at hand and present well-structured arguments or responses.
Overall, the ASL test serves as a comprehensive evaluation tool that not only measures students’ listening and speaking skills in English but also assesses their critical thinking and analytical aptitude, providing a robust assessment of their overall language proficiency.
Individual Answers Followed by Combined Answers
Question 1.
What are some tips and tricks for the ASL test?
Sub-Questions
What should you do during the question rounds of the ASL test?
It is important to ask relevant and unique questions to create interest. Additionally, it is crucial to remember that it is a discussion, not a debate, and avoid getting defensive during this period.
How should you modulate your voice during the ASL test?
Voice modulation should be used to prevent the content from sounding monotone.
How should you use language during the ASL test?
It is recommended to use simple words while keeping the ASL Spoken Language concise and clear.
What should you keep in mind while speaking during the ASL test?
While speaking, it is important to avoid fumbling and keep pronunciation in mind.
What is the first tip for the ASL test?
The first tip is to take regular pauses to show confidence and appear well-versed.
Full Answer Combined
“When it comes to acing the ASL test, there are several tips and tricks that can greatly enhance your performance. Let’s delve into some of the key strategies outlined in this article:
Firstly, it is crucial to maintain proper pacing and poise during your speech. By taking regular pauses and ensuring smooth breathing, you can exude confidence and showcase your knowledge on the subject matter.
In addition, pronunciation is of utmost importance. Avoid fumbling or speaking incoherently, as clear articulation will help effectively convey your message and demonstrate your proficiency in ASL.
To make your spoken language concise and clear, it is recommended to utilize simple words. This ensures that your content is easily understood and avoids unnecessary complexity that may hinder comprehension.
To captivate your audience, it is essential to employ voice modulation. This technique prevents your content from sounding monotonous, keeping your listeners engaged and interested throughout the test.
Another important aspect of the ASL test is the ability to ask insightful and unique questions. By posing relevant inquiries, you demonstrate your critical thinking skills and create a sense of interest and curiosity.
Lastly, it is crucial to remember that the ASL test is a discussion, not a debate. During the question and answer period, it is important to remain composed and avoid becoming defensive. This showcases your ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and maintain a professional demeanor.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you can navigate the ASL test with confidence and maximize your chances of success. Remember to practice and prepare adequately to ensure you showcase your skills to the best of your ability.”
Question 2.
How is the speaking test conducted in the ASL test?
Sub-Questions
Is there an opportunity for students to ask questions to each other?
Students will be given a chance to ask questions to each other on the respective topics.
What kind of questions are asked during the test?
The examiner will post a few general questions after the presentation.
What happens during the students’ turn to present the topic?
Both students in the pair will present the topic when their turn comes.
How are the speech topics determined?
Students need to prepare for a speech from one of the ASL topics, which are allocated to them by the teachers or chosen by themselves.
How are students paired for the speaking test?
Students are randomly paired either by the teachers or by their own choice.
Full Answer Combined
“In this ASL speaking test, students are randomly paired and assigned the task of delivering a speech on one of the ASL topics. Whether it be through teacher allocation or self-selection, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with their chosen partners.
During their turn, both students in the pair will present their respective topics, demonstrating their confidence and knowledge. It is crucial for students to maintain proper poses and adopt a relaxed yet focused demeanor, ensuring their speech is delivered with clarity and coherence. By practicing regular breathing techniques, students can further enhance their composure and project an air of confidence.
In terms of pronunciation, students should strive for consistency and accuracy, avoiding any instances of fumbling or incoherence. The content of their speech should be concise and comprehensible, striking a balance between being eloquent and easily understandable. It is important for students to express themselves effectively, employing appropriate vocal modulation to captivate their audience.
The tone of the speech should never be monotonous or dull; students are encouraged to infuse their delivery with enthusiasm and energy, engaging their listeners throughout. Furthermore, during the question and answer period, students should aim to pose insightful and unique inquiries related to the topic at hand. This demonstrates their ability to think critically and engage in meaningful discussion.
Importantly, students should approach the question and answer period as a discussion rather than a debate, refraining from becoming defensive. Maintaining composure and responding confidently to the examiner’s queries will showcase their understanding and ability to articulate their thoughts effectively.
By incorporating these guidelines, students can ensure a thorough and engaging performance in the ASL speaking test. Through proper preparation and thoughtful execution, they can showcase their proficiency in ASL and excel in their communication skills.”
If you want to know about more popular topics, you can check out an awesome blog on ASL topics by Leverage Edu. I am sure you will find it useful. Good Luck!
