This writing delivers an introduction to an English Speaking Test, Level 3-5 in the
VSTEP testing system in Vietnam targeting CEFR levels B1 to C1
Brief Description of the Test
This test assesses the English language speaking proficiency and conducted for Levels 3
to 5 in the VSTEP testing system in Vietnam targeting CEFR levels B1 to C1. This test
lasts 12 minutes, and it consists of three parts. Part 1 is Social Interaction and it is three
minutes long. Part 2 (Solution Discussion) and Part 3 (Topic Development) take 4
minutes and 5 minutes respectively. In either Part 2 or Part 3, there is one minute for
preparation.
Assessed Constructs, Skills and Sub-skills
This test is used to assess examinees’ speaking competence. In part 1, test takers are
asked to respond to six questions, three questions on free time activities and three on
neighborhood. This part assesses social interactional skills and ability to respond to
questions on common topics. Part 2 presents a situation and requires test takers to
determine the best means of transport among train, plane, and coach for a group of people
to take a trip from Danang to Hanoi. The aim of this part is to assess the capability of test
takers to propose a solution to a situation and their arguments. The candidates are
requested to deliver a presentation on the topic “Reading habit should be encouraged
among teenagers.” Test takers can make use of their own outline or the one given, then
they discuss three questions given about the difference in reading habits between
generations, about books and developing interest in reading. This part focuses its purpose
on assessing examinees’ ability to make a presentation and involve in discussion.
Specific test constructs, skills and sub-skills and scoring procedure of this speaking test
are as below.
The scoring procedure of this speaking test is as follow.
Before scoring, raters have to read and acquire the document for scoring and assessment.
On the test date, they need to discuss and agree on the process and criteria and rubric.
When scoring the speaking test, examiners try to make test takers relaxed and keep the
relaxing atmosphere during the test. While scoring, examiners carefully observe and listen

to the test takers’ responses and presentation as well as take some notes as clues used for
annotations. Then based on descriptor that matches the test takers’ performance for each
criterion, raters identify the equivalent level or score from which they add and convert
into final score. During this stage, raters always keep in mind that they must do the
scoring against the criteria to decide the test takers’ level. Raters are not allowed to
compare the performance between test takers or let internal and external affect the scoring
accuracy. They have to ensure intra-scorer reliability, inter-scorer reliability as well as
consistency and fairness.
After finishing scoring all the candidates, examiners check the final score list carefully
and then hand in it to the appointed office for final checking and further use.