Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills in CBSE

To keep up with changing times, CBSE has tailored English language teaching and has included a definite section of ASL i.e. Assessment of Speaking and Listening Skills for class IX and XI students nationwide. It is a part of CCE (Continuous & Comprehensive Evaluation System) under CBSE. Their aim is to emphasize that not only the academics but also the language skills are equally important.

Final ASL scores will be included as a part of Summative Assessment – 2.

For class 9, the weightage is of 20 marks and 10 marks for class 10. The overall weightage of 20 percent is given for these kills in formative and summative assessments  of students. The ASL is being conducted once for class 9 and twice for class 10 students i.e., in the first and second term respectively and best score will be used.

Listening Assessment:

This section focuses on assessing student’s command on the verbal English language. Under this testing procedure, a recording will be played; following which, the students will be required to complete assessment worksheets given to them comprising of 4 sections.

Each section consists of objective type questions which are mandatory. Students can answer questions in worksheets; no question will be asked referring to the recording. Students will be evaluated on how they perform on their worksheet.

Speaking Assessment:

This section is primarily based on the correct usage of English Language. Students are required to speak for four to five minutes on any one of the topics which they will receive earlier so that they may have enough time to prepare well. Memorizing the content is not necessary; students are allowed to use notes while speaking. Recording of this assessment will be done which will serve as a proof and is later sent to Central Board of Secondary Education. It considers the understated parameters:

• The student must speak intelligibly, using suitable word stress, sentence stress, and modulation accent.
• Narrating events in a logical manner.
• When presenting verbal reports or summaries, be clear and confident.
• Expressing your point of view or arguments clearly and efficiently.
• Taking part in brainstorming sessions like group discussions can boost one’s moral and give confidence to express agreement or difference.
• Expressing as well as responding to individual feelings, opinions and outlook.
• Active participation in oral speaking social events.

Apart from reading and writing, ASL helps students to improve their practical skills of English Language.