Listening

Characteristics

There are 5 levels of difficulty. Level 1 is the least complex and Level 5 is the most complex. At each new level, individuals need to demonstrate more competency than at previous levels. For example, at Level 1, individuals need to write down a few pieces of straightforward information. As the individuals' skills move toward Level 5, the messages they relay will include:

Primary information, so the person who receives the message can act on it.
Supporting information that further explains the message.
The correct relationships among the pieces of information.

In all cases, examinees listen to audio messages and then write down the information they have heard in order to convey it to someone else. While writing style and mechanics do not affect the Listening score, examinees with limited writing skills may be unable to express themselves well enough in writing to receive a valid Listening score.

Level	Characteristics of Responses
1 View sample item	At least one piece of primary information is given that is correct The gist of the situation (a minimal grasp of the message) or clues to sources of further information are given
Level	Characteristics of Responses
2 View sample item	One or more pieces of primary information are given and are correct, but the message may also include primary information that is incorrect A correct sketch of the situation is given, including both the gist of the situation and clues to sources of further information
Level	Characteristics of Responses
3 View sample item	Most of the primary information is given and it is correct, but the message may be missing one or two pieces of primary information Correctly show the relationships among the pieces of primary information so that the reader can take appropriate action without getting more information
Level	Characteristics of Responses
4 View sample item	All primary information is given and it is correct Supporting information is included that is either correct or, if incorrect, does not interfere with the central message Correctly show the relationships among the pieces of primary information
Level	Characteristics of Responses
5 View sample item	All primary information is given and is correct Accurate supporting information is given to convey insight into the particular situation that the message represents, which may include information regarding the speaker's tone or attitude Accurately convey the relationships among the pieces of information in the message

The job skill comparison chart for Listening illustrates the gap between current job requirements and workforce skills.

Related Information

Listening Scoring Guide