Frequenty Asked Questions
Florida State University and the Center for Intensive English Studies take pride in providing support for our International Teaching Assistants. One such way is providing a series of courses designed to help improve the English speaking skills and teaching methods of our ITAs.
FAQ for Florida State Faculty
Please read below for Frequently Asked Questions about the program. Feel free contact us with further questions (mmendoza@admin.fsu.edu).
- What is the SPEAK test?
- Who should take the SPEAK test?
- What is the format of the SPEAK test?
- How is the SPEAK test scored?
- What SPEAK score do I need in order to teach at FSU?
- How can I prepare for the SPEAK test?
- My first SPEAK score was 40. How long will it take to get a 50?
- How often is SPEAK given?
- When can I get my SPEAK test results?
- I have a SPEAK score from another university. Is it accepted here?
- I was a TA at another university. Do I have to take the SPEAK test?
- Is there a charge for the SPEAK test?
- I need to take one of the EAP classes. Which one is the best for me?
- Are all classes offered every semester?
- I am not a TA. Could I enroll in one of the EAP classes?
- I am not a TA at the moment, but may teach in the future. How can I improve my English?
What is the SPEAK test?
SPEAK (Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit) is a test for evaluating the English speaking ability of non-native speakers of English. It is the institutional version of the TSE (Test of Spoken English). The SPEAK test is administered by the Center for Intensive English Studies to international students who have been appointed or will be appointed as teaching assistants in an academic department at FSU.
Who should take the SPEAK test?
If your native language is not English and you are going to be a TA, you should take the SPEAK test when you arrive at FSU. If you have scored 26 or higher on the speaking part of the IBTOEFL, you do not have to take SPEAK.
What is the format of the SPEAK test?
The test has 12 questions on a variety of topics and takes 20 minutes. You will listen to the questions and record your answers on a tape. You will be given a test booklet and will be able to see the questions during the test. You can see the SPEAK practice test here: SPEAK
How is the SPEAK test scored?
Two trained raters will evaluate the answers on your tape. For each answer, a variety of factors is taken into consideration (appropriateness and effectiveness, organization, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and listener effort.) Each question is scored separately on a scale from 20 to 60, in increments of 10 (20,30,40,50,60). You can see the rubric on p. 2 of the practice test.
What SPEAK score do I need in order to teach at FSU?
The Graduate School has set minimum scores for different levels of ITA responsibilities at FSU. Students who score 50 or above on SPEAK and 26 or above on the IBTOEFL are certified to teach at any instructional level. Students who score 45 on SPEAK may be limited to proctoring or grading, or might be allowed to teach a lab or discussion session if concurrently enrolled in an ITA English class. It is important to check with your own department for additional guidelines and rules. You can read the Graduate school policy on TA certification here: FSU Teaching Assistant Certification.
How can I prepare for the SPEAK test?
Look at the SPEAK practice test on this website. All forms of the SPEAK test follow the general format of the practice test, but do not repeat the exact questions.
Go through the sample test aloud 3 or 4 times. Time yourself so you feel comfortable speaking within the time limits for each question.
Make sure your speaking pace is natural and smooth. Try to pause between ideas.
Include organizational language (first of all, second, also, for example, after…, but…)
Do not try to memorize complete answers. This makes your speech sound unnatural and may result in a lower score if an answer does not match a question.
My first SPEAK score was 40. How long will it take to get a 50?
How quickly you raise your score depends on many variables such as previous English study, native language and age. A very important factor is your own motivation to improve your English skills. We have found that students with initial scores of 40 take about 4 semesters to raise their score to 50 if they work hard. In addition to working hard in the ITA English courses, it is important to speak English as much as possible outside the classroom. We recommend having a conversation partner, attending campus activities where English is spoken, getting English-speaking roommates, and speaking English with other classmates and TAs. If you do not work hard on your English, it will be more difficult to raise your score.
How often is SPEAK given?
The test is given at the end of every semester, and at the beginning of a semester for new students. If you are a new student, please contact your department for a schedule of the test. Students must have the permission of their departments to register for the test.
Where is the SPEAK test given?
The test is given in Room 130 in Diffenbaugh. Diffenbaugh (DIF) is located at the corner of Jefferson St. and Copeland St. It is building #2 on the Campus Map. The language lab (Room 130) is on the first floor. Please give yourself adequate time to find the correct room. http://www.fsu.edu/Campus/newmap/
When can I get my SPEAK test results?
Results are sent to department contact persons 1 week after the test is given.
I have a SPEAK score from another university. Is it accepted here?
Because SPEAK is an institutional test, FSU only accepts a score for a SPEAK test administered on this campus.
I was a TA at another university. Do I have to take the SPEAK test?
Yes. You will need to demonstrate that you have adequate speaking skills according to the testing policy and standards at FSU.
There is no charge the first time you take the test. If you need to take the test more than once, there will be a charge of $60.00 for each additional test. After you take the test, you will be sent an invoice for $60.00 from FSU. FSU accepts payments online with your FSUCard, American Express MasterCard, Visa & E-checks. There is a non-refundable $5 convenience fee. If you pay in person, lobby hours are 8:30-4:30, Mon.-Fri. at Student Financial Services A1500 University Center. FSU accepts checks, FSUCards, money orders and cash.
I need to take one of the EAP classes. Which one is the best for me?
Placement in some classes is based on SPEAK scores. You can follow the guidelines below:
| Courses | SPEAK Scores |
|---|---|
| EAP 4830 I & II – Spoken English | 40 or below |
| EAP 4831 –Advanced Spoken English & Classroom Training | 45 |
| EAP 4832 – Pronunciation | n/a |
| EAP 5860 I & II – Advanced English Practice | n/a (contact instructor) |
Are all classes offered every semester?
Some classes are offered every semester. The table below shows the usual schedule for the academic year. However, this schedule is subject to change depending on the level and needs of students in our program. The number of sections offered also varies.
| Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| EAP 4830- I Spoken English for ITAs -Communication Skills |
EAP 4830 – II Spoken English for ITAs - Advanced Communication Skills (if needed) |
EAP 4831 (if needed) |
| EAP 4831 Advanced Spoken English & Classroom Training for ITAs |
EAP 4831 Advanced Spoken English & Classroom Training for ITAs |
EAP 4832 Pronunciation for ITAs |
| EAP 4832 Pronunciation for ITAs |
EAP 4832 Pronunciation for ITAs |
EAP 5860 – II Advanced English Practice -Grammar-in-use for International Graduate Students |
| EAP 5860 – I Advanced English Practice -Academic Language Skills for International Graduate Students |
||
I am not a TA. Could I enroll in one of the EAP classes?
Priority is given to TAs, but graduate students who are interested in improving their English are allowed to take the EAP classes. Seats are more limited in the Fall, but there are usually more seats available in the Spring and Summer sessions. If you are interested in taking a class, please contact Dr. Maria Beatriz Mendoza at mmendoza@admin.fsu.edu.
I am not a TA at the moment, but may teach in the future. How can I improve my English?
Do not wait until you are appointed a TA or are offered an assistantship to work on your English. The sooner you start, the easier it will be to make progress. Try to interact with colleagues and classmates in English as much as possible, read in English and attend activities where you have to speak English. If you can, take one of the EAP classes.