Certificat de nivell superior de català
We are currently working on updating the structure of the examination of the “Certificat de nivell superior” (upper level), to adapt it to the contents of level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It should be noted, therefore, that the description of the test will change in a short time.
This is an examination at an advanced level, which tests the language skill needed to communicate adequately and correctly in any communicative situation, particularly in more formal situations. It also tests whether candidates are able to analyse matters and concepts related to the use of the language system use.
There are five components:
Dictation and summary
Candidates must be able to understand a text and to write it down respecting commonly accepted grammar and spelling. Candidates also must be able to understand a written text and summarise the main ideas. There are two tasks. The first task is a dictation and the second task involves write a summary of a text of approximately 350 words.
Writing
Candidates are expected to produce very formal texts of a non-specialist nature on these areas: formal correspondence to institutions, companies...; texts submitted to periodicals (letters to the editor of a newspaper, opinion articles, magazines contributions...) and texts written to be spoken (short speeches, speeches at gatherings, meetings...). There is a single task in which candidates have to write a text of around 200 words.
Structural competence
Candidates are expected to demonstrate their command of the language system, allowing them to express themselves with linguistic quality and to analyse the grammatical and lexical content (practical and theoretical). There are 9 tasks of different types: gap filling, word formation, syntactical analysis of sentences...
Knowledge of the historical and sociolinguistic background of the language
Candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge of the sociolinguistic and historical background of the language. There are four tasks. The tasks types are summarising a text, open questions and short-answer questions.
Speaking
Candidates are tested individually. They are expected to demonstrate their ability to speak in formal situations in the public sphere (short speeches and prepared talks on general topics, participating as public in round tables, debates, conferences...). They are also expected to read aloud formal texts with the correct pronunciation and intonation required for the text (public reading of journalistic articles, literary texts, reports...). There are two tasks. The first task requires the candidate to read aloud a text of approximately 300 words. The second task requires to produce a short formal speech.
Weighting of components
The dictation and summary component carries 12% of the total marks, writing 30%, structural competence, 30%, knowledge of the historical and sociolinguistic background of the language 13%, speaking 25%.
Results
There are two qualifications: pass and fail. In order to obtain a pass, a minimum of 70% is required overall and at least half of the percentages of the dictation and summary component, writing component, structural competence component and the speaking component.