Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana, Livello 5 (CELI 5)

This is an examination at an advanced level, which tests the language skills needed to deal with a wide range of situations in order to be able to interact in any social or professional context.

There are five components:

Reading

Candidates are expected to be able to understand literary and specialised texts as well as general reading. In addition to understanding the gist of the text and specific details, they must be able to demonstrate an awareness of nuances and subtlety, and use cultural knowledge to infer meaning from the text. Texts take the form of editorials, reports, specialised magazine articles and correspondence and works of contemporary literature.

There are three texts with fifteen items of the following task types: four-option multiple-choice, open-ended questions.

Writing

Candidates must be able to express themselves effectively at a variety of levels of formality, and on practical, social and literary topics. They are expected to show sensitivity to differences in formal and informal style. The organisation of the writing should be very similar to that of an authentic Italian text, and must take into account a variety of specified audiences and purposes.

There are two tasks. The first task requires the candidate to write one composition from a choice of three. The topics are based on various aspects and problems of contemporary life, and the experience and opinions of the candidate regarding Italian culture. One composition is on one of the works of contemporary literature set as background reading. Responses should be between 330 and 360 words in length. The second task requires the candidate to complete a communicative task. This may be a letter, note, telegram or announcement. Responses should be approximately 170 words in length.

Listening

Candidates must be able to understand the general meaning of a wide range of texts, including some of a more specialised type. They must be sensitive to social and cultural references and understand all forms and styles of speech. Texts take the form of news items, advertisements, conversations, discussions, literary excerpts, etc.

There are three sections lasting thirty minutes. The first section consists of one text with a multiple-choice task with nine items. The second consists of one text with a matching task with eleven items. The third section consists of one text with a gap-filling task with ten items.

Speaking

Candidates are tested individually. They are expected to be able to participate in a conversation based on a wide range of topics related to Italian civilization. They must be able to argue in support of their opinions, hypothesise, etc. They have to summarise and discuss a given text, to describe and comment on a visual prompt, and to explain and comment on a set of proverbs or sayings.

Structural Competence

Candidates must be able to demonstrate knowledge and control of the language system by completing a number of tasks, which are generally based on authentic passages.

There are three sections with a total of three tasks and fifty-one items. The task types used are: multiple-choice gap-filling, gap-filling, proof-reading.

Weighting of components

The Speaking component carries 25% of the total marks, Writing 30%, Reading 20%, Listening 15% and structural competence 10%.

Results

There are three pass grades (A, B and C) and certificates are awarded to all successful candidates.

The Italian certification project for these examinations has been planned and implemented by Dr Giuliana Grego Bolli and Dr Maria Grazia Spiti.