Lithuanian Proficiency Examination - Level B 2

The aim of the examination is to determine whether the candidate‘s level of proficiency meets the requirements for Lithuanian as a state language Category III, i.e. Level B 2 (Vantage). Candidates are expected to be able to understand long and complex spoken and written texts on concrete and abstract topics, to participate in spontaneous interaction on a range of topics in various situations, to express their opinions and attitudes, to produce coherent, cohesive and accurate written texts, and to handle office documents. The examination covers the four language skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking – and the use of Lithuanian.

Reading

Candidates are expected to be able to understand gist and detail of complex informative and argumentative texts on simple everyday and more abstract topics. The Reading Paper includes tasks which focus on text organisation and statements referring to main idea, arguments and conclusions. Texts in the Reading paper are authentic newspaper and magazine articles, encyclopaedic entries, travel guides etc. Candidates are expected to be able to apply appropriate reading strategies such as deducing meaning from context, using their experience.

Use of Lithuanian

Candidates are expected to show knowledge and control of language structures which are used to express various language functions at the Vantage level. The Use of Lithuanian Paper tests candidate‘s ability to choose appropriate register in formal and informal situations, to use nouns, pronouns, adjectives, finite and non-finite verb forms, conjunctions and connectives, correct spelling.

Writing

Candidates are expected to be able to write formal letters ( e.g. application, authorisation), transactional letters, CV, articles, reports etc., to handle office documents, to write personal letters, to complete various forms. The Writing Paper tests the candidate's ability to give information in writing, to use appropriate text organisation pattern and layout, to use appropriate language structures, vocabulary and discourse markers, and to spell and punctuate correctly.

Listening

Candidates are expected to be able to understand gist and detail, factual information and speaker attitude in monologs and dialogs of formal and informal register. The Listening Paper includes tasks such as note-taking and matching text to written statements. Recorded texts are representative of authentic standard (or very close to standard) spoken Lithuanian.

Speaking

Candidates are expected to be able to communicate orally in familiar and unfamiliar situations and to produce coherent and cohesive texts in situations of the Vantage level. Candidates are expected to describe, narrate, explain, compare, give opinion, arguments, comments, and express feelings and emotions, and by doing do to show control of complex language structures and various discourse devices.

Timing and Weighting

The Reading , Use of Lithuanian and Writing paper makes 60%, the Listening paper – 20%, and the Speaking paper – 20% of the total.

A short specification

Paper 1 - Reading , Use of Lithuanian and Writing (2 hours 30 minutes)

Paper 2 – Listening (30 minutes)

Paper 3 – Speaking (20 minutes)

To pass the examination it is necessary to score 50 % of the total.