Slovenian Language Examination: Intermediate Level

The Intermediate Level Exam of the Slovene Language is intended for adults whose first language is not Slovene, but who need an official Certificate of Slovene as a Second/Foreign Language for private or official purposes (e.g. for obtaining employment or enrolling at one of the Slovene universities or colleges).

Definition of the level

The intermediate level of Slovene is the second of three levels specified by the Standards of knowledge in the educational programme Slovene for Foreign Learners.

By passing the Intermediate Level Exam, the candidate proves that he or she has mastered the Slovene language sufficiently to be able to:

• be flexible in communicating in most speaking situations,
• understand the essential information and details in various non-specialised written and spoken pieces of discourse,
• talk and write about different topics (every-day topics, as well as current events and those related to the candidate's professional field),
• express his or her ideas correctly and adequately; the mistakes made do not impede communication.

Parts of the exam

The Intermediate Level Exam has five parts of equal weight: four parts are written, one is oral. Each of the parts contributes one fifth of the total of the possible points to the final grade.

The Written Parts

Listening comprehension: the candidate listens to two pieces of spoken discourse and answers open or multiple choice questions (30 minutes).

Reading comprehension: the candidate reads three or four short authentic texts and answers questions related to their content, vocabulary, etc. (30-40 minutes).

Grammar: the candidate chooses between several forms, edits texts, completes them, etc. (4 tasks, 40 minutes).

Writing: following specific guidelines, the candidate writes a short every-day text (e.g. postcard, a letter etc.) and a composition on a general topic (chosen between two) (75 minutes).

The Oral Part

The speaking test consists of:

• a general conversation
• a presentation on a topic from the candidate's professional field or field of interest

The candidates prepare for the presentation in advance, by gathering materials (e.g. from the media etc.) from their professional fields and presenting the topic to three assessors (15-20 minutes).

Assessment

All five parts are assessed according to the standards specified by the Exam Catalogue of the programme Slovene for Foreign Learners. The final grade is descriptive: excellent, very good, good, satisfactory, fail.

Who designs and organises the exams?

The exams of Slovene at all three levels are designed and organised at the Examination Centre of the Centre for Slovene as a Foreign/Second Language at the Faculty of Arts in Ljubljana.