During the exam 2 samples of spoken language (3 for the C2 level) will be played, using a CD player, each selected on the basis of difficulty. Each track will have a maximum duration of 3 minutes. For A1, A2, B1 levels these dialogues are carried out by professional studio actors. For B2, C1, C2 levels the dialogues are recorded “live”. However every conversation will have a real context.

Typology of conversations: narrative (B1, B2, C1, C2), descriptive (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), argumentative (B2, C1, C2), informative (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), normative (all levels).

2. Information about “LEGGERE” test

Passages of authentic texts are selected on the basis of difficulty. The maximum number of words will depend upon the test level: up to 400 words for A1 and A2 levels, up to 700 words for B1 and B2 levels, up to 1000 words for C1 level, up to 1400 words for C2 level.

Typology of texts: narrative (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2), descriptive (all levels), argumentative (B1, B2, C1, C2), informative (all levels), normative (all levels).

3. Information about “PARLARE” test

The oral examination can be sat either with a partner or individually, according to the discretion of the candidate.

This part is composed of different stages: 

Presentazione (presentation). The target of this first moment is to put the candidate at ease. The Interviewer will ask the candidate to briefly introduce his/herself (A1 – A2 levels), to explain the reason why he/she decided to study Italian (B1 – B2 levels), to describe those situations in which he/she intends to use the Italian language in the future.

Conversazione (conversation). This will be held between the Interviewer and the candidate (or between 2 candidates). The topic, selected according to the candidates’ level, will be suggested by the Interviewer.

Descrizione (description). The candidate will be expected to provide a description of objects lying to hand, to mention parts of the body or items of clothing. Moreover he/she has to describe situations related to daily life.

Interazione guidata (led interaction). The Interviewer will present to the candidate a particular situation and will invite him/her to solve an assignment (at the shop: how to negotiate a refund; at the front office: how to lodge a complaint)

Monologo (monologue). The candidate will have to talk about 1 topic, chosen by him/herself, from a list of 3. He/she will have a few minutes to organize his/her thoughts. The candidate will be allowed to take some notes but not to use his/her personal materials.

For each level both monologic and dialogic-interactive segments will be requested.

No special cultural competence or knowledge is necessary to sit the oral examination. From time to time and only for C1 and C2 levels some topical subjects, related to Italy, may be proposed. In those cases, all useful information necessary to better understand the problem will be given to the candidate.    

4. Information about “SCRIVERE” test

For each level 2 formats will be given upon which to write. No helpful aids will be allowed (dictionaries or grammar books). The maximum number of words to be used will increase according to different levels.