Uses of ABLE B2

The ABLE B2 examination can be used by organizations, firms, public agencies, and academic institutions for a wide range of purposes. The following is just a sample of possible uses:

• Corporate users can use ABLE B2 as a useful tool when recruiting a global workforce.
• Government agencies can use ABLE B2 when setting English language requirements for migrants.
• Job placement agencies can use ABLE B2 when setting English language requirements for non-native speakers of English.

The level of ABLE B2

The ABLE B2 examination aims at the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. For each of the four areas of language competency below, at B2 level, language users:

Listening Comprehension

• Can understand the main ideas of propositionally and linguistically complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics delivered in standard speech.
• Can follow extended speech and complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar, and the direction of the talk is signposted by explicit markers.
• Can identify the main reasons for and against an argument or idea in a discussion conducted in clear standard speech.
• Can follow chronological sequence in extended informal speech, e.g. in a story or anecdote.

Reading Comprehension

• Can read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively.
• Can scan longer texts in order to locate desired information, and gather information from different parts of a text, or from different texts in order to fulfil a specific task.
• Can recognize different structures in discursive text: contrasting arguments, problem-solution presentation and cause-effect relationships.

Spoken Production & Spoken Interaction

• Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction, and sustained relationships with speakers of the target language quite possible without imposing strain on either party.
• Can highlight the personal significance of events and experiences, account for and sustain views clearly by providing relevant explanations and arguments.
• Can address most communication problems by using circumlocutions, or by avoiding difficult expressions.
• Can correct slips and errors if he/she becomes conscious of them or if they have led to misunderstandings.
• Can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Written Production

• Can write clear, detailed texts on a variety of subjects related to his/her field of interest.
• Can write an essay or report which develops an argument, giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

Explanation of Scoring

The four sections of the Hellenic American University Assessment Board for Language Examinations: Level B2 (ABLE B2) examination are scored using an advanced mathematical model (IRT). For each section of the examination, raw scores are converted into scaled scores ranging from 0 to 100.

Scaled scores allow each administration of the examination to be equated, ensuring that the ability required to pass or to achieve a high score remains the same from one administration to the next.

The Listening Section & the Reading & Use of Language (RUL) Section

For the Listening and RUL Sections, scaled scores are a product of the ability of each candidate and the difficulty of each item in these sections.

To pass the Listening or RUL Section, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 out of 100 for that section.

Writing Section

The Writing Section is scored out of a total of 15 marks. There are three criteria: Task Completion, Organization, and Linguistic Resources. Each criterion provides between one and five marks. Candidates who receive a total of eight or more marks are awarded a Pass for this section of the test.

For the Writing Section, the difficulty of the task as well as the leniency and/or severity of the raters have been incorporated in the scaled scores. To pass the Writing section of the ABLE B2 examination, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 out of 100 for that section.

Speaking Section

The Speaking Section is scored out of a total of 15 marks. There are three criteria: Task Completion, Fluency and Interaction, and Linguistic Resources. Each criterion provides between one and five marks. Candidates who receive a total of eight or more marks are awarded a Pass for this section of the test.

For the Speaking Section, the difficulty of the task as well as the leniency and/or severity of the raters have been incorporated in the scaled scores. To pass the Speaking section of the ABLE B2 examination, candidates must have a scaled score of at least 55 out of 100 for that section.

Cut scores

The cut scores for each section of the ABLE B2 examination have been determined through standard setting procedures, as laid out in the Council of Europe manual: ‘Relating Language Examinations to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR): A Manual’ (2009).

Applying a mixed standard setting strategy, candidates who achieve an averaged total scaled score of at least 55 out of a possible 100 are awarded an ABLE B2 Certificate.

The ABLE B2 Certificate is valid for the holder’s lifetime, with the proviso for test users that a candidate’s language ability may improve or deteriorate in relation to his or her contact with the language.

SECTION SCALED SCORES

The table below shows the minimum-scaled pass scores candidates need to pass each section of the ABLE B2 examination and the minimum average total scaled score candidates need to receive a certificate.

Candidates who achieve an averaged total scaled score of at least 55 out of a possible 100 are awarded an ABLE B2 Certificate, regardless of how many sections they have failed. All candidates have the right to have any section of their examination re-scored.

The examination is administered twice a year, in test centers in Europe and the United States of America.

Candidate registration

Candidates register through local authorized exam centers. Application forms may be submitted either online, by post, or in person, in accordance with the procedures and deadlines set by Hellenic American University and the local authorized exam centers. Local exam centers are responsible for informing registered candidates of exams regulations set by Hellenic American University.

Test Security

All Hellenic American University tests are standardized and secure. All procedures are closely monitored by Hellenic American University staff or representatives and quality control checks may take place unannounced.

Standardized Testing Conditions

The uniformity of all examination procedures ensures fairness to the candidates. Instructions and guidelines must be followed accurately by all parties involved in the administration of the examinations.

All candidates are treated equally, and all members of the examination staff are patient and prompt, alert and attentive during all phases of the test administration.

Secure Testing Conditions

Instructions, manuals, announcements and guidelines developed by Hellenic American University are secure and protected by international copyright laws. All parties involved in the administration process of the examinations (examiners, proctors, exam center coordinators) acknowledge that all the examinations developed by Hellenic American University are secure tests. All test center staff involved in the administration of the tests have to sign the confidentiality agreement and accept all legal responsibilities deriving from that agreement.

Exam Center personnel and/or candidates engaged in inappropriate conduct with respect to administering and/or taking the Hellenic American University examinations may be subject to disciplinary actions.

A candidate’s score may be invalidated under the following circumstances:

• The candidate’s appearance or signature does not match that on their identification
• There is evidence of misconduct on the part of the candidate during the administration of the ABLE B2 examinations. This includes, but is not limited to, copying answers from other candidates, talking to other candidates, referring to previously prepared notes or materials, removing examination material from the examination center, and creating a disturbance.

Non-standard Test Accommodations

Hellenic American University is committed to ensuring that candidates for the Assessment Board for Language Examinations: Level B2 (ABLE B2) have a fair opportunity to demonstrate their language ability under reasonable and appropriate test conditions.

For this reason, candidates with documented physical, emotional or psychological disabilities or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder may request non-standard testing accommodations, provided that these accommodations do not affect the accuracy of the measure used for the skill that is being tested.