Структура экзамена EALTS Level 4
Listening
40 min approximately
A test of voice-only aural comprehension at ICAO Operational Level 4.
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 short unrelated R/T transmissions of
aeronautical communications featuring single speakers or exchanges
between interacting speakers followed by four 3-option multi-choice tasks.
Test Focus
The tasks of the test seek to elicit evidence of aural comprehension in the context of aeronautical communications. Candidates are required to understand each aviation-related R/T communication as a whole in both gist and detail and to demonstrate their understanding of the communication by the
correct identification of specific information contained in the communication. The single task type is the
identification of factual information and specific detail by means of the selection of the correct response from a threeoption multi-choice range.
Speaking
17-20 min
Task 1
In a face to face exchange, the candidates briefly introduce themselves
before moving on to talk about common, concrete and operations-related
topics drawn from their own area of aviation-related activity.
Task 2
In a voice-only exchange, the candidates interact with each other in
sharing their understanding of an aeronautical communication concerning
an unusual circumstance or emergency situation presented as an aural
prompt. Candidates are required to use appropriate communicative
strategies to exchange understanding and to recognise and resolve mis- or
non-understanding as they work towards the negotiated completion of the
task by checking, confirming and clarifying the information and details
contained in the communication as preparation for their presentation of an
accurate and concise report of the incident.
Task 3
In a face to face exchange, the interlocutor presents each candidate with
a scenario of an unusual circumstance or emergency situation. The
scenarios are customised to the candidates’ own areas of operational
activity. Following a series of generalised written prompts, the candidates
are required to give a briefing of approximately two minutes’ duration
explaining the nature of the scenario and how it may be effectively
managed. The candidates have one minute to prepare their briefing.
The briefing allows the candidates to demonstrate the range and accuracy
of the linguistic resource they have to draw upon in the successful
management of a complication or unexpected turn of events that may
occur within the context of a routine operations situation or communicative
task with which they are otherwise familiar.
The listening candidate is instructed to ask one or two rounding-off questions
or to comment further at the end of the speaking candidate’s turn.
Task 3
Extended
At his/her discretion, the interlocutor may ask the candidates to participate
in a discussion of a more abstract nature, based on verbal questions
thematically linked to their Task 3 scenarios.
The questions asked by the interlocutor are not designed to test the
technical knowledge of the candidates, but will examine further the
candidates’ ability to express thoughts and opinions in English. This task
allows the interlocutor flexibility in the use of high- and low-end LPRS
discriminators.
Candidates are expected to share the interaction and to initiate and
respond appropriately.
Test focus
The EALT Test of Speaking is typically delivered in the paired test format; paired examiners and paired candidates. The paired candidates may know each other, or they may never have met before. The tasks of the test seek to facilitate the elicitation of a sample of oral language proficiency with reference to the critical skills of operational language proficiency as defined in the ICAO Holistic Descriptors. Candidates are required to demonstrate their spoken language proficiency in the context of their own aviationrelated
activity. Candidates are asked to perform a variety of spoken tasks requiring the use of a range of
communicative language skills and strategies in the functional language domains of sharing information, triggering actions, managing the speaker/listener relation and managing the interaction. The Test of Speaking is
audio-recorded.