Scoring and Reporting for the TOEFL Primary® Speaking Test

Scoring

The TOEFL Primary® Speaking test is scored at ETS by ETS-trained human raters. TOEFL Primary Speaking levels are shown as Ribbons. Proficiency descriptors and next steps for learning are provided for each level. The descriptors and next steps are appropriate for typical students at that score but may not apply to all students. Student ability for each includes the skills from lower levels.

Scores are shown at the bottom of the score report and can help show student progress within a level. The score range is 0–27.

For more information, download Understanding Your TOEFL Primary Speaking Score Report (PDF). This document includes tables outlining proficiency descriptors, Ribbon score levels, scale scores and how those scores map to Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels.

Score Reports

Each Speaking test score report provides:

Information about the student’s current level of English proficiency
Recommendations about next steps that students should take to improve their English-language abilities
The CEFR level

Primary Speaking Level
Primary Speaking Score Report Primary Speaking Cert

Speaking

Level	Abilities
5 Out of 5 Stars	Students speak in English to expand descriptions, communicate multistep directions and tell stories effectively. They successfully ask questions and make simple requests.They can: Use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures effectively Include relevant details to expand descriptions, give directions and tell stories Include structures such as connecting words and phrases that make directions and stories easy to follow Form questions and requests appropriately and use intonation to communicate meaning Speak fluidly with few errors in pronunciation or intonation
4 Out of 5 Stars	Students speak in English to express and explain what they like and give directions. They begin to expand their descriptions of things and events.They can: Use appropriate word choices Use complete statements to communicate ideas Use appropriate grammatical structures Begin to form questions and requests Speak clearly with few errors in pronunciation or intonation
3 Out of 5 Stars	Students speak in English to say what they like and give some descriptions. They begin to ask questions and tell storiesThey can: Use words and phrases to communicate meaning Use a limited number of grammatical structures to describe objects and actions Begin to form questions and requests Begin to communicate a sequence of events Pronounce words and statements clearly most of the time
2 Out of 5 Stars	Students begin to speak in English using words and simple statements. They begin to say what they like and give some descriptions.They can: Say some common words in familiar categories, such as home, school, family, colors, animals and actions Communicate meaning in short, simple statements (examples: The tiger is big. The zoo has two birds.) Pronounce words and phrases clearly but slowly some of the time
1 Out of 5 Stars	Students attempt to speak in English using words and simple phrases.They may be able to: Say some common words in familiar categories such as home, school, family, colors, animals and actions Say simple phrases