The Intermediate Level Exam
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).
Parts of the exam
The Intermediate Level Exam has five parts of equal weight: four parts are written, one is oral.
THE WRITTEN PARTS
- Listening comprehension: the candidate listens to two pieces of authentic 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 an every-day text and produces a short composition on a specific topical issue (chosen between two; 75 minutes).
THE ORAL PART
- The speaking test consists of:
- a conversation on a topic (with a picture),
- a presentation of a chosen topic.
- The candidate prepares for the oral part in advance: he/she chooses the topic from his/her profesional or special interest field, and prepares a short presentation which he/she presents to three examiners (5–7 minutes). If you need a computer for your presentation, you should bring your own.
Marking
The exam is marked as specified by the Exam catalogue of the programme Slovene for Foreign Learners and the Book of regulations. All parts of the exam are weighted equally, contributing up to one forth or one fifth of the total number of points. The final mark is descriptive: excellent (5), very good (4), good (3), satisfactory (2) and fail (1).
In order to pass the exam on the intermediate and advanced level, the candidate must pass all five parts of the exam (the cut off score is 60%).
Where can you take the exam?
The exams of Slovene at the Intermediate Level, which are officially recognised, are designed and organised only at the Examination Centre of the Centre for Slovene as a Foreign/Second Language at the Faculty of Arts in Ljubljana. Even though tere are some institutions administering the exam with the similar name they don't issue official certificates.
Frequently asked questions
- Which topic/What should I choose for my presentation given in the oral part of the exam at the Intermediate Level?
- May I use a term paper which I have had to prepare for a university course as a topic for my oral presentation?
- How do I prepare for presenting a topic for the oral part of the Intermediate Level Exam?
- If I fail the Intermediate Level Exam, can I present the same topic next time?
