Listening Test for Advanced Level Adults

Name:_______________________  Date:_______________________

 Structure

1. One five-minute monologue. Only play once. 

 Grading Guide

– 5 questions: 2 points each

– Total: 10 points

– Passing score: 7 points

Monologue Transcript:

“Hello everyone. Today, I’d like to take you on a journey through the rich and intricate history of Britain, a history that has significantly shaped the modern world.

The history of Britain begins with the prehistoric period, marked by the construction of Stonehenge around 2500 BC. This era saw the establishment of various Celtic tribes who lived across the British Isles. Their culture and languages laid the foundation for what would later become Britain.

The Roman invasion of 43 AD brought significant changes. The Romans introduced new infrastructure, including roads, baths, and Hadrian’s Wall, designed to protect the Roman province from northern tribes. Their rule lasted until the early 5th century when the Roman Empire began to collapse.

Following the Roman withdrawal, Britain entered the Anglo-Saxon period. This era saw the migration of Germanic tribes—Angles, Saxons, and Jutes—who established several kingdoms. The Anglo-Saxons left a lasting impact on British culture and language, but their dominance was challenged by Viking invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries.

In 1066, the Norman Conquest dramatically transformed England. William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings introduced Norman culture, language, and architecture. The feudal system became the backbone of medieval British society.

The Middle Ages were marked by the development of parliamentary democracy. The Magna Carta of 1215 was a landmark document that limited the power of the monarchy and laid the groundwork for modern legal systems. This period also witnessed the Hundred Years’ War with France and the Wars of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts that led to the rise of the Tudor dynasty.

The Tudor period, particularly the reign of Henry VIII, was pivotal. Henry’s break from the Roman Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England were significant religious shifts. His daughter, Elizabeth I, is remembered for her role in the flourishing of the Renaissance in England and the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, securing England’s naval dominance.

The 17th century was a time of great turmoil and change. The English Civil War between the monarchy and Parliament led to the temporary overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and the Glorious Revolution of 1688 further defined the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament.

The 18th century saw Britain emerge as a global power. The Industrial Revolution began here, transforming the economy and society with advances in technology and industry. This period also marked the expansion of the British Empire, making it the largest empire in history.

The 19th century, known as the Victorian era, was characterized by industrial prosperity and cultural development. Queen Victoria’s reign saw significant social reforms and the expansion of democratic principles. However, it was also a time of imperial exploitation and colonial conflicts.

The 20th century brought two World Wars that significantly impacted Britain. The First World War resulted in immense loss and led to social and political changes. The Second World War solidified Britain’s position as a key player on the global stage but also highlighted the need for post-war recovery and the eventual decolonization of many British territories.

In the post-war period, Britain experienced social change, economic challenges, and political realignments. The 1960s were a time of cultural revolution, while the late 20th century saw the rise of neoliberal policies under leaders like Margaret Thatcher.

Today, Britain is a modern, diverse nation, reflecting its complex history. Understanding this history is essential for appreciating its current identity and role in the world.

 Here are five questions based on the monologue on British history:

 Questions:

1. What significant structure was built around 2500 BC, and what era does it belong to?

   – Answer: Stonehenge; it belongs to the prehistoric period.

2. Which three Germanic tribes migrated to Britain during the Anglo-Saxon period?

   – Answer: Angles, Saxons, and Jutes.

3. What was the Magna Carta, and why was it significant?

   – Answer: The Magna Carta was a landmark document signed in 1215 that limited the power of the monarchy and laid the groundwork for modern legal systems.

4. How did the Tudor period, particularly Henry VIII’s reign, transform religious practices in England?

   – Answer: Henry VIII’s break from the Roman Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England marked significant religious shifts in England.

5. Describe the impact of the Industrial Revolution on Britain in the 18th century.

   – Answer: The Industrial Revolution transformed Britain’s economy and society with advances in technology and industry, marking the expansion of the British Empire and making it the largest empire in history.

ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Assessment Rubric for English Listening Test 

Criteria      

Excellent (5) Good (4)   Satisfactory (3) Needs Improvement (2) Unsatisfactory (1)   

Comprehension  

Key Information  

Inference and Interpretation  

Vocabulary Understanding  

Following Instructions  

 Usage Instructions

1. Comprehension: Evaluate how well the student understands the main ideas and specific details of the listening material.

2. Key Information: Assess the student’s ability to identify and recall key information and relevant details.

3. Inference and Interpretation: Judge the student’s ability to make accurate inferences and interpretations based on the listening material.

4. Vocabulary Understanding: Consider the student’s understanding of the vocabulary used in the listening material.

5. Following Instructions: Evaluate the student’s ability to follow both simple and complex instructions accurately.

6. Response Accuracy: Assess the accuracy and relevance of the student’s responses to questions based on the listening material.

7. Note-taking Skills (if applicable): Evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the student’s note-taking during the listening test.

This rubric provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the listening skills of young adult students in English. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest score. Use this rubric to provide detailed feedback on students’ strengths and areas for improvement in their listening abilities.