TrueNorth Score Range

Recommendations for improvement

0.1 - 1.0

Memorize words and short-phrases used in everyday situations (ex. greetings, introductions, food, and hobbies).

Listen to recordings of native speakers and practice repeating their pronunciation.

Keep a list of words or phrases you want to say but don't know how. Look up and memorize these words and phrases.

1.1 - 2.0

Practice speaking in full sentences in the present tense about everyday topics (ex. introductions, food, and hobbies).

Listen to recordings and watch videos of native speakers and practice repeating their pronunciation.

Keep a list of words or phrases you hear often but don't understand. Look up and memorize these words and phrases.

2.1 - 3.0

Memorize common questions used in everyday situations, such as getting to know someone (ex. "What do you like to do?").

Notice when you struggle speaking in complete sentences and make a list of the grammar or vocabulary you are lacking.

Practice asking these questions to other language speakers. Ask them to repeat if you don't understand.

Practice reading simple passages and stories on common and familiar topics.

3.1 - 4.0

Learn the vocabulary and grammar to list routine events in the past and future (ex. "What did you do yesterday?").

Look for opportunities to speak with native speakers about familiar topics you are interested in.

Focus on adding more details, such as adjectives or adverbs, to your sentences.

Read often. Find stories and simple articles on familiar topics that are interesting to you.

4.1 - 5.0

Focus on mastering more complex grammar patterns related to time (past and future).

Focus on times that you change what you want to say because you don't know the right words. Keep a list and learn the words.

Look for opportunities to speak with native speakers. Focus on how they use vocabulary and grammar and try to mimic them.

Read often. Find stories and simple articles on familiar topics that are interesting to you.

5.1 - 6.0

Focus on learning vocabulary and grammar to help you tell detailed stories in the past, present, and future.

Focus on combining sentences into full paragraphs by using linking words to give more precise detail on when and how action happened.

Find opportunities to listen to stories from native speakers. If possible, ask them to share more detail.

Read as much as you can. Find stories or articles that are both interesting and challenging.

6.1 - 7.0

When you encounter an unexpected situation, push through the tendency to be shy and participate as much as possible.

Notice when you are only speaking in single sentences and intentionally add more detail to speak in paragraphs.

Read as much as you can. Find stories or articles that are both interesting and challenging.

Write a short story in your journal about something that happened to you recently. Once complete, edit it to add linking words.

7.1 - 8.0

Focus on learning and using phrasal verbs: multi-word phrases that convey important meaning.

Listen to native speakers for examples of idioms. Practice intentionally using idioms in your speech.

Consider asking a language-learning partner to occasionally, unexpectedly confront you with unanticipated situations for practice.

Search for opportunities to listen to native speakers talk about divisive, hypothetical, or abstract topics.

Read as much as you can. Re-read complex passages to ensure you understand all of the words through context.

8.1 - 10.0

Practice speaking about hypothetical, or abstract topics, using advanced grammar that conveys nuance and sensitivity.

Practice using phrasal verbs as much as you can. Pay attention to how native speakers use them and try to copy them.

Read as much as you can on topics that are complex and multifaceted. Re-read passages until you understand every word.

Record yourself spontaneously answering opinionated questions. Listen to the recording and identify and correct your mistakes.