Informant’s native language: Spanish
Age: 13
Years studying/speaking English: 5
Grade level: 7
A. Comprehension
Understands normal conversation. Occasionally repetition for clarification is sometimes needed.Score: 4
B. Fluency
Hesitant. Sometimes forced into silence by language limitations. Often responds with nonverbal gestures. Uses simple, one or two word answers whenever possible.Score: 2
C. Vocabulary
Conversation limited because of inadequate vocabulary. I think she knows more vocabulary, but automaticity is lacking so she cannot use it at normal conversation speeds.Score: 3
D. Pronunciation
Pronunciation problems mean that the listener must concentrate. Many words pronounced with sounds from Spanish, rather than English. Example: “Jes” instead of “Yes.” Not all words are understood by listener. Her accent is very heavy.Score: 3
E. Grammar
Occasionally makes grammar or word order errors that obscure meaning. Uses simple sentence patterns. Sometimes speaks telegraphically, leaving out connecting words. Negation is sometimes a problem.Score: 3
General observations: It is clear she understands much more than she is capable of speaking. She understands colloquial grammatical patterns. I think her lack of practice speaking English in her home is hurting her fluency in English. At school so many of the other students also speak Spanish as their first language it is easy for her not to practice her English there as well. It is just too easy for her not to exercise her English abilities, which are largely passive at this point.
Total score: 15
