Spanish 1A - Credit by Examination (CBE) Overview

Exam Preparation

• Registration: Complete registration and get proctor approval to take the exam.
• What to Bring:
  • Several sharpened No. 2 pencils.
  • A recording device for audiocassette or digital media (check proctor’s requirements).
  • A blank audiocassette, CD-R/CD-RW, or USB flash drive to save recordings.

Exam Format

• Purpose: Demonstrate mastery of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.
• Components: 7 parts testing listening, grammar, vocabulary, reading, culture, writing, and speaking.
  • Part I: Listening - Respond to spoken Spanish recordings.
  • Part II: Grammar and Structure - Test on grammar rules.
  • Part III: Vocabulary - Test vocabulary knowledge.
  • Part IV: Reading - Answer questions on passages.
  • Part V: Culture - Answer questions on Hispanic culture.
  • Part VI: Speaking - Record yourself on provided topics.
  • Part VII: Writing - Translate sentences from English to Spanish.

Study Topics for CBE

• Grammar:
  • Present tense usage of ser, estar, tener.
  • Regular forms of -ar, -er, -ir verbs.
  • Usage of gustar, interesar, dar, ir.
  • Noun-adjective agreement and possessive adjectives.
• Vocabulary:
  • Personal descriptions, class schedules, numbers, and weekend pastimes.
  • Weather expressions and seasons.
• Culture:
  • Understand Hispanic schools, pastimes, food, geography, and national capitals.

Exam Scoring

• Oral Compositions Scoring:
  • Completeness, pronunciation, grammar correctness, vocabulary appropriateness, and comprehensibility.
• General Tips:
  • Answer all questions; partial credit is possible.

Practice Exam Highlights

Key Areas Covered

• Listening: Complete activities from a Spanish recording.
• Grammar: Fill in blanks with correct verb forms.
• Vocabulary: Match words and phrases.
• Reading: Comprehension questions based on passages.
• Culture: True/False questions on cultural aspects.
• Writing: Translate sentences into Spanish.

Proficiency Levels

• Novice Mid to Novice High:
  • Use memorized/recalled words and phrases.
  • Understand simple, predictable contexts.

Communication Modes

• Interpersonal: Engage in direct communication.
• Interpretive: Understand spoken/written forms in cultural contexts.
• Presentational: Present orally or in writing without interaction.

Skills Development

• Use culturally authentic resources to enhance learning.
• Understand and use grammar, syntax, and vocabulary accurately.

Effective Communication

• Engage in conversations, interpret materials, and present ideas.
• Use age-appropriate, culturally authentic materials for learning.

Heritage Speakers

• Eligible for accelerated proficiency demonstration.

Note: Practice examination is a guide for the exam format and not a comprehensive review. Use textbooks like Buen Viaje! (2005 Texas edition) for in-depth study.