English Testing for Students Interested in Studying in America

The ACES English Proficiency Examination is designed specifically to determine whether or not a student is able to use English at a level sufficient to begin undergraduate study. Test candidates are evaluated through both written and oral examination with regards to their comprehension skills, writing ability, knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, and expressive skills. Based on their results, the students are then sorted into six different categories so that they can be recommended to the appropriate academic institution in America . Generally, undergraduate institutions accept students for admission who place into Level 4 and higher (see below for level descriptions). The test is currently available for students across Greater China (including Hong Kong , Macau , Singapore , and Taiwan ).

Level 6 每 Excellent User

Test candidate has an excellent command of English, including rhetorical skills, and should be able to communicate in most situations with no more difficulty than an average native-speaker. Misunderstandings, if they occur, are more likely to result from cultural information-gaps than from linguistic difficulties, and should prove to be easily resolvable.

Level 5 每 Proficient User

Test candidate demonstrates very advanced facility with and understanding of the English language and should be capable of independently producing decent writing after several drafts. Appears ready to approach studies with at least the same degree of self-sufficiency as many native-speaking classmates, though may require extra time on exams and papers.

Level 4 每 Able User

Test candidate is a well-rounded user of the English language who may nonetheless require assistance and support services when technical correctness is required. Given the presence of writing labs, academic advisors, etc, student will excel in an English academic environment.

Level 3 每 Modest User

While test candidate shows ability to process and digest information in English, there is nonetheless a tendency to make mistakes in grammar and/or word usage that may occasionally cause confusion. Could do well mixing part-time academic coursework with ESL instruction.

Level 2 每 Developing User

Test candidate has some basic proficiency with English, but certain linguistic shortcomings regularly lead to miscommunication. Further ESL work is recommended before student begins academic studies in English.

Level 1 每 Beginning User

Test candidate is severely deficient in at least one aspect of English usage, making it extremely difficult to efficiently perform communicative tasks. Extensive ESL instruction is necessary.