Higher secondary schools - World language credits

To fulfill the credit requirements for completing higher secondary school, students must study a world language in addition to their arts and science subjects. Some schools offer German or French, or students can choose their mother tongue as their second language. The federal government includes Tamil as one of the world languages, and children can learn Tamil and sit for qualifying exams with the help of their parents or local Tamil schools. The American Council of Foreign Languages conducts proficiency exams in world languages. For more information on this matter, parents and students can discuss with educational counselors in school.


This qualifying exam evaluates students based on four parameters:

Observation:
I know a few words.
If spoken slowly, I understand to some extent.
I generally comprehend the essence of what's spoken.
I can understand radio and TV shows.
I can fully comprehend conversations, cinema dialogues, etc.

Reading:
I know a few words.
I generally understand a few sentences and phrases.
I can read small notes, restaurant menus.
I can read prose.
I can easily read essays, poetry, stories, and books.

Spoken language skill:
I know a few words.
If spoken slowly, I understand to some extent.
I can engage in conversations on common topics.
If known topics are discussed, I can speak in Tamil.
I can speak fluently in Tamil.

Written skill:
I can write a few words.
I can write a few sentences.
I can write well in subjects I am familiar with.
I can write well on any topic.
The evaluation is done on a scale of 0 to 4 based on the above four parameters. School teachers can provide more information, and the ACTFL website also offers information on this.

There are two Tamil education bodies: the American Tamil Academy and the California Tamil Academy. All Tamil schools in the US follow the syllabus set by these two organizations. However, only a few schools approve these bodies for world language credits. Most schools do not recognize these bodies. The Tamil exams conducted by these bodies and the world language credits are two entirely different exams and qualifiers.

Only the ACTFL exams qualify for world language credits. Tamil schools provide extensive training and coaching for students. In the future, these Tamil schools may conduct exams for world languages as well. Students can appear for these qualifiers with the coaching of their parents or independently.

A few questions:
Written skills:
Suppose you receive an email from your friend asking about your weekend plans. You need to reply to the email and explain your weekend activities with friends and family in detail. Alternatively, you can describe how you spent the previous weekend. Please remember to write your reply in Tamil.

Spoken skills:
You meet a student who is participating in an exchange program at your school. She would like to know about your school in detail. You can speak to her about your two favorite classes and subjects and explain why you enjoy them. Additionally, you can discuss the extracurricular activities that take place after school hours. Please speak in Tamil and provide as much information as possible.

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