A first-grade student who is learning English is described as having intermediate speaking proficiency. Which best option reflects TELPAS descriptors for this level?

A first-grade student who is learning English is described as having intermediate speaking proficiency. Which best option reflects TELPAS descriptors for this level?

• A. Beginner to intermediate conversational ability
• B. Advanced fluency with full content-specific vocabulary
• C. Unable to engage in conversation
• D. Only uses isolated words with no phrases

Answer: (A)

TELPAS speaking descriptors measure how well a student can participate in conversations in English. For a first grader described as having intermediate speaking proficiency, the descriptor that fits best shows they can engage in conversational exchanges at a basic to mid level—they can answer questions, ask simple questions, and produce connected sentences about familiar topics, though their vocabulary and accuracy are still developing. This aligns with selecting a description that indicates ongoing conversational ability rather than full fluency or an inability to converse. The other options describe much higher fluency or much lower ability (speaking only isolated words or not at all), which don’t match intermediate speaking.

TELPAS speaking descriptors measure how well a student can participate in conversations in English. For a first grader described as having intermediate speaking proficiency, the descriptor that fits best shows they can engage in conversational exchanges at a basic to mid level—they can answer questions, ask simple questions, and produce connected sentences about familiar topics, though their vocabulary and accuracy are still developing.

This aligns with selecting a description that indicates ongoing conversational ability rather than full fluency or an inability to converse. The other options describe much higher fluency or much lower ability (speaking only isolated words or not at all), which don’t match intermediate speaking.