Listening & Speaking Skills (ALS) MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This is a practice quiz for Class IX, Subject: English Language and Literature (Code 184), Unit: Internal Assessment. The questions cover key aspects of Listening & Speaking Skills (ALS) including interactive competence, fluency/coherence, pronunciation, and vocabulary & grammar, which form the basis for the 5-mark assessment. Attempt all questions and click ‘Submit Quiz’ to view your score, review answers, and download a PDF of your answer sheet.
Understanding Listening & Speaking Skills (ALS)
The Assessment of Listening and Speaking (ALS) is a crucial component of the English Language and Literature curriculum for Class 9. It aims to develop and evaluate a student’s communication skills in real-life situations. This internal assessment, worth 5 marks, focuses not just on what you say, but how you say it. It evaluates your ability to listen actively, speak fluently and coherently, pronounce words correctly, and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
Key Assessment Parameters
Your ALS performance is judged on the following five core areas:
1. Interactive Competence
This refers to your ability to engage in a conversation effectively. It includes turn-taking, initiating a conversation, responding to questions, and managing the interaction. A good speaker doesn’t just talk; they actively participate in a two-way exchange of ideas.
2. Fluency & Coherence
Fluency is the ability to speak smoothly and naturally, without unnatural pauses or hesitation. It’s about the flow of your speech. Coherence is about making sure your ideas are logically connected and easy for the listener to follow. Using connecting words (like ‘however’, ‘therefore’, ‘in addition’) helps improve coherence.
3. Pronunciation
This involves producing the sounds of speech clearly and correctly. It includes correct articulation of individual sounds, word stress (emphasizing the right syllable in a word), and intonation (the rise and fall of your voice). Clear pronunciation ensures your message is understood without confusion.
4. Vocabulary & Grammar
Using a wide range of vocabulary and correct grammatical structures is essential for clear communication. It’s about choosing the right words to express your ideas precisely and constructing sentences that are grammatically sound. This shows your command over the language.
Do’s and Don’ts for Speaking Assessment
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Maintain eye contact with the listener/examiner. | Look down or stare at one point. |
| Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. | Mumble, speak too fast, or too slow. |
| Use appropriate body language (gestures, posture). | Fidget or stand stiffly. |
| Listen carefully to the question before answering. | Interrupt the examiner or rush into an answer. |
| Organize your thoughts before you speak. | Use too many filler words like ‘um’, ‘ah’, ‘like’. |
Quick Revision Tips
- Practice Regularly: Speak in English with friends, family, or even to yourself in front of a mirror.
- Listen Actively: Pay attention to how native speakers talk in movies, news, or podcasts. Notice their pronunciation and intonation.
- Read Aloud: Reading books or articles aloud helps improve pronunciation and fluency.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn one new word every day and try to use it in a sentence.
- Record Yourself: Record your voice while speaking on a topic and listen to it to identify areas for improvement.
Extra Practice Questions
Think about and practice speaking on the following topics for one minute each:
- Describe your favorite festival and why you enjoy it.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media for students?
- If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
- Share your opinion on the importance of sports in school life.
- Describe a memorable trip you have taken with your family.
