Business English Performance Test (BEPT)

This test was developed at the English Language Center at Drexel University, in Philadelphia. It was designed to test the English skills needed by international students in a Master's degree program in business administration to participate in cooperative work experiences in US workplaces. The test takes about 30 minutes and consists of four tasks: a background interview, a roleplay in which the candidate makes a brief presentation and answers questions on it, and a two-part roleplay in which the candidate sets up an appointment with a client over the phone, and then meets the client face to face to present a business idea. The test taker's own resume is the prompt material for the background interview, while authentic field specific materials are provided for the roleplay tasks. The tasks are rated in three categories by a panel of three or four trained evaluators: intelligibility (pronunciation and structure), range (vocabulary range in familiar and unfamiliar interactions), and discourse (quantity, quality, appropriateness, pacing, and rhythm). The raters do not evaluate business knowledge, but it is clear that such specific purpose background knowledge is necessary to perform well in the speaking tasks, since field specific input data are provided prior to the test such as an article on ‘Marketing technology and health’ and a ‘Management staff benefit entitlement summary.’

For more information on the BEPT, contact: English Language Center, Drexel University, 229 N. 33rd. Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.