Assessment method and limits — How does Talkallam measure your spoken English?

After a conversation, get feedback on grammar, vocabulary and fluency inferred from the transcript, with a CEFR level estimate. Pronunciation is assessed through separate audio exercises, where available.

The scale — Using the CEFR scale

The Council of Europe groups the six levels into three broad categories: Basic user (A1–A2), Independent user (B1–B2) and Proficient user (C1–C2). Pre-A1 is described in the Council of Europe's CEFR Companion Volume (2020); Talkallam uses it as a starting point below A1.

What Talkallam is, and where it stands today

CEFR Companion Volume — Council of Europe, 2020

CEFR levels and broad categories
LevelBroad category
Pre-A1Below basic
A1Basic user
A2Basic user
B1Independent user
B2Independent user
C1Proficient user
C2Proficient user

What we look at — What does the feedback cover?

We review vocabulary, sentence structures and connected ideas in the transcript to estimate your CEFR level.

A Talkallam session result with feedback and conversation corrections.
Illustrative session feedback. Pronunciation uses a separate exercise.

  • Pronunciation

    النطق

    How clearly your sounds and rhythm can be understood, assessed in a separate audio exercise where available.

  • Fluency

    الطلاقة

    How connected and complete your ideas are in the transcript; this does not measure pauses in the audio.

  • Vocabulary

    المفردات

    Word choice, suitability, and range in the conversation context.

  • Grammar

    القواعد

    Accuracy of structures that appeared in the learner's speech.

Plainly — Evaluation limits

  • Level estimates and feedback are learning tools — not a language certificate, an official exam or an IELTS band — and the tutor is an AI, not a person.
  • Talkallam does not guarantee a specific learning outcome and does not replace an admissions, immigration, or professionally administered language examination.
  • A score should be read with session examples and progress over time, not as a final judgment from one short sample.
  • Sample length, microphone quality, noise, and connectivity can affect feedback accuracy.

Common questions — What a result means, and what it does not

1Is a Talkallam result an official CEFR certificate?

No. The result is an in-product learning estimate, not a Council of Europe endorsement or an official language certificate.

2Is a Talkallam estimate equivalent to an IELTS score?

No. A level estimate is not a language certificate or an IELTS band, and Talkallam does not replace an admissions, immigration, or professionally administered language examination.

3What can affect the accuracy of the assessment?

Sample length, microphone quality, noise, and connectivity can affect feedback accuracy. A score should be read with session examples and progress over time, not as a final judgment from one short sample.

Privacy — Voice and privacy

The Privacy Policy explains what is processed during a session and what may be retained.

Read the Privacy Policy

First step — Start from your own rung

The full placement test is part of the free plan: it puts you on the ladder before your first conversation, and your progress is tracked from there.

Explore the free plan