CSET — Spanish

The CSET — Spanish exam is broken down into three subtests. The first subtest has 15 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question dealing with general linguistics; and 25 multiple-choice questions, and 2 short-answer questions dealing with linguistics of the Spanish language. The second subtest has 20 multiple-choice questions on literary and cultural texts and traditions; 20 multiple-choice questions on cultural analysis and comparisons; and 1 extended constructed-response question dealing with both topics. The third subtest has 15 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question on Spanish language listening comprehension; 15 multiple-choice questions and 1 short-answer question on Spanish language reading comprehension; 1 short-answer question and 1 extended constructed-response question on Spanish language and written expression; and 2 short-answer questions on Spanish oral expression.

The first CSET — Spanish subtest is broken down into a section on general linguistics, and a section on Spanish language and linguistics. The general linguistics portion covers the nature of language, language use, and applied linguistics. The section dealing specifically with the Spanish language covers language structures, error analysis, the ability to contrast Spanish language with English, and sociolinguistics, including an understanding of the formation of dialects.

The second CSET — Spanish subtest covers literary and cultural texts of the Spanish language. Included in this are an understanding of the major movements, genres, writers, and works. It also includes analysis of literary and cultural texts including novels, plays, and music. The second section of the second subtest requires the candidate to demonstrate knowledge of cultural perspectives, cultural practices, and cultural products of Spanish speaking countries. This includes knowledge of Spanish architecture, art, entertainment, and fashion.

The third CSET — Spanish subtest is broken down into sections on listening comprehension of Spanish, written expression in Spanish, and oral expression in Spanish. The listening comprehension section tests literal comprehension, inferential and interpretive comprehension, and the ability to critically analyze spoken Spanish to determine the speaker's point of view and the appropriateness of the speaker's tone to the given audience. The written communication section tests the candidate's ability to literally translate Spanish to English, to understand inference and interpretation in written Spanish, and to critically analyze Spanish texts, and to write fluently in Spanish. The final section is on oral communication in Spanish. This section tests the candidate's ability to effectively communicate in Spanish in unusual circumstances.