Renesian Language Test

The Renesian Language Test (also known as RLT) is a of Renesian language proficiency for non-native Renesians. It is managed by the Renesian Ministry of Education and was established in 1910 to help manage the influx of foreigners arriving in Renesia. The RLT was later revised on 1951 to help Velorens adapt and adopt the Renesian language. RLT is currently only accepted in Renesia.

Some Renesian visa applications, namely the Study Visa, require a minimum score of 450, with a minimum score of 100 in each section. While a residency permit requires a score of 650, and a minimum score of 150 in each section. Agarad Refugees need to score 780 in RLT and live in Renesia for 30 years to apply for Renesian citizenship.

There is no minimum score as it only tests the proficiency of the Renesian language of the examinee. A detailed Test report form is issued to all individuals who took the exams, showing how they scored in each section and which classification they have achieved. There are 11 classifications, ranging from "Class 0" to "Class 10" based on their scores. The test certificate is valid for 3 years from test date.

History
The RLT was established in 1910 during the First World War as more foreigners seek the safety of Renesia's neutrality from the war. Although the influx of immigrants was a boon economically many found it hard to communicate or follow Renesian laws, which led the Renesian Ministry of Education to establish the RLT and coordinate with the Ministry of Commerce to allow employment only for immigrants with at least a basic knowledge of Renesian. Teaching Renesian was free from the inception of RLT until 1916.

Later the RLT would see a revision that would divide the test into 4 main sections, each testing a different skill, There were also 3 types of tests; Academic, Worker and Residential. The RLT also became much harsher compared to the 1910 version as it was trying to force Velorens to adopt it. Although in 1988 it was revised again and the RLT took a more lenient approach uniting the 3 tests into one Universal test and standardized teaching and preparing for the test.

RLT characteristics
Although the RLT only does a Universal test in the current day, the Academic, Worker and Resident tests are available online for practice and are kept up to date on a monthly basis. The RLT test the listening, reading, writing and speaking abilities in Renesian of the test taker. Each section has a separate test and can be on differing days, and each section is scored out of 250.

Any disability must be declared during registration and provide the necessary supporting documents. If for any reason it was not declare-able during registration the test taker has until 36 hours before the examination date to declare it.

Parts of RLT test
There are 4 sections for the RLT test, each with its own sub-section:


 * Listening: 40 minutes
 * Reading: 50 minutes
 * Writing: 55 minutes
 * Speaking: 10 to 15 minutes

The total maximum test time is: 2 hours and 40 minutes.

The reading and writing tests are commonly taken on the same day, while listing and speaking are taken together on a different day. Although it is not always the case and may end up each section with a different day or all on the same day.

Listening
The Listening section is compromised of 4 sub-sections, with each sub-section allocated 10 minutes each, making it a total of 40 minutes. People with any hearing disabilities are given one-one-one test with a specialist examiner.


 * Sub-section 1 is about listening to a casual conversation between two or more individuals, such as asking for directions and introducing themselves to each other.
 * Sub-section 2 is listening to a single speaker talking about something done in day-to-day life in Renesia, such as registering in a police station or describing what is available in the grocery store.
 * Sub-section 3 is about a complex conversation between two individuals, usually academic.
 * Sub-section 4 is about a single speaker talking in depth about a certain subject and using complex terms.

From sub-section 1 to 3 the order of the questions is the same as when they are brought up in the recording, while the last sub-section tests your general understanding of what has been said. Each sub-section is only heard once and divided as follows:


 * 2 minutes to look at the questions.
 * 6 minutes to listen and answer the questions.
 * 2 minutes to review the answers.

The first two sub-sections are worth 75 each, while the last two are worth 50 each totalling to 250.

Reading
The reading has 2 sub-sections each with its own texts. The test taker will be asked a variety of questions from multiple choice questions to short answers. People with reading disabilities (such as ) are instead given a one-on-one session with an examiner to provide support.


 * Sub-section 1 has a short text, focused on using simple or common words in the Renesian language, things like a governmental notice or newspapers are commonly used.
 * Sub-section 2 has a longer text and focuses on more complex words, these texts are usually taken from academic journals or a book.

Both sub-sections are 125 points, making the total score 250.

Writing
The test takers are also required to do two writing which are divided into 2 sub-sections writing. In sub-section 1 the task expects the test taker to write between 100 to 150 words in 15 minutes, while in sub-section 2 the task expects the test taker to write 200 to 300 words in 40 minutes. People with writing disabilities are given more time in each task and provided a specialist examiner in case they have any problem with the writing test.


 * Sub-section 1 is about writing a response to everyday situations. It can be replying to a job offer, a letter from a friend, or an official governmental request.
 * Sub-section 2 is more focused on discussion, either the test takers discuss their point of view or make an argument, test takers are expected to provide their opinions, and evidence and evaluate or challenge ideas.

Sub-section 1 is out of 100 while sub-section 2 is out of 150, totalling 250.

Speaking
The speaking test is a face-to-face interview between the test taker and an examiner. The test focuses on the test taker's ability to say and respond correctly in Renesia. People with speaking disabilities either skip this section or have a completely different test with a specialist examiner, having this section skipped will be noted in the certificate. From April 1968 onwards all speaking tests are recorded for better and fairer evaluations. The speaking test consists of 2 sub-sections:


 * Sub-section 1 is focused on a casual conversation and consists of an introduction and interview. Common topics are the hobbies, friends, family and interests of the test taker. The sub-section usually takes 4 to 5 minutes.
 * Sub-section 2 is about complex conversations. The test taker is given 10 topics that they can choose from and may choose 2 to 3 topics, and have to prepare to discuss them within 2 minutes. The examiner will ask questions about the topics the test taker has chosen and their thoughts and feelings about it. This section commonly takes between 8 to 10 minutes without including the 2 minutes of preparation.

Both sub-sections are worth 125, making the total 250.

Scoring required by institutions for admissions
Although the score requirement for Study visa is 450 most universities have admission requirement to be more than 450: And although the Work visa does not require an RLT test employers might require them. It is commonly asked for workers to achieve at least 500.