Monica Beland

Student ID: 811464934

SOLOM
November 29, 2008
Aida Allen & Elizabeth
Soriano
 Student Oral Language Observation Matrix (SOLOM)

Student Name: Alina Luk Grade: 3 Age: 8 Language: Chinese

1 2 3 4 5 Scores
Cannot be said to Has great difficulty following Understands most of what is Understands nearly Understands everyday 5
understand even what is said. said at slower-than-normal everything at normal speed, conversations and
Comprehension simple conversation. Comprehends only social speed with repetitions. although occasional normal classroom
conversation spoken slowly repetition may be necessary. discussions without
with frequent repetitions. difficulty.
Speech is so halting Usually hesitant; often forced Speech in everyday Speech in everyday Speech in everyday 4
and fragmentary as to into silence by language conversation somewhat conversation and classroom conversation and
make conversation limitations. limited because of discussion is generally classroom discussion is
Fluency virtually impossible. inadequate vocabulary. fluent, with occasional lapses fluent and effortless,
while student searches for approximating that of a
the correct manner of native speaker.
expression.
Vocabulary Misuse of words and very Frequently uses the wrong Occasionally uses Use of vocabulary and 5
limitations so limited vocabulary make words; conversation inappropriate terms and/or idioms approximates
Vocabulary extreme as to make comprehension quite difficult. somewhat limited because of must rephrase ideas because that of a native speaker.
conversation virtually inadequate vocabulary. of lexical inadequacies.
impossible.
Pronunciation Very hard to understand Pronunciation problems Always intelligible, though Pronunciation and 4
problems so severe as because of pronunciation necessitate concentration on one is conscious of a definite intonation approximates
Pronunciation to make speech problems. Must frequently the part of the listener and accent and occasional that of a native speaker.
virtually repeat in order be understood. occasionally leads to inappropriate intonation
unintelligible. misunderstanding. patterns.
Errors in grammar Grammar and word errors Makes frequent errors and Occasionally makes Grammatical usage and 4
and word order so make comprehension difficult. word order which grammatical and/or word word order approximate
Grammar severe as to make Must often rephrase and/or occasionally obscure order errors which do not that of a native speaker.
speech virtually restrict self to basic patterns. meaning. obscure meaning.
unintelligible.
Stages of Pre-Production Early Production Speech Intermediate Advanced TOTAL
Language Emergence Native-like Fluency 22 x 4 =
Development Score: 20% Score: 24-40% Score: 44-60% Score: 64-80% Score: 84-100%
88%

California Department of Education

Your reflection here:
I observed Alina during a guided reading group where there were 5 other students. This is in a 3rd grade classroom with many GATE students. Students were asked to read on
demand and discuss the parts of the story.

Comprehension:
The student actively participates in classroom discussions without difficulty. When responding to the question, the student collects her thoughts and then responds using
appropriate subject-verb conjugation and advanced verbs. The student usually does not raise hand to respond but is always prepared when called on.

Fluency:
Alina responds very fluently but she does hesitate to collect her thoughts before she begins to speak. There is some effort and translation involved when she speaks.

Vocabulary:
Alina has a very advanced vocabulary. She knows and uses very descriptive words in her speech. Sometimes she hesitates when using an idiom but usually always comprehends
them.

Pronunciation:
Alina’s language is always intelligible but there is a definite accent and she is very monotone when she speaks. She lacks expression in her daily speaking but when reading aloud,
she understands when to read with emphasis during an exclamatory sentence.

Grammar:
Alina tends to have very good grammar but often mixes the words much/many together.

Altogether, Alina is on her way to becoming a native-like fluency. She rates at an advanced level and with some work in her intonation, I believe that she will reach a native-like
speaker in the next couple of years. Her strengths are in her comprehension and vocabulary. Her weaknesses are in her intonation and idioms. With a small amount of help, her
grammar could easily be improved. Alina learns very quickly and should respond well in the next couple of years.