AAPPL Tips

Before taking the AAPPL, here are some tips to help you do your best!

Helpful tips

Preparing for the Presentational Writing (PW)

The following videos provide guidance on how to prepare for the AAPPL Presentational Writing (PW) throughout the academic year. These videos will give educators and learners suggestions for how learners can practice writing so they will be ready to do their best.

For Language Educators: Preparing Learners for the AAPPL PW


For Learners: Preparing for the AAPPL PW


Tips on taking the AAPPL

Watch the following three short videos. They will give you tips on how to navigate through the assessment and perform your best. Once you have watched the videos, go to the demo tasks and give them a try.


Video 1: Tips for AAPPL Interpersonal Listening & Speaking (ILS)

Video 2: Tips for AAPPL Presentational Writing (PW)


Video 3: Tips for AAPPL Interpretive Reading (IR) and Interpretive Listening (IL)


Classroom Resources

AAPPL is an assessment of proficiency and performance designed to complement classroom-based language learning. Some resources to help incorporate a performance and proficiency model into the classroom curriculum include:

  • ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners: ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners describe language performance that is the result of explicit teaching in an instructional setting. The Descriptors provide a framework upon which classroom assessment can be based (e.g. function, context, text type, etc.).
  • NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements: The NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements are organized according to the modes of communication from the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. They are meant to provide accessible statements that can be used by educators to articulate learning objectives that are learner-friendly.
  • ACTFL Grade-U-Lator: The ACTFL Grade-u-lator is an online tool that assists teachers, students, schools, and administrators in converting ACTFL ratings to number and letter grades. It is exclusively available to adopters of the AAPPL through Language Testing International. Learn more here.