Testing

Question 1

assesses how well learner is doing in specific areas taught; highlights areas that need further work

Answer 1

Progress/Formative

Question 2

given at the end of a course to assess how much has been learnt; tests course content only

Answer 2

Final achievement/Summative

Question 3

given at the beginning of a course to check what students already know; designed to find out learners’ needs and ensure course is relevant

Answer 3

Diagnostic

Question 4

to assess whether students meet the general standard/criteria

Answer 4

Proficiency

Question 5

to check a learner’s level to place them on a course

Answer 5

Placement/Entry

Question 6

comprises test-takers to each other rather than against external criteria

Answer 6

Norm-referenced

Question 7

classifies test-takers according to whether or not they are able to perform some task/set of tasks satisfactory

Answer 7

Criterion referenced

Question 8

a gap-filling reading test where words are deleted at regular intervals, e.g., every 7th word is gapped

Answer 8

cloze

Question 9

tests in which there is a single correct answer, e.g., MCQ or T/F; can be marked without the use of marker’s personal judgement

Answer 9

Objective

Question 10

tests in which the marker uses their judgement

Answer 10

Subjective

Question 11

Requires the learner to use several language skills at the same time, e.g., dictation or oral interview

Answer 11

Integrative/Holistic

Question 12

assesses knowledge of individual language items

Answer 12

Discrete item

Question 13

designed to approximate authentic target language use situation, e.g., write a letter to test writing skills

Answer 13

Direct

Question 14

the extent to which the test measures what it is intended to measure

Answer 14

Validity

Question 15

tests what it is supposed to test – samples from a range of what is needed

Answer 15

Content validity

Question 16

appears to test-taker to test what it is supposed to

Answer 16

Face validity

Question 17

tests what it is supposed to test and nothing else, e.g., doesn’t test incidental cultural knowledge

Answer 17

Construct validity

Question 18

predicts candidates’ future performance

Answer 18

Predictive validity

Question 19

when the same students, with the same amount of knowledge, taking the same test at a different time, would get more or less the same results

Answer 19

Test reliability

Question 20

when different markers or scorers would give the same marks to the test items

Answer 20

Scorer reliability

Question 21

how easy and convenient it is to administer the test, based on straightforward practical considerations

Answer 21

Practicality

Question 22

the effect a test has on the course leading up to it; the positive or negative impact of a test on classroom teaching

Answer 22

Backwash/Washback

Question 23

the effect a test might have on the learner, teaching and classroom activities that follow a test

Answer 23

Spin off