There are many different kinds of test which may be given for different reasons:
Placement Tests
Given before courses start in order to sort learners according to linguistic competence and performance. Usually cover a wide range of English but will focus on those skill areas needed on the courses. Scores may vary widely.
Progress Tests
Given during a course and designed to encourage learners and diagnose problem areas/identify areas of difficulty. Usually involve a restricted range of English (material from recently-taught lessons) and will often result in high scores.
Achievement Tests
Usually given in the middle or at the end of a course and designed to measure progress over a long period. Will include a wide range of previously-taught items and may result in a range of scores.
Most course books nowadays are accompanied by specially-written photocopiable tests. Should you however decide to write your own test, try and stick to the following pointers:
- List all points (grammar, vocabulary and skill) taught and practised – test only what you have taught!
- Give a percentage mark to each point according to:
- how important you feel it is
- how long you have spent teaching it
- Spend more time testing what you have spent most time teaching!
- Make a note of the question/exercise/activity types that the learners are familiar with and the kind of setting-up each exercise has required (examples etc) – test in a familiar way!
- Remember that a good test should contain a mix of Objective and Subjective questions. Objective items (for example multiple choice, gap-filling) have only one answer, are marked quickly, and are good tests of single language units. Subjective items (for example composition, interviews) have many answers and are good tests of language skill.
- Test the test - give it to a colleague and ask him/her for comments. Check that you have made allowances for all possible answers and allowed the right amount of time.
Find out more about the principles that underpin teaching at www.teachingenglish.org.uk The Teaching English website is a central point of reference for information about English language teaching products and services from the UK.
