Types of Language Test

Before knowing several types of test, let the writer include the definition of test itself. Testing in general is to find how something works. In terms in human beings, testing tells what level of knowledge or skill has been acquired. In this now’s discussion, the writer will focus on types of language tests. The most important thing that we need to know about test is the planning of doing the test. The key to effective achievement testing is careful planning. It provides greater assurance that our test will measure relevant learning outcomes. Test planning involves the identification and specification of precisely what is to be measured.

It is obvious from the above list that the first consideration in test planning is to determine the type of test to be prepared. This will help clarify what is to be measure and will aid in stating the test specification in such precise terms that test items can be constructed to call forth the desired performance. If the test planning is carefully done, constructing relevant test items is greatly simplified.

            These are the steps to be most useful in making test:

        1        .      determine the purpose of the test

        2        .      identify and define the intended learning outcomes

        3        .      prepare the test specification

        4        .      Construct relevant test items.

Going on to the types of language tests, the following tests are the types that the writer can include on this discussion:

          1.      Diagnostic Tests

These tests are used to diagnose how much you know and what you know. They can help a teacher know what needs to be reviewed or reinforced in class. They also enable the student to identify areas of weakness.

          2.      Placement Tests

These tests are used to place students in the appropriate class or level. For example, in language schools, placement tests are used to check a student’s language level through grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking questions. After establishing the student’s level, the student is placed in the appropriate class to suit his/her needs.

          3.      Progress or Achievement Tests

Achievement or progress tests measure the students’ improvement in relation to their syllabus. These tests only contain items which the students have been taught in class. There are two types of progress tests: short-term and long-term.

Short-term progress tests check how well students have understood or learned material covered in specific units or chapters. They enable the teacher to decide if remedial or consolidation work is required.

Long-term progress tests are also called Course Tests because they check the learners’ progress over the entire course. They enable the students to judge how well they have progressed. Administratively, they are often the sole basis of decisions to promote to a higher level.

Progress tests can also be structured as quizzes, rather than as tests. They can be answered by teams of students, rather than individuals. They can be formulated as presentations, posters, assignments, or research projects. Structuring progress tests in this way takes into account the multiple intelligences and differing learning styles of the students. Yet many students still expect a “regular test” as a part of “normal learning”.

         4.      Proficiency Tests

These tests check learner levels in relation to general standards. They provide a broad picture of knowledge and ability. In English language learning, examples are the TOEFL and IELTS exam, which are mandatory for foreign-language speakers seeking admission to English-speaking universities. In addition, the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) checks students’ knowledge of Business English, as a prerequisite for employment.

         5.      Internal Tests

Internal tests are those given by the institution where the learner is taking the course. They are often given at the end of a course in the form of a final exam.

         6.      External Tests

External tests are those given by an outside body. Examples are the TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE and GMAT. The exams themselves are the basis for admission to university, job recruitment, or promotion.

         7.      Objective Tests

Objective tests are those that have clear right or wrong answers. Multiple-choice tests fall into this group. Students have to select a pre-determined correct answer from three or four possibilities.

         8.      Subjective Tests

Subjective tests require the marker or examiner to make a subjective judgment regarding the marks deserved. Examples are essay questions and oral interviews. For such tests, it is especially important that both examiner and student are aware of the grading criteria in order to increase their validity.

         9.      Combination Tests

Many tests are a combination of objective and subjective styles. For example, on the TOEFL iBT, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, the reading and listening sections are objective, and the writing and speaking sections are subjective.

            Well, these are the types of test that the writer can include completed by the clarifications on each test self. This discussion and the summary of types of language tests are written by including two differences reference resources; they are from a guide book given by the lecture and the internet. Wish it can be useful for you as the readers.