1.
What is language testing
Language testing is a broad category of testing that assesses aspects of a person's ability to
understand or communicate in a particular language. Language testing is used for a variety of
purposes. In academic settings, language testing can assess a student's current abilities or
progress for the purposes of academic placement. In professional settings, language testing can
determine whether a candidate has the language skills needed for a job. Whatever the context,
language assessments can effectively measure a person's language abilities.
The purpose of a language test is to determine a person’s knowledge and/or ability in the
language and to discriminate that person’s ability from that of others. Such ability may be of
different kinds, achievement, proficiency or aptitude. Tests, unlike scales, consist of specified
tasks through which language abilities are elicited. The term language assessment is used in free
variation with language testing.
2Main types of language testing
There are five main types of language assessments — aptitude, diagnostic, placement,
achievement, and proficiency tests.
1. Aptitude Tests
Aptitude refers to a person's capacity for learning something. Language aptitude tests assess a
person's ability to acquire new language skills. Because of the nature of these tests, they are more
general than most other language tests and don't focus on a particular language. Instead, they
assess how quickly and effectively a person is able to learn new language skills.
An employer might use an aptitude test to select the best employees to take language courses so
they can aid in the setup of a new international branch or provide bilingual customer service.
2. Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic tests are aimed at diagnosing the state of a person's abilities in a certain area — in this
case, their language abilities. In contrast to achievement and proficiency tests, diagnostic tests
are typically given at the start of a language learning course or program.
On a diagnostic test, most test-takers encounter questions or tasks that are outside the scope of
their abilities and the material they're familiar with. The results of the test reveal the strengths
and weaknesses in one's language abilities. Having a student's diagnostic test results can help
teachers formulate lesson plans that fill the gaps in the student's current capabilities. Students can
also use diagnostic tests to determine which areas they need to work on in order to reach a higher
level of proficiency.
3. Placement Tests
Placement tests share some similarities with diagnostic tests. They are used for educational
purposes and are administered before a course or program of study begins. In this case, the
application is a bit different. Educators and administrators use placement tests to group language
learners into classes or study groups according to their ability levels.
A university may give a placement test to determine whether a new French major needs to take
introductory French courses or skip over some courses and begin with more advanced classes.
Placement tests are also an important type of test in English language teaching at the university
level, since international students typically come in with different English-learning backgrounds
and proficiency levels.
4. Achievement Tests
An achievement test evaluates a student's language knowledge to show how their learning has
progressed. Unlike diagnostic, aptitude, and placement tests, achievement tests only cover
information the student should have been exposed to in their studies thus far.
Achievement tests are typically given after a class completes a certain chapter or unit or at the
conclusion of the course. A language teacher may give a final exam at the end of the semester to
see how well a student has retained the information they were taught over the course of the
semester. Achievement tests are typically graded and are meant to reflect how well the language
tester is performing in their language learning studies.
5. Proficiency Tests
Proficiency refers to a person's competency in using a particular skill. Language proficiency tests
assess a person's practical language skills. Proficiency tests share some similarities with
achievement tests, but rather than focusing on knowledge, proficiency tests focus on the practical
application of that knowledge. Proficiency tests measure a language user’s comprehension and
production against a rating scale such as the ACTFL, ILR, and CEFR scales.
Whereas most of the tests we've looked at are primarily associated with academic contexts,
proficiency tests are useful in a variety of settings. Anyone can take a language proficiency test,
regardless of how they learned the language and where they believe they are in their level of
competency. Proficiency tests accurately measure the candidate's ability to use a language in
real-life contexts.
3. Main types of language skills
Types of Language Skills
The four skills involved in language proficiency are listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
These skills can be categorized by their direction and method of communication. Listening and
reading are both ways of receiving language input, whereas speaking and writing are both ways
of producing language output. These pairs differ from each other when it comes to the direction
of communication. The items within each pair, however, differ by their method of
communication. Listening and speaking both involve oral communication while reading and
writing involve written communication.
1. Listening
Listening skills in a particular language involve understanding oral communication. When people
acquire their first language as babies, listening to their parents and others speaking around
them is the initial step toward comprehension and listening ability. Some people also acquire a
second language through immersion, with their listening skills developing earliest.
2. Speaking
People often refer to speaking a language in a general way that encompasses multiple ways of
using a language. For example, they may say they speak a certain language when a more
accurate statement would be that they are able to communicate in it using all four of the
communicative skills. Speaking is a specific skill, however, which, along with listening, is
required to negotiate meaning in a conversation. Speaking requires communication in real time
and may be one of the most challenging to develop yet most valuable of the four skills.
3. Reading
Comprehension of oral language and written language are two very different skills. The reading
skill involves understanding the meaning of written language. A person may be able to speak a
language with a high level of proficiency but be completely unable to read it, while other may
find it easier to read than speak since they can consume and process the language at their own
pace.
The degree of difficulty in learning to read in a second language partly depends on how similar
or dissimilar the writing system is from that of a person's first language. For example, most
European languages use the Latin alphabet, the world's most widely used alphabetic writing
system, making letters appear similar on the page. Therefore, a native English speaker may be
able to learn to read in Spanish relatively easily. However, a knowledge of the Latin alphabet
won't help you understand Arabic script or Chinese characters. Reading tests can help you
determine your proficiency in reading a language
4. Writing
Writing comes with the same challenges involved in reading since writing systems vary across
languages. Learning to write in a second language that uses a completely different system from
the one you're familiar with can be especially challenging. Writing doesn't come as naturally as
speech, even in acquiring our first language, so it can be a challenging skill for language
learners. This is why students often take writing courses in their first language throughout their
educational careers.
4. What is English language proficiency Assessment
ACTFL’s language proficiency tests are designed to assess a person's abilities in the
four skills explained above. Some of the most well-respected tests for assessing the
above skills include:
Listening Proficiency Test: The Listening Proficiency Test (LPT) is an internet-
based test that measures a person's ability to spontaneously understand spoken
language in one of 11 languages available. The test-taker listens to recordings
and must answer multiple-choice questions about what they hear. The results
report the test-taker's level of proficiency in listening.
Oral Proficiency Interview: The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) evaluates a
person's speaking skill in a particular language. An ACTFL-Certified Tester
speaks with the test-taker over the phone and gauges their proficiency level
against the criteria outlined in one of the proficiency scales. The interview is a
useful assessment tool because, though it follows a structure and protocol, it
reflects a real-life conversation.
Oral Proficiency Interview-computer: The Oral Proficiency Interview-computer
(OPIc) evaluates a person's speaking skill in a particular language. The goal of
the OPIc is the same as the OPI: to obtain a ratable sample of speech which a
rater can evaluate and compare to the criteria outlined in one of the proficiency
scales. The internet-delivered assessment emulates the "live" OPI, but delivery
of questions is through a carefully designed program and via a virtual avatar,
allowing the test to be taken on demand and at a time convenient to the
candidate and proctor.
Reading Proficiency Test: The Reading Proficiency Test (RPT) is an internet-
based test during which the candidate reads passages in one of 12 languages
and answers multiple-choice questions to demonstrate their reading
comprehension in that language. Because of the format of the test, it is machine
scored, so results are available immediately upon completion.
Writing Proficiency Test: The Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) is another
internet-based test. Rather than answering multiple-choice questions, the test-
taker responds in detail to open ended writing prompts. ACTFL-Certified raters
assess the candidate's written responses as compared to the guidelines
established by one of the proficiency scales. This test is available in a variety of
languages.
5. Purpose of Assessing English Language Learners
Assessment is the process of gathering and discussing information from multiple and
diverse sources in order to develop a deep understanding of what students know,
understand, and can do with their knowledge as a result of their educational
experiences; the process culminates when assessment results are used to improve
subsequent learning.
The purpose of assessment is to provide diagnostic background knowledge, help
decide student placement, measure student learning and achievement, and improve or
inform instruction (how effective the methods are).
For teachers, that means assessment also helps us do the following things:
diagnose students’ overall content knowledge
diagnose students’ language abilities and skills
monitor students’ progress in cognitive learning and language development
measure students’ achievement in content mastery in language development
identity aspects of student’s motivations for learning
identify and develop appropriate support needed for instruction
inform parents, administrators, colleagues, and students of their progress
6. How many modes of are there in TOEFL? Which are they?
TOEFL test enables students to prove that they can freely express their thoughts in
English in the study and in everyday life. Language that is used in the test is modern
English, the language that is used in lectures and seminars. The same language
teachers express when they discuss with students the practical and theoretical
problems of course.
There are three types of the test: paper version (PBT - Paper-based Test), computer-
based (CBT - Computer-based Test) and online version (iBT - Internet-based Test).
Currently TOEFL iBT completely displace CBT, and it’s the most common type of
examination. Despite of this fact, many universities continue to publish the entry
requirements in terms of PBT. iBT version includes tasks in the following
sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing. TOEFL iBT exam is allowed and even
recommended to take notes in each of the sections. The test lasts no more than 4.5
hours.
7. How many parts are there in TOEFL speaking section?
Sure! The TOEFL speaking section consists of four tasks:
1. Task 1: Independent Speaking - In this task, test-takers are asked to express their opinion on a
familiar topic.
2. Task 2: Integrated Speaking - Test-takers are required to read a passage, listen to a lecture, and
then speak about the relationship between the two.
3. Task 3: Integrated Speaking - Test-takers listen to a conversation and then express an opinion
on the topic discussed.
4. Task 4: Integrated Speaking - Test-takers listen to a lecture and then speak about the content.
Each task is designed to assess the test-taker's ability to speak clearly and coherently, as well as
their ability to effectively convey their thoughts and ideas.
8. Main principles of CELTA?
CELTA from Cambridge is a qualification for teaching English as a foreign language. It
is the most widely recognised English teaching qualification in the world and the most
often requested by employers; three out of four English language teaching jobs require
a CELTA qualification*.
The CELTA course covers the principles of effective teaching, and gives you a range of
teaching techniques and practical experience. You get hands-on teaching practice and
observation of experienced teachers, and you'll apply your learning by delivering
communicative teaching with English language learners.
The CELTA course covers a range of topics:
Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context
Language analysis and awareness
Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing
Planning and resources for different teaching contexts
Developing teaching skills and professionalism
9.Main differences between CELTA and TEFL
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) and TEFL (Teaching English as a
Foreign Language) are both certifications that can qualify you to teach English as a second
language. However, there are some key differences between the two:
1. Recognition and Accreditation: CELTA is a specific teaching qualification offered by
Cambridge English Language Assessment, which is highly recognized and respected worldwide.
TEFL, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various certifications from different
providers, some of which may not have the same level of recognition.
2. Focus and Target Audience: CELTA is primarily focused on teaching English to adult
learners, while TEFL can cover teaching English to both adults and children. CELTA provides a
more in-depth understanding of teaching methodologies specifically tailored for adult learners.
3. Duration and Intensity: CELTA is an intensive course typically lasting four weeks full-time or
part-time over a longer period. It involves a significant amount of supervised teaching practice
and assignments. TEFL courses can vary in duration and intensity, ranging from a few days to
several months, depending on the provider and the level of certification.
4. Practical Teaching Experience: CELTA places a strong emphasis on practical teaching
experience. Trainees are required to teach actual English language learners under the guidance
and observation of experienced trainers. TEFL courses may also provide teaching practice
opportunities, but the extent and quality can vary depending on the course provider.
5. Cost: CELTA courses tend to be more expensive compared to many TEFL courses. This is
partly due to the reputation and accreditation associated with the CELTA certification.
Ultimately, the choice between CELTA and TEFL depends on your specific goals, target
audience, and the level of recognition you desire. CELTA is often preferred for those who want
to teach adults and value a highly recognized qualification, while TEFL may be suitable for
those looking for a more flexible and affordable option, especially if they plan to teach children
or in non-traditional settings.
10. Who is CELTA for and ways to take it
CELTA courses are run by authorised centres based on specifications produced by
Cambridge Assessment English. There are more than 350 authorised centres in more
than 80 countries, running over 1,500 courses a year.
You can choose the way you’d like to take your CELTA course and the centre that fits
your needs – whether that’s your local centre, a place you’d like to visit to take the
course, or an online course provider.
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) is the name of the initial
teaching qualification.
Candidates must be:
at least 18 years old (when the course begins)
have a standard of education that allows entry to higher education in their
country
competent in written and spoken English (C1 level on the Common European
Framework or IELTS 7 or higher)
11.What are the benefits of getting TESOL certified?
13. Who is TKT for?
15. Which specialist modules are there in TKT test?
16. How are Linguaskill tests assessed?
18.What is Linguaskill test?
19.Avant English Language proficiency tests
20.PTE Academic Pearson English Language test
21. Aptis language proficiency testing.
22.The role and aim of Aptis structure in assessing
24.Who is CELTA for and ways to take it
25.Which two options are there in Linguaskill test? Speak about them
32.How many modes of are there in TOEFL? Which are they?
There are four modes in the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam:
1. Reading: This section measures your ability to understand academic texts in English. You will
be asked to answer questions based on the information provided in the reading passages.
2. Listening: This section assesses your listening skills by presenting conversations, lectures, and
discussions. You will need to answer questions based on what you hear.
3. Speaking: In this section, you will be evaluated on your ability to speak in English. You will
be asked to express your opinion, summarize information, and engage in conversations.
4. Writing: This section tests your writing skills. You will be required to write essays based on
given prompts, as well as summarize and analyze information from reading and listening
passages.
Each mode of the TOEFL is designed to evaluate different language skills necessary for
academic success in an English-speaking environment.
34.Main principles of assessment?
Assessment is a crucial aspect of education and various fields to measure, evaluate, and
understand the performance, progress, and capabilities of individuals. The main principles of
assessment include:
Validity:
Assessment tools and methods should measure what they are intended to measure.
Validity ensures that the assessment accurately reflects the knowledge, skills, or
abilities it is designed to assess.
Reliability:
Reliable assessments yield consistent results when administered under similar
conditions. Reliability ensures that the assessment is dependable and free from
random errors, providing consistent outcomes upon repeated measurements.
Practicality:
Assessments should be practical to administer and should not place undue burden on
the resources, time, or efforts of both the assessors and the individuals being assessed.
Relatability:
Assessments should be related to the learning objectives and goals. There should be a
clear connection between what is assessed and the desired outcomes of the
educational or training program.
Flexibility:
Assessment methods should be adaptable to diverse learning styles, preferences, and
abilities. A flexible approach allows for the recognition of various forms of
intelligence and skills..
By incorporating these principles into the assessment process, educators, employers, and other
assessors can enhance the quality and fairness of evaluations while promoting a positive and
constructive learning environment.
35.Core Modules? Module description of the TKT test?3
The TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) is a test designed for teachers of English as a foreign
language. It consists of three core modules:
1. Module 1: Language and background to language learning and teaching
This module covers the principles of language teaching and learning, the role of the teacher, and
the different approaches to language teaching.
2. Module 2: Lesson planning and use of resources for language teaching
This module focuses on the planning and preparation of lessons, including selecting and using
appropriate resources and materials for language teaching.
3. Module 3: Managing the teaching and learning process
This module addresses classroom management, teacher roles, and the assessment and evaluation
of language learning.
Each module consists of a series of tasks and questions that assess the candidates' knowledge and
understanding of these key areas of language teaching.
36.Main differences between CELTA and TEFL
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) and TEFL (Teaching English as a
Foreign Language) are both certifications that can qualify you to teach English as a second
language. However, there are some key differences between the two:
1. Recognition and Accreditation: CELTA is a specific teaching qualification offered by
Cambridge English Language Assessment, which is highly recognized and respected worldwide.
TEFL, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses various certifications from different
providers, some of which may not have the same level of recognition.
2. Focus and Target Audience: CELTA is primarily focused on teaching English to adult
learners, while TEFL can cover teaching English to both adults and children. CELTA provides a
more in-depth understanding of teaching methodologies specifically tailored for adult learners.
3. Duration and Intensity: CELTA is an intensive course typically lasting four weeks full-time or
part-time over a longer period. It involves a significant amount of supervised teaching practice
and assignments. TEFL courses can vary in duration and intensity, ranging from a few days to
several months, depending on the provider and the level of certification.
4. Practical Teaching Experience: CELTA places a strong emphasis on practical teaching
experience. Trainees are required to teach actual English language learners under the guidance
and observation of experienced trainers. TEFL courses may also provide teaching practice
opportunities, but the extent and quality can vary depending on the course provider.
5. Cost: CELTA courses tend to be more expensive compared to many TEFL courses. This is
partly due to the reputation and accreditation associated with the CELTA certification.
Ultimately, the choice between CELTA and TEFL depends on your specific goals, target
audience, and the level of recognition you desire. CELTA is often preferred for those who want
to teach adults and value a highly recognized qualification, while TEFL may be suitable for
those looking for a more flexible and affordable option, especially if they plan to teach children
or in non-traditional settings.
38.Where are TESOL certificates accepted?
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificates are widely accepted
around the world. They are recognized and valued by educational institutions, language schools,
and employers in many countries. TESOL certification can be beneficial for teaching English as
a second or foreign language in various settings, including:
1. Language schools and institutes: Many language schools require TESOL certification as a
minimum qualification for English language teachers.
2. International schools: TESOL certification is often preferred or required for teaching English
in international schools, which cater to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
3. Universities and colleges: TESOL certification can be advantageous for teaching English to
international students in universities and colleges, both in English-speaking countries and non-
English-speaking countries.
4. Private tutoring: TESOL certification can enhance your credibility and marketability as a
private English tutor, attracting more students.
5. Non-profit organizations: TESOL certification may be required or preferred for teaching
English in non-profit organizations that provide language support to immigrants, refugees, or
disadvantaged communities.
It's important to note that specific requirements and preferences may vary depending on the
country, institution, or organization. It's always a good idea to research the specific requirements
of your desired teaching location to ensure compliance.
40.Which two options are there in Linguaskill test? Speak about them
In the Linguaskill test, there are two main options available: the Reading and Listening module
and the Speaking module.
1. Reading and Listening Module: This module assesses your reading and listening skills in
English. It consists of multiple-choice questions based on various texts and audio recordings.
You will be tested on your ability to understand written and spoken English, including
comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
2. Speaking Module: This module evaluates your speaking skills in English. It involves a series
of tasks that assess your ability to communicate effectively in spoken English. You may be asked
to describe pictures, express opinions, participate in role-plays, or engage in conversations with
an examiner or through a computer-based system.
Both modules are designed to measure your English language proficiency across different skills.
The Linguaskill test is commonly used for academic, professional, or immigration purposes to
assess an individual's English language abilities accurately.
