Types of Language Testing
Dr. Khalil Ahmad
Types of Language Testing
Language is a complicated thing to measure. Consequently,
there are many types of language testing, each type
measuring different skills for different reasons.
For example, one test might ask you to read a passage out
loud, while another asks you to answer questions about the
passage.
"Different types of language tests are necessary to assess the
wide array of skills and knowledge areas that comprise
language proficiency, ensuring that assessment aligns with
the intended learning outcomes and contexts.” ( Fulcher, G.,
2007)
Norm-referenced Tests Vs. Criterion-referenced
Tests
• Norm-referenced Tests: compares results of individual test-
taker to the results of other test-takers (Mc. Kenna & Stahl,
2020). A norm-referenced test compares the test-taker's score
to a representative group, or norming group, and reports where
the test-taker falls in relationship to other test-takers. Examples
of norm-referenced tests are the SAT and ACT and most IQ
tests.
• Criterion-referenced Tests: Criterion-referenced tests are
designed to measure a student's performance against a set of
predetermined criteria or learning objectives, rather than
comparing their performance to that of other students. These
tests evaluate whether students have acquired specific skills or
knowledge that are outlined in a curriculum or a standard.
TOEFL or IELTS or End of the Course Tests (papers)etc.
Language Proficiency Tests
Language proficiency refers to one's ability to use a language
for real-world purposes to accomplish real-world linguistic
tasks across a wide range of topics and settings.
A language proficiency test assesses the language user's
language skills. A proficiency test is not limited to any one
course, curriculum, or single skill in the language; rather, it
tests overall ability. Proficiency testing measures a person’s
level of skill in a language, independent of how they learned
it. IELTS and TOEFL are examples of proficiency tests.
Proficiency tests often have a significant backwash effect on
the classroom, as learners' focus narrows to preparing the
test items.
Achievement Tests
The most frequent purpose for which a classroom teacher
uses a test is to measure learners’ ability within a classroom
lesson, a unit, or even an entire curriculum which is called
achievement tests.
They are (or should be) limited to particular material
addressed in a curriculum within a specific time frame and
are offered after a course has focused on the objectives in
question.
The most common type of achievement test is a standardized
test, such as the SAT, required for college entry in the United
States.
Diagnostic Tests
The purpose of a diagnostic test is to identify aspects of a
language that a student needs to develop or that a course
should include. A test of pronunciation, for example, might
diagnose the phonological features of English that are difficult
for learners and should therefore become part of a curriculum.
The primary goal is to diagnose specific areas where students
may need additional support or intervention.
The line of distinction between a diagnostic test and an
achievement test is blur. Achievement tests analyze the extent
to which students have acquired language features that have
already been taught; diagnostic tests should elicit information
on what students need to work on in the future.
Placement Tests
Placement tests, are administered to place a new student
into a particular level or section of a language curriculum or
school.
Placement tests are tests that act as indicators of a student's
academic abilities. Placement tests are given to students
entering educational institutions to measure their overall
knowledge in various subjects before assigning the students
their ability-appropriate-level courses.
Aptitude Tests
An aptitude test is designed to measure capacity' or general
ability to learn a foreign language a priori (before taking a
course) and ultimate predicted success in that undertaking.
Language aptitude tests are apparently designed to apply to
the classroom learning of any language.
Aptitude tests refer to standardized tests designed to
measure an individual's natural abilities, skills, and potential
in specific cognitive domains. These tests aim to evaluate a
person's capacity to learn, reason, solve problems, and adapt
to new situations.
Aptitude tests are typically structured and standardized,
ensuring that all candidates are assessed using the same
criteria and conditions.
