1
What is the main focus of modern language assessment?
Ensuring tests are fit for purpose
What did early university examinations primarily aim to do?
Select candidates for university entrance
How were early examinations typically conducted?
Orally, later written
What does “assessment” in education refer to?
Activities to support learning and measure progress.
What is test validation?
Gathering evidence to support accurate score interpretation
What do achievement tests measure?
Content covered in a course
What do proficiency tests measure?
General language ability
What is language aptitude testing used for?
Predicting ability to learn a language.
What is the purpose of diagnostic assessment?
Identifying strengths and weaknesses
What type of tests are usually teacher-made?
Achievement tests
What distinguishes large-scale tests from classroom tests?
External vs internal purposes and contexts.
What is a key feature of formative assessment?
Providing feedback to improve learning
What is the main purpose of summative assessment?
Summarizing learning outcomes
What does Assessment for Learning (AfL) prioritize?
Promoting student learning
What must learners do in AfL?
Close the gap between current and desired performance
What is dynamic assessment concerned with?
Performance with assistance and learning potential
What does learning-oriented assessment emphasize?
Student learning and engagement
What did communicative language testing focus on?
Real-life language use
What major change did the TOEFL iBT introduce?
Focus on performance-based tasks
What is washback in language testing?
The effect of tests on teaching and learning
What issue exists with designing tests for washback?
It is difficult to prove consistent effects
Bonus
+500
What role do teachers play in diagnostic assessment?
Identifying learners’ needs.
What is a growing concern in language testing today?
Use of tests for political or bureaucratic purposes.
What ethical principle should guide language testers?
Considering the consequences of test use.