Paper , Order, or Assignment Requirements

Section 1: formal testing (2700 words)

Design a diagnostic test for pre-intermediate level learners. DO NOT just copy a whole test

(such as IELTS): we need to see some originality. For example, you can choose one part of

IELTS, you choose the format and change 5-10 items; similarly, you choose another part of

another formal test and so on. Then you combine all parts together.

You will need to:

1. Define the scope and purpose of your test
2. Write the sections of the test which will address the fours skills (reading, writing,

speaking and listening) and the four systems (grammar, lexis, phonology and

discourse). Skills and systems will need to be tested through integrated tasks (for

example the productive skill of writing can also serve to test lexis, grammar and

discourse).

3. Clarify which elements of the test are adopting an integrative approach and which a

discrete point approach, justifying why in each case.

4. Produce a marking scheme with criteria appropriate to each section of the test. You

will need to consider where it is appropriate to mark using a holistic or analytic

approach and how this will impact on the scoring grid. You will also need to discuss

how you have elaborated/arrived at your scoring method.

Components of the test may be designed to be used on computers, but you will have to

consider the effect of this on the administration of the test.

This section should be supported by a commentary related to the literature and clarifying why

you have made certain choices in devising the test components and the marking scheme.

Section 2: informal testing (300words)

Write a commentary describing the various strategies teachers adopt to test learners

informally during and outside of class time. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of

each one measured against such factors as learner motivation and independence, class time,

groups dynamics, etc.

informal testing means the testing you do not mark, such as monitoring your students,

eliciting, giving them things to do, evaluating how well they are doing, giving homework etc.