Assessment services that empower learning

Course Sections

1. Key terminology used in language assessment – includes a glossary and explanations of key language and concepts in language assessment
2. Dealing with sensitive subjects – how to ensure tests are fair and inclusive
3. How the Common European Framework of Reference and language levels relate to assessment
4. An introduction to useful tools for test writers that ensure test questions are at the right level and fulfil the testing focus
5. How to write multiple-choice tasks for receptive skills
6. How to write cloze tasks for receptive skills
7. How to write matching tasks for receptive skills
8. How to write note-taking tasks for receptive skills
9. How to write guided writing questions to assess writing skills
10. How to write interview questions for assessing speaking skills

Course content

Unit 1

Being an item writer and key terminology (1 hour 30 minutes)

• The test development process
• Self-assessment
• Key terminology

Unit 2

Sensitivity and world knowledge (1 hour 30 minutes)

• What is sensitivity?
• Taboo topics in assessment
• Identifying suitable topics

Unit 3

The CEFR and language levels (3 – 4 hours)

• The purpose of the CEFR
• CEFR and language assessment
• Useful tools for test writers

Unit 4

Multiple-choice tasks (3 – 4 hours)

• Key concepts for reading and listening multiple-choice tasks
• Writing scripted texts for reading and listening
• Listening multiple-choice tasks

Unit 5

Cloze tasks (3 hours)

• Key concepts for cloze tasks
• Grammatical and lexico-grammatical cloze
• Lexical cloze
• Multiple-choice sentence gaps – Reading
• Open cloze – Reading

Unit 6

Matching tasks (2 hours)

• Key concepts for matching tasks
• Listening
• Reading

Unit 7

Note-taking tasks (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Key concepts and practice for Listening tasks

Unit 8

Guided writing (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Key features of guided writing tasks
• Writing prompts
• Writing a sample answer

Unit 9

Interview questions (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Key concepts for interview questions
• Analysing topics and tasks
• Identifying common issues