Assessment. Types of tests

Types of tests
Achievement test
Diagnostic test
Objective test
Placement test
Oral test
Proficiency test
Progress test
Subjective test
Summative test

Achievement test
Measures what learners have
learnt on a language course -
usually at the end of the course.
Outcomes Advanced

Diagnostic test
Identifies learners’ strengths and weaknesses. Helps teachers to make decisions on what needs to be taught
Example
At the start of the course, the teacher gives the learners a diagnostic test to see what areas of language need to be in the syllabus.
In the classroom
Progress tests given during the course can also act as diagnostic tests as they help the teacher and learners identify what areas will be looked at next on the course.

Oxford University Press

Objective test
An objective test is a test that has right or wrong answers and so can be marked objectively. It can be compared with a subjective test, which is evaluated by giving an opinion, usually based on agreed criteria. Objective tests are popular because they are easy to prepare and take, quick to mark, and provide a quantifiable and concrete result.
For example
True or false questions based on a text can be used in an objective test.
In the classroom
Marking objective tests together in the class is a useful way to exploit them further as it gives the learners the opportunity to discuss answers, try to justify choices, and help each other etc.

Placement test
Used before the beginning of courses, to determine learners’ language levels and place them in the most appropriate groups.
Macmillan Dictionary

Oral test
Measures learners’ speaking abilities
Cambridge Proficiency
IELTS

Proficiency test
Measures language ability and based on what is needed for a particular purpose, e.g. English for secretaries, English for car mechanics.

Progress test
Measures learners’ progress during a language course
Oxford University Press

Subjective test
Example
Tests of writing ability are often subjective because they require an examiner to give an opinion on the level of the writing.
In the classroom
Learners preparing for a subjective writing test, for example a letter of complaint, need to think about their target audience, since they are being asked to produce a whole text. Teachers can help them by emphasizing the importance of analysing the question and identifying the key points of content, register, and format.

CAE Writing