Module 5 TEFL Course

English teaching textbooks

Used by schools, textbooks are often produced with accompanying placement tests. These tests are meant to determine the level of student for whom each particular book in the textbook series (book I, II, III, etc.) would be appropriate.

The Institutional TOEFL

A paper version of the TOEFL (the International TOEFL is available as a computer-based test only in most countries) contains recycled information from past International TOEFL tests. Its scores are therefore only valid for internal use by the school that administers the test. It is more appropriate for students in Academic Preparation programs, i.e. those students who have attained at least a B1 CEF level and are preparing to enter colleges and universities in English-speaking countries.

Placement test

A placement test is used to determine the general language skills of a student, so that a school has a basis for determining the initial class-level for that student. Some schools have developed their own placement tests; others will use a standard placement test that they have purchased for use in their schools. Most placement tests are objective: students choose among three to four possible answers for each question or problem. These tests usually have at least three or four sections: listening, grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension, and the tests range from 50 to 100 questions.

IELTS

International English Language Testing System -proficiency test The IELTS, International English Language Testing System, is the preferred proficiency test in many English-speaking countries, and is gaining acceptance in the U.S. There are two versions; one for academic qualification in English for admission to college or university and one for general English for work or work training. It contains computer-based listening, reading, and writing sections. The speaking portion features an interview with a live examiner. IELTS: ielts.org/

MELAB

Michigan English Language Assessment Battery -proficiency test Another widely accepted proficiency test for university students who wish to study in English is MELAB: Michigan English Language Assessment Battery. It consists of three required parts: composition, listening, and grammar. There is one optional speaking test. The test can take from 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, depending on whether or not the speaking test is taken. Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments: cambridgemichigan.org/test-takers/tests/melab/ Q: Is it suggested to take the speaking version of this test, or does it not matter?

Cambridge

Some Cambridge examinations lead to a certificate that indicates a certain proficiency level, including Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), and Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE). These are especially recognized in Europe. Cambridge English: cambridgeenglish.org/exams/

TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language -placement and proficiency test The most accepted English proficiency test for students seeking entrance to universities in the United States is TOEFL; it is available in two forms, TOEFL iBT® and TOEFL ITP®. Both TOEFL exams are given at test centers, but TOEFL ITP® exams are given only at universities. The TOEFL iBT® is a computer-based exam, but the TOEFL ITP® is paper-based. Both TOEFL examinations test all four language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. During the TOEFL iBT®, the more widely available version, students respond to some questions by speaking into a microphone. The writing section has been expanded to require not only an essay, but also a written response to provided written and audio materials. Students' abilities to combine language skills successfully is stressed. For example, students listen to and read academic material, and respond by speaking. The TOEFL iBT®'s emphasis on writing, speaking, and integrated skills has influenced test preparation classes. For more information on TOEFL iBT® go to their website: www.ets.org/toefl.

TOEIC

Test of English for International Communication -placement and proficiency test The TOEIC test focuses on workplace English skills, rather than academic English. There are two tests; one a paper-based examination of listening and reading comprehension, and the other is a computer-based speaking and writing test. The topics are oriented toward the person in international business who needs English in the workplace. TOEIC is most popular in the Pacific Rim countries of Korea, Taiwan, and Japan as well as other countries, such as Mexico and several in South America, where companies demand that their employees be able to prove their skills in English. TOEIC: ets.org/toeic

BEST

The Basic English Skills Test -placement test Developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics to evaluate listening, speaking, reading and writing skills of limited-English adults, the BEST test is very popular with English programs that serve immigrant/refugee students in the U.S. The BEST test is often used with students for whom literacy may be an issue.

ELI

The University of Michigan English Language Institute -placement test A leader in the development of the EFL/ESL profession for many years, the University of Michigan Placement Test (UMPT) is a standardized testing instrument used in many schools. This test is divided into four sections: twenty listening questions (via recorded audio), thirty grammar questions, thirty vocabulary questions, and twenty reading questions. This test requires the ability to read in English, so it is not suitable for measuring the ability of low literacy students. Note: It is quite possible for learners, such as immigrants or others who have been exposed to a great deal of English, to have significant speaking and listening skills in English but remain unable to read or write in the language. This is especially common if they cannot read well in their first language or if their first language (e.g., Chinese or Arabic) uses a very different alphabet than English.

Proficiency test

in order to enter universities in English-speaking countries or prove their English levels to their employers, students may take standardized proficiency tests like the For many people, advancement in their academic or professional careers hinges on attaining a set score on a standardized proficiency test in English. Universities with instruction in English require all potential students from non-English speaking countries to demonstrate fluency through examination prior to admission. Some companies insist on proficiency tests before employees are eligible for promotion. To assist these highly motivated students in attaining their goals, EFL teachers should be familiar with the most common English proficiency tests. These examinations are all high stakes tests, ones that have a large impact on the lives of the test-takers. For this reason, there are many courses and teaching jobs based on preparing students to be successful on these exams. If you are teaching in an environment in which many of your students plan to take these examinations, become as familiar with them as possible.