Teacher Discussion Forums

[BradC]

One of our readers sent this to us to show how she quickly tests the speaking ability of prospective students in order to place them into the correct class:

http://www.englishtoolbox.com/blog/2007/09/this-weeks-contest-socializing-with.html

[Lorikeet]

That link doesn't seem to have much to do about a "quick and dirty" speaking test to me.

[Sally Olsen]

Did I get it right in thinking that you take the paragraph written in English which has a number of progressively harder constructions and get it translated to the student's native language. Then in the test they translate it back to you and if they aren't able to translate certain constructions you know where they are in their studies?

[BradC]

Yes, Sally, that seems to be general idea. Again, it was sent in by one of our site's visitors, but I think that's what she had in mind for the test.

[Lorikeet]

Then I think it could be an assessment of grammar and translation skills, but I don't see how it could be related to speaking.

[engteacher]

I agree with Lorikeet. I have no idea why or how this guy can link to a speaking assessment. Makes me wonder...

[percussive]

Maybe the moderator should reclassify this entry?

Or, retitle it?

just suggestions
p

[Karenne]

Controlling the conversation -

This might be quite useful - it's not a formal assessment tool - just something me and my students came up with to monitor progress and develop language awareness.

Hope you enjoy:

http://kalinago.blogspot.com/2009/05/controlling-conversation.html

[labonteesl]

I have put together a simple conversation assessment test and would be happy to e mail it to you. It is based on what I found to be the top English conversation patterns .