Job Discussion Forums

Jerezgirl · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Jerez, Spain

What do you currently use to determine a student�s level in order to place them in the correct class? A home made exam, or one that you have bought?

I recently bought one which I HATE! (I haven�t got the name to hand).

My classes are all with age 18+ students, no more than 6 per class and are Spanish speakers. If anyone has a recommendation for a good level test it would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

John Hall · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 6:19 pm Post subject:

How about the ELASH (English Language Assessment System for Hispanics)? It covers only listening, reading, and structure. However, it rates students on a scale of 40-200, and provides a simple analysis of the student's weaknesses in each particular area.

I don't know if it is available in Spain. College Board, the organization, the produces and evaluates this test, is based in Puerto Rico.

Jerezgirl · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Jerez, Spain

Hi John, and thanks for the reply.

I googled the ELASH, but from what I can gather it isn�t quite what I am looking for. I realise now that I didn�t word my original question very well.

What I am looking for is a nice, simple say 15-30 minute placement test. Each fortnight I receive groups of new students and I have to sort them in classes appropriate for their level of (British) English.

I was just wondering if everyone makes up their own placement tests or whether there are any decent ones out there on the market already??

Many thanks
Nicole

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I use my own tests but a friend said he likes the level test on onestopenglish. Havent used it myself though.

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

you could try cesc.com and follow the link to their so-called placement test.
best
basil

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:13 pm Post subject:

There are a few online placement tests at:

http://www.world-english.org/

Jerezgirl · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Jerez, Spain

Jerezgirl · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Jerez, Spain

Sherri · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 1:46 am Post subject:

My first preference is to make my own placement test to match the program. You have to look at the levels you have and what makes them different from each other. Set up your learning outcomes and work from there.

We use the Michigan Placement Test where I work now. It is not my favourite test, for many reasons but it does work. It takes just over an hour with a listening, grammar, vocab and reading. We supplement with an interview and a writing sample. The link is below if you want to check it out:

http://141.211.177.75/eli/testing/publications/

Jerezgirl · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Jerez, Spain

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Jerezgirl · Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Jerez, Spain

Thanks for all the links.

I�ve done some sifting through. Some of the links are for tests other than placement tests, and some are for American English.

A few of them are online placement tests, which isn�t what I�m looking for...but is there anything stopping me from copying them and handing them out as a paper placement test? If there is no copyright logo on the page could I do this???

A couple of the online tests didn�t look too bad. And I could always supplement them with an interview and short written exercise.

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

sorry.

try

http://www.cesc.co.uk/downloads.cfm

and click on 'test your english'
best
basil

Jizzo T. Clown · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 4:56 pm Post subject:

John Hall · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 5:07 pm Post subject:

Jizzo,

Maybe you haven't had to abide by them, but I, for one, have certainly always had to abide by them (in Japan and Costa Rica).