How Language Assessment Works

The How Language Assessment Works project provides information, materials and training for anyone who is interested in learning more about language assessment.

Glossary

Our glossary consists of hundreds of definitions of terms to do with language assessment. The definitions were written by practitioners with language teachers in mind. We hope you enjoy using them!

Animated Assessment Videos

Our short animations give you an insight into some of the main topics in language assessment. The practical skills topics also have accompanying worksheets and answer keys for you to work through if you wish. Transcripts of the videos are available for download.

Animated Assessment Videos

Test Development

How is a test developed? This video looks at the test development process and its different phases.

Assessing Reading

How do you design a relevant and meaningful test? This video explores how people read and describes the steps to take when developing a reading test.

Assessing Writing

How do you design a writing test? This video looks at the factors you need to consider when you are assessing writing.

Assessing Listening

What is the difference between hearing and listening? In this video we explain the difference, and suggest ways that we can assess listening skills.

Assessing Speaking

Speaking is part of communication and is something everyone does, every day. In this video we look at some of the ways we can assess speaking skills.

Assessing General Language Proficiency

How is general language proficiency defined? This video addresses different approaches to defining general language proficiency and how these may affect testing and assessment practices.

Assessing Young Learners

How do you assess the language skills of Young Learners? In this video we explain how best to test Young Learners in different age groups.

Assessing English for Specific Purposes

Discover why assessment of English for Specific Purposes isn’t just the assessment of general language proficiency with specific terminology thrown in, but a different matter altogether.

Validity

What makes a test valid? This video explains what we mean when we speak about validity in assessment and also gives you an overview of the development of test validity over the years.

CEFR and Language Assessment

What do you know about the CEFR? In this video we look at the CEFR levels and show how they play an important role in all aspects of language assessment.

Technology and Language Assessment

What’s the role of modern technology in language assessment? Find out more about three important uses of modern technology in language assessment.

British Council and Assessment

How much do you know about the British Council's work in assessment around the world? This video explains what we do in English Language Assessment and how we promote many other UK examinations.