A test designed to show what language skills or knowledge a learner already has before beginning a language course is called what?

A test designed to show what language skills or knowledge a learner already has before beginning a language course is called what?

• A. Diagnostic test
• B. Proficiency test
• C. Placement test
• D. Summative test

Answer: (A)

A diagnostic test is used to determine what a learner already knows and what they still need to learn before starting instruction. It maps out strengths and gaps across the language skills, helping the teacher tailor the upcoming course to the learner’s exact needs and plan targeted activities from day one. Proficiency tests, by contrast, measure overall ability and are often used for certification or comparing levels rather than pinpointing specific starting needs. A placement test aims to decide which course level a student should enter, focusing on assigning the right starting level rather than detailing particular gaps in knowledge. Summative tests evaluate what has been learned after instruction is complete, not what a learner brings to the course.

A diagnostic test is used to determine what a learner already knows and what they still need to learn before starting instruction. It maps out strengths and gaps across the language skills, helping the teacher tailor the upcoming course to the learner’s exact needs and plan targeted activities from day one.

Proficiency tests, by contrast, measure overall ability and are often used for certification or comparing levels rather than pinpointing specific starting needs. A placement test aims to decide which course level a student should enter, focusing on assigning the right starting level rather than detailing particular gaps in knowledge. Summative tests evaluate what has been learned after instruction is complete, not what a learner brings to the course.