1. THE IMPORTANCE FOR
TEST TAKERS
TO LEARN ASSESSMENT
LITERACY

2. Purpose of Assessment
Primary:
To make an inference about the test taker’s
language ability
Secondary:
Placement Selection
Diagnosis Certificate

3. Test takers' purpose
Prepare
for the
test
Review
their Take the
learning test
process
Receive
test
results
Through these processes, they learn to develop
their language ability.

4. To help test takers make the most out of these learning
processes, simply leaving everything up to them would not
be enough.

5. Teaching Assessment Literacy
 There are at least two reasons for teaching assessment
literacy to test takers:

6.  First, it is important for the test taker to overcome a
psychological barrier and make the best use of
assessment.
If holding fear or anxiety towards the test is normal
among test takers, helping them to be relieved from
such a negative emotion becomes crucial.

7.  Second, it seems unlikely that test takers are motivated
by tests unless they are actively involved in the
process.
How to get them involved in the process?
By preparing them for examinations.

8. Choice of the exam

9. Exam format
Papers
Content
Purpose
Marks (% of the total)

10. Exam preparation
Resources (teachers and test takers)
Materials
Past papers (Official preparation materials)
Books for self study
Free materials

11. Exam dates: set a realistic
goal
When?
Where?

12. Qualities of good testing
practice: Quality and fairness
 Quality – this means validity, reliability, impact and
practicality.
Validity
The extent to which exam marks can be considered a true reflection of
underlying ability.
Reliability
The extent to which test results are consistent, accurate and, therefore,
dependable.
Impact
The positive effect of a test on test takers, including society as a whole.
Practicality
The extent to which a test is workable in terms of the resources
needed.

13. Behind the scenes of
Cambridge English Exams

14. Conclusion
Assessment literacy should be incorporated in a learning
training programme.
The importance of monitoring the system of learning
strategies.
The promotion of assessment literacy not only among test
takers but also among teachers.