Enhancing Language Learning: Designing Tests for Business English Students

Abstract

The present paper will focus on test design and development with a particular emphasis on how to devise comprehensive tests for students who attend a course on English for business (BE) purposes, a course which is aimed at enhancing students’ grammar, reading, vocabulary, and writing skills at B1 Level. In the introductory section, we are discussing the basic typology of tests as well as their purposes, with particular attention to assessing the skills of BE students. Special consideration will be given to the five phases used when devising a new BE test. Moreover, we will attempt to clarify several aspects concerning test-takers, i.e. BE students. The issues of grading and establishing optimal facility values of test items are also tackled. Some final recommendations on test design conclude our analysis.

Keywords

• assessment
• test design
• test development cycle
• facility values
• business english