Arguably, in every institution one must undergo various tests so as to proof his intelligence and experience level. As a matter of fact, experience felt when doing tests is very difficult, but everyone is anxious to excel. Every test has a goal that should be achieved; perhaps, tests are there to eliminate those with low level skills, and award those who attain the goal of the test. The most excellent type of test is the one that awards by merit and uses non-discriminatory strategy. As a student, I believe tests are there to help us weigh our level in a certain subject. The test I undertook was an IELTS (International English Language Testing System); being a student from Saudi Arabia, I had to undertake the test to examine my level of skills in English; the test was about four various skills which include reading, listening, writing as well as grammar. Knowing English is the key to studying other subjects. For example, other subjects in the educational field in my institution are taught in English. In most cases, students whose second language in English struggle to fit in an institution by learning English. Hence, the test is very important to students from non-English speaking nations such as Saudi Arabia.
Undeniably, every test that is undertaken has a rationale. Test will only serve the rationale of undertaking it if it achieves is objective. English language test was basically to test my level of skills in English before undertaking a course in applied linguistics as well as gaining admission into an institution. Generally, the English language testes listening, writing, grammar and listening skills. The tests in writing skills involved some questions; one of it was questioned on goals of learning English, while another question asked on how to develop the language. The reading skills, student read from three paragraphs and answered some questions. Furthermore, grammar was fifty point multiple choices. In fact, the English language test is to moderate the students joining the institution. All students given admissions should pass the English language, test. The listening skills test was purposely done to enable students to understand announcements, as well as other spoken material when individuals speak. Additionally, writing was intended to test the understanding on simple written information such as magazines, brochures, newspapers, as well as signs. Reading and listening tested the ability to take part in conversation by asking and answering questions. The English Language tests were conducted in person to make it reliable and realistic.
Certainly, the English language test served the intended purposes. Before the introduction of English language test, students were enrolled freely without testing their level of skills in English, especially those students which use English as the second language. This was reflected tremendously in the performance of such students, some could not communicate, write, listen, nor speak English in class. But, when the test was introduced, it endured that students who received admission could write, read, speak, and listen to English language. In the past, students who were subjected to English Language test viewed it as a discriminatory strategy. However, nowadays students have realized the importance of the test, and have accepted to be tested according to their skills in English.
Unquestionable, the test was beneficial in one way or another, but more so it had some harmful effects. The most crucial advantage of the test is that it is all inclusive and comprehensive. This implies that it tests all required skills in English, such as writing, listening, speaking, grammar, as well as reading. Furthermore, it gives the instructors an opportunity to discover students who need some help in various English language skills. In addition, the multiple choice questions are marked electronically; hence there are no cases of biasness. The English Language test is like a key to various fields of study within the institution. Taking English Language test is a fundamental preparation in building and diversifying careers. In a globalized society, learning English is no-longer liberal but an advantage. As a matter of fact, passing English language test is a show of progress in various academic fields.
On the other hand, the test is not justified because it tests skills in English alone, not considering the fact that it is not the problem of students. Most students who fail, develop a sense of fear, and deteriorate student confidence in various fields. Education and academic skills is diversified, but English language test, only asses English as a language. For example, some students are very intelligent in various subjects but does not know how to write, speak, listen or reading. Grammar is very important part of English Language; but during the test, I was given fifty grammar questions to answer. Undeniably, the multiple choices did not test the grammar skills well; this is because one can easy guess the answer and pass. Coming from Saudi Arabia, the test is more difficult and may lack precision.
Validly and reliability are two crucial concepts in a test procedure. As a matter o fact, the test was literally intended to test the level of students in English skills such grammar, writing, speaking and listening. According to my opinion the test was valid; this is because it measured the intended objective. English Language test is valid because its outcome depends on it on issues of interpretation and accuracy. If the test was not valid, then it would not be worth doing. The English language test has content validity; this is because the items covered in the test represent important issue in English language. Additionally, the test has predictive; it has the power to predict how the student will perform in English required fields. Perhaps, the consistency of the test outcomes is a clear show of how the test is reliable. The reliability of the test cannot be measured exactly, but it can be approximated.
The test was very procedural, in that various tests that tested different skills in English were given one at a time. Actually, there is a direct correlation between validly and reliability of the test. During the test, various testing techniques were used, it includes careful reading of questions, reading the entire question, do the easy questions, as well as understanding the test. Furthermore, timing as well as reasoning formed part of the technique.
In conclusion, I believe the test revealed accurate results on my level of understanding English. As a matter of fact, the process and procedure of doing the test could not permit any form of cheating. Students too were very cooperative as they believed in transparency, accuracy, and precisions of the outcome. The environment within the exam room was very conducive, and could not allow any form of disturbance. Instructors also endured that we were comfortable in undertaking the exam. The test was difficult as it entails a language that I don’t fully understand. Unquestionably, the IELTS are very reliable and in achieving the purpose. Various skills in English could be used in many places.
