Outline of Steps

I. Plan the Test

A. Determine the Course Objectives for Each Target Skill
1. Listening Objectives
2. Speaking Objectives
3. Reading Objectives
4. Writing Objectives

B. Divide the Course Objectives into their Specific Components
1. Phonology/Orthography
i. Listening
ii. Speaking
iii. Reading
iv. Writing
2. Grammatical Structure
i. Listening
ii. Speaking
iii. Reading
iv. Writing
3. Vocabulary/Lexicon
i. Listening
ii. Speaking
iii. Reading
iv. Writing
4. Speed/Fluency
i. Listening
ii. Speaking
iii. Reading
iv. Writing

II. Establish the General Design of the Test

A. Determine and set the test's time limit

B. Make test fit the 'ideal' of 90/10 success/fail (90% of students will complete the test)

C. Address vocabulary and structure concerns

D. Compile test composition for each section in the

4 x 4 table

II. Select the Specific Problems and Items that will appear on the test

A. Emphasize the problems with which the students had trouble during lessons

B. Use familiar vocabulary only

C. Determine the number of items needed and add 33%

II. Write the Test's directions based on Actual Problems and Items

A. Directions must be clear and unambiguous--use only simple vocabulary

B. Directions must include examples

C. Directions must reveal if guessing is penalized

D. Directions must tell learners to stop when they must stop

II. Make a mock-up of the actual test

A. Include all problems and directions in their proper locations

B. Check for errors, both spelling and logical

C. Take the test and critique its design, difficulty, and time-to-finish

D. Make sure test adheres to L S R W model

E. Dress-rehearse speaking portions using actual students, if possible

4 x 4 Table Example

Phonology Vocabulary/Lexicon Grammar Fluency/Speed

Listening __________ __________________ __________ ______________

Speaking __________ __________________ __________ ______________

Reading __________ __________________ __________ ______________

Writing __________ __________________ __________ ______________