C2 Assessment and Evaluation 3

Question 1

The 'washback effect' in language testing describes:

Accepted Answer

The influence a test has on the teaching and learning that precede it

Answer

Washback (or backwash) refers to how the existence and nature of a test shapes classroom instruction and learner behavior.

Question 2

Which statistical measure indicates how well a single test item discriminates between high- and low-performing test takers?

Accepted Answer

Item discrimination index

Answer

The item discrimination index compares the proportion of high scorers vs. low scorers who answered an item correctly.

Question 3

Portfolio assessment is considered particularly valuable at advanced proficiency levels because it:

Accepted Answer

Captures growth, process, and a range of competencies over time

Answer

Portfolios document a learner's developmental trajectory and diverse abilities, which is especially meaningful at C2 level.

Question 4

In a proficiency interview, an examiner increases task complexity when a candidate responds with ease. This technique is called:

Accepted Answer

Adaptive assessment

Answer

Adaptive assessment dynamically adjusts task difficulty based on the test-taker's demonstrated performance.

Question 5

Which principle requires that assessment tasks resemble real-world language use as closely as possible?

Accepted Answer

Authenticity

Answer

Authenticity requires that test tasks reflect genuine communicative purposes and contexts encountered outside the test setting.

C2 Practice Test