DLI DLI Testing and Assessment 2

Question 1

What is the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) and how is it used at DLIFLC?

Accepted Answer

A structured spoken interview used to assess speaking ability on the ILR scale

Answer

The OPI is a standardized, live interview conducted by a trained rater to assess a student's speaking proficiency on the ILR scale.

Question 2

What is DLIFLC's 'Language Testing Unit' (LTU) responsible for?

Accepted Answer

Developing, validating, and administering language proficiency tests

Answer

The LTU at DLIFLC develops and validates language proficiency assessments, including the DLPT and institutional tests used during training.

Question 3

Which testing milestone do DLIFLC students complete at the end of their basic language course?

Accepted Answer

End-of-Course Assessment (ECA)

Answer

The End-of-Course Assessment (ECA) is the culminating test administered to DLIFLC students upon completing their basic language program.

Question 4

What type of language materials are used on DLIFLC proficiency tests to ensure validity?

Accepted Answer

Authentic texts and audio from native-speaker sources in the target language country

Answer

Authentic materials—such as real news broadcasts, articles, and conversations from native-speaker environments—are used to ensure test validity and real-world relevance.

Question 5

What does it mean if a military linguist 'fails to maintain' their DLPT score?

Accepted Answer

They lose their Foreign Language Proficiency Pay until they retest and pass

Answer

Failing to maintain the required DLPT score results in loss of Foreign Language Proficiency Pay until the linguist passes a subsequent test.

DLI - Defense Language Institute Practice Test

DLI - Defense Language Institute Practice Test

DLI DLI Testing and Assessment 2