Language Proficiency and Assessment Flashcards

What does 'communicative competence' encompass in language proficiency?

Answer: The integrated ability to use language accurately, appropriately, and fluently in real communication

Communicative competence integrates grammatical, sociolinguistic, discourse, and strategic competences to enable effective real-world communication.

What is a 'portfolio assessment' in language learning?

Answer: A collection of a student's work over time that demonstrates language development and achievement

Portfolio assessment involves collecting samples of a student's language work over time to document growth, reflecting learning as a process rather than a single performance.

In language testing, what is a 'cloze test'?

Answer: A test where words are deleted from a text and learners must fill in the missing words

A cloze test is a reading/grammar assessment where words are systematically deleted from a passage and test-takers must supply the missing words.

What is 'washback effect' (backwash) in language testing?

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

Washback (or backwash) refers to the influence of a test on teaching and learning practices — high-stakes tests often shape what and how teachers teach.

What are the three 'modes of communication' as defined by ACTFL standards?

Answer: Interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational

ACTFL defines three communication modes: interpersonal (two-way interactive communication), interpretive (one-way reception), and presentational (one-way production).

What is 'authentic assessment' in language education?

Answer: Evaluating language skills through real-world, meaningful tasks rather than decontextualized exercises

Authentic assessment evaluates language proficiency through meaningful, real-world tasks — such as writing a letter, conducting an interview, or giving a presentation — rather than isolated grammar exercises.