English Testing and Assessment: ELF Principles

What is the main problem statement the presentation raises regarding current English testing and assessment systems in Vietnam (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)?

• They are predominantly based on native-speaker norms, which may not reflect actual communicative competence in an ELF context.

• The tests are too long and only focus on reading and writing.

• They are not recognized by enough international universities.

• The tests are too expensive and inaccessible to all students.

Which feature does English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) emphasize in contrast to English as a Foreign Language (EFL)?

• The necessity of perfect grammar and pronunciation.

• Focusing primarily on English for Specific Purposes (ESP).

• Intelligibility and communicative effectiveness over native-like accuracy.

• Strict adherence to a specific variety of native English (e.g., British or American).

Which type of assessment is described as using daily checks, homework, speaking practice, and continuous feedback?

• Formative Assessment

• Summative Assessment

• Placement Assessment

• Diagnostic Assessment

Why are IELTS Speaking/Writing Band Descriptors a major issue in an ELF context?

• They overestimate the student's actual communication skills.

• They ignore the importance of vocabulary and structure altogether.

• They prioritize native norms and may underestimate real-world communication competence with non-native accents or minor errors.

• They exclude non-native speakers from taking the test.

What shift in assessment philosophy is needed to bring the ELF lens into testing?

• From teacher-led assessment to purely self-assessment.

• From textbook-based teaching to teaching based on real-life dialogues.

• From focusing on the four skills (L, S, R, W) to only two skills (L & S).

• From 'native-like accuracy' to 'communicative effectiveness'.

Which practical suggestion is given for a revised ELF-informed rubric?

• Accept accent and minor grammatical errors if they do not impede meaning/intelligibility.

• Make the rubric standardized worldwide and never change it.

• Replace the rubric entirely with only Diagnostic Assessment.

• Deduct points for any accent or grammatical error.

Which challenge is listed for Vietnam when attempting to implement ELF-based assessment?

• The Vietnamese government has banned all English language teaching.

• There are no international exchange programs for teachers.

• Students and parents still highly value IELTS/TOEFL scores and teachers are accustomed to native norms.

• Global communication opportunities for students will be reduced.

What ultimate opportunity does integrating ELF principles into Vietnamese English education present?

• Becoming specialized linguists and researchers.

• Mastering the history and culture of English-speaking countries.

• To communicate confidently in a globalized world and align assessment with real-world practical communication.

• Achieving perfect native-like English proficiency and moving abroad.