Isra needs to prove her level of English. She sits an English language test, and she does well in reading, listening and speaking. However, she does not think that she performed as well in the writing section and feels that she could have done better.
Isra knows that a low writing score will drag down her entire score
With most English language tests, Isra would need to take the whole test again, even the parts where she scored highly. But imagine there was another option. What if she could just resit the writing part of the test?
Linguaskill’s modular testing offers that option to test takers. If they need to improve their score in a particular skill, then they can take that part of the test again. Their other scores are unaffected and they won’t have to retake the other three sections.
But it’s not just test takers like Isra who benefit from this modular format. Linguaskill’s flexibility benefits institutions and employers, too. Let’s take a look.
How Linguaskill’s modular testing works
Linguaskill is an online test which assesses the English language skills in three separate modules: Speaking, Writing, and Reading & Listening.. Because the skills are tested separately, there’s no need to take the test as a whole if it’s not required. This provides more choice and flexibility.
The benefits of modular testing for employers
Modular testing helps employers to get the specific information they need about employees’ or applicants’ English language skills.
For example, if a company is recruiting for customer-facing positions, writing may not be as important for them. In this case they would only need to sit Speaking, Reading and Listening.
Employers will be able to save time and resources by only testing the language skills they know are relevant to the job – and the test takers will benefit from this efficiency too.
Find out how companies like Air France and the Egyptian Banking Institute are using Linguaskill to scale up recruitment and expansion.
The benefits of modular testing for institutions
Lots of universities use English language testing as part of their selection and course placement process. Linguaskill’s modular tests are a fast, accurate and convenient way for universities to find out if students have the required level of English for their course.
Results are marked and returned in only 48 hours. If students fall short in one skill, they can quickly retake the necessary module. This not only saves time, but also reduces the cost of re-sitting an entire English language test.
Modular testing also works well for helping students who are learning English alongside their studies. Regular assessment of progress can be hugely beneficial for tailored learning. Detailed Linguaskill results enable teachers to deliver positive messages to students about their strengths. It also helps with understanding where students need more support to develop a particular language skill.
Read how McMaster University uses Linguaskill to offer students targeted support in English language learning.
How My Best Score benefits students
Linguaskill is also used by lots of institutions to show students’ level of English at graduation. This often happens in countries where students are expected to prove they have a certain CEFR level by the time they finish their studies.
Linguaskill provides a Test Report which shows an average overall score. It also displays bar charts with specific results of each of the skills tested.
Rather than giving a pass or fail result, Linguaskill indicates test takers’ current level of English. All scores in each module are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This is a six level scale ranging from Pre-A1 for beginners to C1 or above for those who are proficient in English.
When students get their results, they have the opportunity to look at their scores, and decide whether to try again for a better result. They can do this immediately, or after having studied further.
The final Test Report will show the best score the test taker has achieved within a 6-month period – a unique Linguaskill feature called My Best Score.
This means that students don’t have to practise all four skills again to ensure they pass the test. Instead, they can concentrate solely on improving the skills they need.
Find out more about using Linguaskill in your organisation.