Features

The Scale of Second Language Proficiency Levels for the College Student includes 10 levels. The SLPT is made up of two categories of items: written comprehension and oral comprehension. However, the platform can accommodate two additional categories, if required.

There are six types of items: associations, multiple choice, sequencing, multiple answers, cloze text with drag and drop, and cloze text with menus. Each item is accompanied by a timer, a volume control slider bar (oral comprehension), and an interactive button enabling the respondent to go to the next item. The items are presented in a random manner. Each item includes:

• general instructions, provided in words and images;
• a text (written comprehension) or audio recording (oral comprehension);
• a question;
• a choice of answers.

The SLPT is adaptive. Each answer, correct or incorrect, affects the progression of the test, so that the respondent’s proficiency level can be determined quickly and efficiently. The platform can also operate in non-adaptive mode, so that the items can be tested and calibrated. However, the performance of the SLPT and the reliability of the results, in particular, depend on the interaction of the platform with appropriate content that is carefully targeted, finely calibrated, associated with predefined levels of difficulty, and classified in relevant categories.