Oral tests

Administration and scoring guide

Oral tests in the Touchstone series are optional. Decide Pairs: Tests can be taken by pairs of Ss. Assign the Ss in
whether or not to administer the oral tests based on your each pair the roles of Students A and B or of Students
goals, students’ interests, and available class time. C and D. Give each S a photocopy of only his or her part.
Ss take turns asking and answering questions. Pair testing
Contents and purpose may take 3 to 5 minutes per pair.
Groups (3 or 4 Ss): Group testing is similar to pair
The oral tests examine students’ ability to communicate
testing. Assign each S one set of questions – Student A,
orally using the language presented in Touchstone Level 1.
B, C, or D. Give each S a photocopy of only his or her
There are three oral tests. Oral test 1 covers Units 1–6. Oral
part. Ss take turns asking and answering their questions.
test 2 covers Units 7–12. Oral test 3 covers the entire book.
This may be structured in any of several ways: (1) Each S
The oral tests may cover any of the language in the units, and
consistently asks questions to the same partner; (2) Ss ask
also ask Ss to use conversation strategies.
their questions either to the Ss sitting on their right or on
The oral tests can be used in conjunction with the written their left. Group testing may take 6 to 9 minutes per
tests. Like the written tests, students’ performance on the group.
oral tests helps determine what language has been
successfully acquired. The oral tests can be used as part of Format summary
student grading and assessment.
• Several factors may affect whether you test individually,
in pairs, or in groups. Among these are time, classroom
Getting ready for an oral test space, and classroom size. Use the following summary
• Plan to give Oral test 1 shortly after the class has table to weigh your decision.
completed the first six units. Give Oral test 2 after the
class has completed the second six units. Give Oral test 3 Oral test Time Recommended questions
at the end of the Student’s Book. The oral tests should be
Individuals 3–4 minutes Students A & B; develop
given either on the same day as the written tests, or in the
own
class period before or after.
• Suggest that Ss prepare for each test by reviewing the Pairs 3–5 minutes Select Students A & B or
appropriate units and by practicing speaking to a classmate Students C & D
or friend in English. Groups 6–9 minutes Students A, B, C, & D as
• Print and photocopy the test. Cut up the question bank into (3 or 4 Ss) needed
its individual pieces: Student A, Student B, Student C, and
• No matter how the test is administered, you should attend
Student D.
each oral session to listen to all Ss to ascertain their
• Print and photocopy the Oral test assessment sheet – one grades.
for each S.
• Schedule class time by determining the format with which Scoring an oral test
you will test Ss and multiplying it by the number of Ss, • Each oral test is worth 50 points. Ss are graded in
pairs, or groups. five categories: Communication, Grammar, Vocabulary,
• On the day of the test, arrange a space appropriate for oral Conversation strategy, and Fluency. (See the category
testing. guidelines on the Oral test assessment sheet.) Each
category is worth 10 points: 1 is low, 10 is high.
Giving an oral test • To score the oral tests, use an Oral test assessment sheet.
• Each oral test consists of a bank of items divided into four Use a separate sheet for each S.
sets: Student A, Student B, Student C, and Student D. Each • Scores may be interpreted as follows:
set tests similar language points.
43–50 points = Excellent
• It is important to encourage Ss to expand their answers as
35–42 points = Good
much as possible when they are asked a question.
27–34 points = Average
• Oral tests can be administered in several ways:
26 or below = Needs improvement
Individuals: Lead a one-on-one conversation with a
single S. Take the role of Student A, and assign the S the • It is important to provide Ss with written comments and
role of Student B. Give the S a photocopy of only his or positive feedback. There is space on the Oral test
her part. Take turns asking and answering the questions. assessment sheet for these comments.
You may choose to include other questions and prompts • To record test results, use the Score record sheet.
of your own. Individual testing may take 3 to 4 minutes
per S.

Touchstone 1 © Cambridge University Press 2014 Photocopiable Oral test introduction