It is very important to test employees and assess their language levels before a course starts. This is important for two reasons. Firstly, it allows us to prepare a course and choose books and materials which are appropriate for the employees. Secondly, it will allow us to measure the progress made by the employees during the course.
At English at Work, we use two methods of testing - formal tests and interviews. Formal tests are written tests which will include writing, reading and sometimes also a listening section. Interviews are spoken assessments in which an English at Work teacher will talk with the employee for 10 to 15 minutes and assess different aspects of their language such as speed, fluency, comprehensibility, complexity, accuracy and range of vocabulary. In most cases, a written test is sufficient to put employees into the right groups and design a course for them. However, in some cases, especially when designing a course for small groups, it is useful to get a more accurate idea of the employees’ strengths and weaknesses.
