Types and Purpose of Test

Language tests can be written and used for many different purposes for that reason it is important for us as teachersto have a clear idea not only the various types of tests  but also how  and in which cases they can be design  and used.

The following chart is a brief explanation about the different purposes of the different types of test:

USING PORTFOLIOS

Portfolios are one of  the forms of alternative  assessment in which the students' progress is measured over a period of time in various language learning contexts. It can include samples of writing, book reports, tape recordings of speaking samples, favourite short stories, list of books that have been read and so on.
It should be time limited and planned on specific purposes. It has some educational benefits for example it  links assessment to instruction that means that teachers are sure that they are measuring what they have taught. It also can help teachers to understand and find any weaknesses in instructional practices they are using. 

Taking into account the importance of portfolios there are some advantages and disadvantages we need to consider if we as teachers want to implement it with our students.

 

The following chart can ilustrate some types of portfolios