ABSTRACT

The present article reviews LanguageCert’s International English for Speakers of Other Languages (IESOL) Achiever Secure English Language Test (SELT). This high-stakes on-demand CEFR-linked exam has, since 2020, constituted Home Office-recognised evidence L2 English users can speak, write, and understand written and verbal English at B1 level. Passing the test facilitates enrolment onto a foundation or pre-sessional English course at a UK higher education institution, although some institutions set higher standards. As a neophyte SELT, there have been few descriptions and evaluations of the test beyond a range of sponsored studies. The current review indicated the Achiever test measures candidates’ general abilities to understand, interact, and produce tasks that mirror real life. However, a lack of ‘academicness’ and validity concerns in listening raise questions over its suitability for predicting readiness for tertiary study. The test offers the benefits of efficiency in registration and communicating results, remote proctoring and invigilation, and numerous sample materials in the public domain. The provision of an innovative re-sit option may prove favourable to candidates, although could encourage repeat test taking and attempts to pass by a narrow margin, rather than investments in language learning.

摘要

本文回顾了 LanguageCert 的国际英语母语者 (IESOL)成就者安全英语语言测试 (SELT)。自 2020 年以来，这项高风险的按需 CEFR 相关考试已构成内政部认可的 L2 英语用户可以说、写和理解 B1 级别的书面和口头英语的证据。通过考试有助于在英国高等教育机构注册基础或学前英语课程，尽管有些机构设定了更高的标准。作为 SELT 的新手，除了一系列赞助研究之外，几乎没有对该测试的描述和评估。目前的审查表明，Achiever 测试衡量的是候选人理解、互动和完成反映现实生活的任务的一般能力。然而，听力中缺乏“学术性”和有效性问题引发了对其预测高等教育学习准备情况的适用性的质疑。该测试提供了高效的注册和通信结果、远程监考和公共领域的大量样本材料的好处。提供创新的重考选项可能对考生有利，但可能会鼓励重复考试并尝试以微弱优势通过，而不是投资于语言学习。