How to Test Speaking Skills in Japan

50 Part 2: How can we mark & administer speaking tests?

structs that cover all aspects of performance, taking into account the speaker and context in addition to accuracy Either way is fine, of course—it depends on what you value more as an educator The following table provides a good summary of the subtle differences between these two types of categories:

Traditional accuracy-based

Modern performance-based

Grammar

Size ( utterance length )

Vocabulary

Complexity ( degree of )

Pronunciation

Speed ( pace of speech )

Intonation

Flexibility ( ability to adapt )

Stress

Accuracy (degree of precision)

Style

Appropriacy ( style & register )

Fluency

Independence ( initiative taking )

Content

Repetition ( how often required ) Hesitation ( amount of )

Accuracy vs. performance-based marking categories (Underhill, 1987)

As a general rule, the best constructs to track are the ones you’re most familiar with This is a key point because how you define each one will make all the difference