Designing the tests is quite challenging but the most fascinating and beneficial for me.
This requires applying a major part of knowledge and skills acquired from different
modules during the entire course.
The tests were completed after a series of steps and stages had been conducted in
sequence. The procedure began with the selection of the test to design. It continued with
the careful study of all documents which are relevant and necessary for developing those
tests. In the following stage, input texts, audios and papers with suitable level of difficulty
were searched, chosen and collected. Subsequently, test items for every single skill and
audio for listening test were designed based on required format and descriptors. After
that, keys, transcripts and rubrics were developed. The final stage involved in last review
and revision for complete tests.
A part of the sample instructions to produce an audio file for the listening test below
shows how complicated it is to make a complete one.
Look at three answer choices for question 1 now.
(THREE SECOND PAUSE)
Narrator: Now we are ready to start. Listen carefully. You will hear each recording
twice.
Narrator: One – Where will the boy and the girl meet?
Boy: Well, I'm looking for some books. Would you like to go to the city bookstore
with me tonight?
Girl: Okay, actually I need to buy some CDs there too. Where should we meet?
Boy: Let's meet at the ice-cream shop on Main Street at 8p.m. first.Then we'll walk to
the bookstore.
Girl: That would be great. See you then.
Boy: Bye for now.
(THREE SECOND PAUSE)
Narrator: Now listen again.
(THREE SECOND PAUSE)
Narrator: Two – What is the man looking for?
Woman: Good morning, sir. Can I help you?
Man: I'm looking for a jacket.
Woman: Okay, anything else, sir?
Man: I also want a long-sleeved shirt, too, white and medium size.
Woman: A jacket and a shirt. Follow me, please.

2

(THREE SECOND PAUSE)
Narrator: Now listen again.
(THREE SECOND PAUSE)
Narrator: Three- What will the weather be like tomorrow?
This process is normally kept stable for designing tests for takers at this level. However,
in some cases, some steps from the procedure can be skipped to keep it simple, but
occasionally, some other stages are able to be added to completre it with perfection. These
changes in the process does occur depending on the skills to develop a test for such as
listening, reading, speaking and writing. Also, it relies on whether the sources for
designing these skills are available or not. In fact, it is customary that searching and
collecting sources for the test is quite time-consuming and challenging.
To finish a level – 3 Test, lots of things are required. Being patient and spending a great
deal of time on specific thing was a decisive factor which assisted me to get through the
obstacles. I spent hours and days on the list of websites recommended by my course
lecturers to search for the things I needed. It was really time-consuming, but patience
won. These tests could not have been done overnight.
Finally, I had to confess that I sometimes thought of stopping doing these tests and let
what would be would be. But it is said that where there is a will, there is a way. The
strong will, tireless endeavor and high determination helped me achieved the tasks even
though I know there were mistakes and errors and I still need my course lecturers’ help
and support for bettering and perfection.