Technical b r Report - International Military Testing Association

THE DEVELOPMEXT OF THE ENGLISH COMI'BEHENSION
LEVEL SCBEENLNG TESTS FOE FOREIGN STUDENTS
BY: Cortez Parks
The English Comprehension Level (ECL) testing system is the !
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primary quality control used in the English Language Training
Program (ELTP) conducted by the Defense Language Irstitute, English
Language Branch (DLIEL) at Lackland Air Force Base and at numerous
overseas locations.
It is a unified testing system in that all test forms are
origi.lated and controlled by one agency. The construction,
validation, distribution, administration., and control of the various
types of tests prescribed by DLI are the responsibility of the Tests
and Measurement Branch, Development Division, English 1 rnguage
Branch.
Among the tests produced by the Tests and Measurement Branch
are the English Comprehension Level Screening Tests, or "EC%" tests
as we refer to them, which are the subject of this paper. T'ne ECL
Screening Tests consist of general English tests, usually called ECL
tests and the Specialized English Terminology (SET) tests.
The ECL test is designed to measure an individual's English
listening and reading comprehension and to ascertain his capability
to acquire knowledge of and to function effectively in English
language training and work situations.
The ECL test does 'not measure speaking or writing ability.
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These skills are measured subjectively by the students' instructors.
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