Testing Speaking Skills in an Undergraduate ESL Classroom in Pakistan

Abstract

Speaking skills is one of the most essential skills required for English language learning. Therefore, this study explores how English-speaking tests are designed, administrated, and conduced within a Pakistani English language classroom. English language teachers typically plan assessment of English-speaking skills using a set of speaking rubrics and criteria. For this purpose, the researchers have collected data by overviewing empirical studies on testing speaking skills and reflections from teaching practices of ELT in Pakistan for in-depth thematic analysis. The findings show that different language frameworks have been adopted to assess speaking skills. Similarly, internationally recognized speaking tests with a standard set of rubrics are administrated around the world in English language classrooms. Furthermore, analysis of the assessment and speaking tests used by the Pakistani English language teachers within a Pakistani English language classroom. The study recommends that teachers should adopt different approaches, interactive material, rubrics, and testing criteria for assessing learner’s speaking skills.