Which term describes a test that helps the teacher and learners identify problems that they have with the language?

• A. Achievement test
• B. Diagnostic test
• C. Discourse management
• D. Action research

Answer: (B)

Diagnosing learners' language problems is what a diagnostic test is for. It looks at where a learner struggles across language areas—grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, listening—so the teacher can pinpoint exact gaps and plan targeted instruction or remediation. The goal is to reveal what needs attention now, guiding next steps in teaching and practice. This differs from achievement tests, which measure what has already been learned after instruction. It isn’t about discourse management, which concerns organizing spoken interaction, nor about action research, which is a teacher’s process for investigating and improving their own practice.