Which type of assessment measures a learner's overall ability in English?

• A. Proficiency test
• B. Placement test
• C. Diagnostic test
• D. Achievement test

Answer: (A)

Measuring a learner's overall ability in English focuses on how well they can use the language across listening, reading, speaking, and writing in a variety of real-world tasks, regardless of a specific course. A proficiency assessment is designed for this purpose: it evaluates general language ability at a given level, often aligned with a standard framework, and uses tasks that reflect broad competence rather than progress within a classroom. In contrast, placement tests decide where to start in a program, diagnostic tests identify specific strengths and weaknesses, and achievement tests measure what has been learned after instruction. So, the test that best captures overall English ability is a proficiency test.