Vocabulary Size Test
Vocabulary Size Test
by Paul Nation
The Vocabulary Size Test is designed to measure both first language and second language learners’ written receptive vocabulary size in English.
The test measures knowledge of written word form, the form-meaning connection, and to a smaller degree concept knowledge. The test measures largely decontextualised knowledge of the word although the tested word appears in a single non-defining context in the test.
Users of the test need to be clear what the test is measuring and not measuring. It is measuring written receptive vocabulary knowledge, that is the vocabulary knowledge required for reading. It is not measuring listening vocabulary size, or the vocabulary knowledge needed for speaking and writing. It is also not a measure of reading skill, because although vocabulary size is a critical factor in reading, it is only a part of the reading skill. Because the test is a measure of receptive vocabulary size, a test-taker’s score provides little indication of how well these words could be used in speaking and writing.
Using Read and Chapelle’s (2001) framework, the Vocabulary Size Test is a discrete, selective, relatively context-independent vocabulary test presented in a multiple- choice format. The test is available in monolingual and bilingual versions testing up to the 20th 1000 word level. Test-takers are required to select the best definition or translation of each word from four choices. The test is available in hard copy and computerised formats.