Comparison of approaches to testing in international exams of English and French language

This diploma thesis deals with English and French international exams and mainly focuses on how various establishments approach testing candidate's language knowledge. The theoretical part describes the process of creating a test as well as the requirements a quality test should fulfil and what kinds of tasks they might contain. This thesis also focuses on what language skills are and how they can be tested. The second chapter of the thesis introduces chosen establishments and kinds of examinations they offer to potential candidates. Individual exams are analysed in the practical part based on selected sample tests which are available on the websites of each establishment and which are later on compared as well. The results show that even though both establishments and their exams are based on the same document and both focus on testing all four language skills, their approaches to testing differ considerably. That is why this thesis also comments on these differences and aims to offer various alternatives and improvements that could lead to better testing of candidate's language mastery. Lastly, this thesis wants to serve mainly candidates who would be intrigued by these exams as well as teachers who prepare their students for such exams. KEYWORDS English language, French language, testing,..