Types of Assessment in ELT: Formative and Summative

Assessment is a core component of English Language Teaching (ELT). It shapes what teachers teach, how students learn, and how progress is measured over time. In modern ELT, assessment is no longer seen as a single exam at the end of a course, but as an ongoing, purposeful process that supports learning and informs teaching. Among the many ways to categorize assessment, the distinction between formative assessment and summative assessment is one of the most important and useful for English teachers.

This article explores the types of assessment in ELT, with a particular focus on formative and summative assessment. It explains their definitions, purposes, characteristics, examples, advantages, and limitations, and offers practical guidance on how to use them effectively in the English language classroom.

Understanding Assessment in ELT

In ELT, assessment refers to the systematic process of collecting information about learners’ language ability in order to make decisions about teaching and learning. These decisions may involve:

Identifying learners’ strengths and weaknesses
Monitoring progress over time
Providing feedback to support improvement
Adjusting teaching methods and materials
Certifying achievement or proficiency

Assessment in ELT should be valid (measuring what it intends to measure), reliable (producing consistent results), fair, and practical. Most importantly, it should be aligned with learning objectives and learners’ needs.

What Is Formative Assessment?

Definition

Formative assessment is a type of assessment that takes place during the learning process. Its main purpose is to support learning by providing ongoing feedback to both teachers and learners. Rather than judging final performance, formative assessment helps identify what learners can do now and what they need to improve.

It is often described as assessment for learning, because it actively contributes to learning rather than simply measuring it.

Purpose of Formative Assessment

The primary goals of formative assessment in ELT are to:

Monitor learners’ progress in real time
Identify learning gaps and difficulties early
Provide constructive feedback
Encourage learner reflection and self-awareness
Inform instructional decisions

Formative assessment is especially valuable in language learning because acquiring a language is a gradual and developmental process.

Key Characteristics of Formative Assessment

Formative assessment in ELT typically has the following characteristics:

Ongoing and continuous
Informal or semi-formal
Low-stakes or non-graded
Feedback-oriented rather than score-oriented
Integrated into daily classroom activities

Examples of Formative Assessment in ELT

Common formative assessment techniques in English language teaching include:

Teacher observation during speaking or group work
Questioning and checking for understanding
Classroom discussions and oral responses
Short quizzes or exit tickets
Draft writing with teacher comments
Peer feedback activities
Self-assessment checklists
Learning journals or portfolios

For example, while students are practicing a speaking task in pairs, the teacher may observe their use of target vocabulary and grammar, take notes, and provide immediate feedback or plan a follow-up lesson.

Advantages of Formative Assessment

Formative assessment offers several benefits in ELT:

Supports learning: Feedback helps learners understand how to improve.
Reduces anxiety: Because it is low-stakes, learners feel less pressure.
Encourages learner autonomy: Students become more aware of their learning process.
Improves teaching: Teachers can adjust instruction based on learners’ needs.
Promotes a growth mindset: Focus is on progress rather than mistakes.

Challenges of Formative Assessment

Despite its benefits, formative assessment also has limitations:

It can be time-consuming for teachers
Feedback quality may vary
It may be difficult to document systematically
Some learners may not take it seriously if it is not graded

However, with clear criteria and consistent practice, these challenges can be managed effectively.

What Is Summative Assessment?

Definition

Summative assessment is a type of assessment that takes place at the end of a learning period, such as a unit, term, or course. Its main purpose is to evaluate learners’ overall achievement and determine whether learning objectives have been met.

Summative assessment is often referred to as assessment of learning, because it focuses on outcomes rather than the learning process.

Purpose of Summative Assessment

In ELT, summative assessment is used to:

Measure learners’ final level of language proficiency
Assign grades or scores
Make decisions about promotion or certification
Evaluate the effectiveness of a course or program
Provide accountability for learners and institutions

Key Characteristics of Summative Assessment

Summative assessment usually has the following features:

Conducted at the end of instruction
Formal and structured
High-stakes or graded
Standardized criteria and scoring
Focused on results rather than feedback

Examples of Summative Assessment in ELT

Typical examples of summative assessment in English language teaching include:

Final exams
End-of-unit tests
Midterm and end-of-term tests
Standardized proficiency tests
Final writing tasks or projects
Oral exams or presentations

For instance, a final exam may assess listening, reading, writing, and grammar skills to determine whether learners have achieved the course objectives.

Advantages of Summative Assessment

Summative assessment also plays an important role in ELT:

Provides clear evidence of achievement
Ensures accountability and transparency
Allows comparison across learners or groups
Supports certification and reporting
Motivates some learners to study seriously

Limitations of Summative Assessment

However, summative assessment has several drawbacks:

It may increase learner anxiety and stress
It provides limited feedback for improvement
It may not reflect real communicative ability
It often focuses on what learners cannot do rather than what they can
One test may not capture the full range of language skills

For these reasons, summative assessment should not be the only form of assessment used in ELT.

Formative vs Summative Assessment: Key Differences

Although both types of assessment are essential, they serve different purposes. The main differences can be summarized as follows:

Timing: Formative assessment occurs during learning, while summative assessment occurs at the end.
Purpose: Formative assessment aims to improve learning; summative assessment aims to evaluate achievement.
Feedback: Formative assessment emphasizes detailed feedback; summative assessment focuses on scores or grades.
Stakes: Formative assessment is low-stakes; summative assessment is often high-stakes.
Role in teaching: Formative assessment informs instruction; summative assessment judges outcomes.

Rather than choosing one over the other, effective ELT practice integrates both.

Integrating Formative and Summative Assessment in ELT

A balanced assessment approach combines formative and summative assessment to support learning and ensure accountability. Teachers can:

Use formative assessment regularly to guide teaching
Prepare learners gradually for summative assessment
Align assessment tasks with communicative objectives
Share assessment criteria with learners
Encourage self-assessment and reflection

For example, regular formative feedback on writing drafts can help learners perform better on a final writing exam. In this way, formative assessment supports success in summative assessment.

Conclusion

Assessment in ELT is not simply about testing learners at the end of a course. It is a dynamic and purposeful process that plays a vital role in language learning and teaching. Formative assessment supports learning by providing ongoing feedback and guiding instruction, while summative assessment evaluates achievement and ensures accountability.

When used together thoughtfully, formative and summative assessment create a comprehensive assessment system that benefits both teachers and learners. For English teachers, understanding the differences between these two types of assessment and knowing how to apply them effectively is essential for promoting meaningful, learner-centered language learning.

In modern ELT classrooms, assessment should not be something learners fear, but something that helps them grow, reflect, and succeed in their journey toward communicative competence.

Types of Assessment in ELT: Formative and Summative