RAPID PROFILE AS AN ALTERNATIVE ESL PLACEMENT TEST

The use of computer software in language testing has been widely acknowledged. Rapid Profile (hereafter RP) is software used to screen EFL learners speech samples to assess their language acquisition level. The aim of this paper is to compare the results of RP and a conventional placement test of a UK University language centre in assigning EFL learners to their proficiency levels. Speech samples were collected from a number of students who have already been subject to the language centreplacement test. Based on the language acquisition developmental stages (Pienemann 1998), findings revealed that about one third of the sample were placed in different levels than their current levels assigned by the language centre placement test. Recommendations about the use of Rapid Profile in language centres are also made.