Testing L2 vocabulary knowledge at a high level: the case of the Euralex French Tests

Abstract

Testing L2 vocabulary knowledge should take into account all aspects of what is implied by lexical knowledge: knowledge of form, meaning, morphology, syntax, collocations, and use in discourse. Different types of tests will be necessary to tap all these aspects. Some general aspects of vocabulary testing are briefly discussed in this context. In the second part of the paper, a new type of test which aims at testing very high levels of L2 vocabulary knowledge is analysed and investigated. Although the validity of the test as it stands is questionable, it is shown that it is possible to improve on both its reliability and its validity, and to adapt it to the level of vocabulary knowledge which is common with advanced university students.