Applying alternative tests in modern teaching context

LITERATURE REVIEW: Critique of an existing test and assessment 
Indeed, at University of law students have to take two finals in the whole 
academic year. Each one weighs 50 of the total score and they are required to collect 
at least 28. There are two parts in this test. In the first part there are 40 questions 
including two reading passages and legal English. Reading passages entail mostly 
true, false/ not given; gap-filling and short answer questions, while there are more 
matching and gap-filling in legal English accordingly. The second part is dedicated to 
essay writing. Different types of essays according to the syllabus are given and they 
have to write at least 250 words in an hour. Overall they are given two hours to finish 
the test. The test suits more B2 + as there are two reading passages based on IELTS 
apart from an academic essay. In fact, the main coursebook is complete IELTS 5-6.5 
for second year students they are obliged to have IELTS-based questions in both 
reading and writing.
It is believed that a good and effective test needs to have five cardinal criteria 
including practicality, reliability, validity, authenticity and washback (Brown, 2010, 
p.25). Therefore, meeting these core principles is a must for every test. Regarding the 
abovementioned test, it could be said that practicality is partially addressed in it. 
Although students are required to have B2 level, most of them still have great 
challenges to reach this level. It is evident that a practical test can be carried out 

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ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF MODERN SCIENCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING DECEMBER 2019-V ISSN 2181-9750