In the listening component of the IELTS examination candidates hear the input once, delivered at "normal" speed. This format for listening can be problematic for test takers who often perceive normal speed input to be too fast for effective comprehension. The study reported here investigated whether using computer software to slow down…

Describes the construction and small-scale implementation of a computer program that can be used on a self-access basis to assess English-as-a-Second-Language listening proficiency. The test involves an extended dictation in dialog form. Results indicate a good correlation with traditional pen-and-paper tests and suggests that the concept has…