Suggests a quick and practical supplementary test that can solve many of the difficulties of student placement in intensive English programs (IEPs). Dictation is suggested as an easy and efficient way to gain information about students' underlying abilities to communicate. (Author/VWL)

Addresses issue of whether free voluntary reading (FVR) is appropriate for programs whose primary goal is development of academic second-language competence, such as university-level programs for international students. Argues that FVR does have a place in these programs, even though FVR often means reading light fiction; competence gained via FVR…