Validation of a controlled productive Vocabulary Levels Test below the 2000-word level

The Productive Vocabulary Levels Test (PVLT) has been used to assess second language learners' vocabulary size for diagnostic and pedagogic purposes. We propose another, as yet, unexplored purpose for the test – as ‘self-efficacy enhancers’ to motivate low English proficiency (LEP) learners. The existing tests available at between 2000 and 10,000-word level however, are not suitable as they are beyond the capability of most LEP learners. This paper reports on the design and validation of a set of 500-word level PVLT to ascertain the viability of developing further tests at such lower levels. The test data showed that the 500-word level PVLT was able to discriminate among learners of different proficiency levels and show test-taker behaviour similar to the established 2000-word level test. It is hoped that the procedure described will serve as a practical and viable guideline for practitioners to develop further sets of lower level PVLTs that are valid and reliable.