The Vocabulary Size Test - Specifications and Versions

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by lugxt

The Vocabulary Size Test, developed by Paul Nation, is designed to estimate learners’ written receptive vocabulary size in English by testing knowledge of word forms and form-meaning connections. It is available in multiple versions, including a 14,000 version with 14,000-word-family coverage and 20,000 parallel forms. Results are interpreted by multiplying total scores to estimate receptive vocabulary size, and the document clarifies what the test measures, what it does not measure, and how its discrete, decontextualised format affects inference, washback, and potential instructional decisions. It also outlines research and instructional uses.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time23 min

AccessFree to download

Goals and construct

Using the test results

Inferences, impacts, and washback

Specifications for making the test

Sampling the words for the items

Making the stem

The Vocabulary Size Test Paul Nation 23 October 2012 Available versions There is a 14,000 version containing 140 multiple-choice items, with 10 items from each 1000 word family level. A learner’s total score needs to be multiplied by 100 to get their total receptive vocabulary size. There are two more recent parallel 20,000 versions each containing 100 multiple choice items. A learner’s total score needs to be multiplied by 200 to get their total receptive vocabulary size. The two forms have been tested for their equivalence. Permission is not required to use these tests in research, although acknowledgement in any thesis or publication is appreciated. The reference for the 14,000 level test is Nation, I.S.P. & Beglar, D. (2007) A vocabulary size test. The Language Teacher, 31(7), 9-13. (Check Publications on Paul Nation’s web site for current information on publications) . Goals and construct The Vocabulary Size Test is designed to measure both first language and second language learners’ written receptive vocabulary size in English. The test measures knowledge of written word form, the form-meaning connection, and to a smaller degree concept knowledge. The test measures largely decontextualised knowledge of the word although the tested word appears in a single non-defining context in the test. Users of the test need to be clear what the test is measuring and not measuring. It is measuring written receptive vocabulary knowledge, that is the vocabulary knowledge required for reading. It is not measuring listening vocabulary size, or the vocabulary knowledge needed for speaking and writing. It is also not a measure of reading skill, because although vocabulary size is a critical factor in reading, it is only a part of the reading skill. Because the test is a measure of receptive vocabulary size, a test-taker’s score provides little indication of how well these words could be used in speaking and writing. Using Read and Chapelle’s (2001) framework, the Vocabulary Size Test is a discrete, selective, relatively context-independent vocabulary test presented in a multiplechoice format. The test is available in monolingual and bilingual versions testing up to the 20th 1000 word level. Test-takers are required to select the best definition or translation of each word from four choices. The test is available in hard copy and computerised formats. Inferences: Although the tested words are presented in simple non-defining contexts, it is essentially following a trait-definition of vocabulary which means that vocabulary knowledge is tested independently from contexts of use. At the item level, the test measures receptive knowledge of a written word form. At the test level it provides an estimate of total vocabulary size where vocabulary knowledge is considered as including only single words (not multiword units) and vocabulary size does not include proper nouns, transparent compounds, marginal words like um, er, gee gosh, and abbreviations. It does not measure the ability to distinguish homonyms and homographs. Uses: For instructional purposes the results can be used to guide syllabus design, extensive reading, and vocabulary instruction. For research purposes, it can be used a measure of total receptive written vocabulary size for both native and non-native speakers. Impacts: If it is used as intended, it is a relatively low stakes test for learners. One consequence may be that it substantially underestimates the vocabulary size of learners who are not motivated to perform to the best oftheir ability, especially if they are judged to be low achievers within their education system. This could result in faulty instructional decisions being made about their vocabulary learning needs, and thus the test may need to administered orally to such students on a one-to-one basis. . More generally, the discrete, context-independent nature of the test format may encourage the study of isolated words. Washback The Vocab

FAQs

What does the Vocabulary Size Test measure and what does it not measure?

It measures written receptive vocabulary knowledge in English, including knowledge of written word form and the form-meaning connection. It does not measure listening vocabulary size, vocabulary for speaking or writing, or reading skill as a whole.

How do different versions estimate receptive vocabulary size?

The 14,000 version contains 140 multiple-choice items, and a learner’s total score is multiplied by 100 to estimate receptive vocabulary size. The two 20,000 versions each use 100 items, and total score is multiplied by 200; the two forms have been tested for equivalence.

How can results be used in teaching and research?

Instructionally, results can guide syllabus design, extensive reading, and vocabulary instruction. In research, the test can serve as a measure of total receptive written vocabulary size for both native and non-native speakers.

Sep 28, 2026

Uploaded by lugxt

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