@article{Bolshakova_2015, title={Olympiad in the English Language as a Form of Alternative Language Assessment}, volume={1}, url={https://jle.hse.ru/article/view/1392}, DOI={10.17323/2411-7390-2015-1-2-6-12}, abstractNote={<div>Although a variety of the English language written olympiads (language competitions) exist, fairly little is known about how they are different from traditional forms of language assessment. &nbsp;In Russia, olympiads in the English language are now gaining currency because they provide an opportunity to reveal creative thinking and intellectual abilities of pupils. &nbsp;The present study examined major differences between language olympiads and traditional forms of language assessment. &nbsp;A comparison of five main olympiads in the English language in terms of their levels, assessed skills and task types is made and their distinctive features are outlined. &nbsp;The results of a testing of a new written olympiad of the Higher School of Economics “Vysshaya proba” (Highest Degree) in the English language are analyzed. &nbsp;A set of test items was developed for 120 secondary school pupils in Moscow to find out whether they can easily cope with non-traditional form of assessment, which is language olympiad. &nbsp;The results indicate that language competition as a form of alternative assessment may be introduced at schools to encourage better learning.</div&gt;}, number={2}, journal={Journal of Language and Education}, author={Bolshakova, Evgeniya}, year={2015}, month={Jun.}, pages={6-12} }