How does Lingo work out a student’s level? Is there a diagnostic?

Lingo does not require a separate diagnostic test. It diagnoses as it goes.

For example, for spelling, students first try out a list of words spanning a wide range of levels (Grade 1 level up to Year 7 level). They don’t need to fully master the harder items on this list, instead moving automatically to a new list spanning a narrower range of levels (just 5 levels). Again, this narrows down to just 3 levels by their third list. This one they fully master. Now the system has enough data to pinpoint the student’s level, and keep that up-to-date over time.

In a nutshell, Lingo adapts to students immediately, zeroing in on the most appropriate level for them as they use it. This approach avoids testing fatigue and allows students to move quickly into meaningful learning, while still ensuring practice is targeted to the right level.