A study examined the construct validity of second language listening comprehension tests that use different types of texts by determining to what degree the text's listenability facilitates or hinders comprehension. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) texts containing more listenable features, thus closer to the oral end of the oral/literate…

This study tested the validity and applicability of the Standards for Evaluation of Education Programs, Projects and Materials (Joint Committee, 1981) by applying them to four alternative methods of testing oral proficiency in English as a Foreign Language. (BS)

This study is based on three sources: (1) an experimental try-out of four oral proficiency testing methods (oral interview, role play, reporting test, and group discussion); (2) an evaluation of the testing methods by a panel of experts; and (3) an analysis of the same testing methods by policy makers. The findings are reported in terms of the…