This study examined the multiple true-false (MTF) test format in second language testing by comparing multiple-choice (MCQ) and multiple true-false (MTF) test formats in two language areas of general English: vocabulary and reading. Two counter-balanced experimental designs--one for each language area--were examined in terms of the number of MCQ…

British educators wish to replace the dual arrangement of 16+ examinations with a single system, but desire further preparation and training before changes are implemented. (CK)

A list of 1,036 terms and definitions used in native and second language acquisition and instruction, linguistics, language testing, and bicultural-multicultural education, including identical items with different meanings, is presented. The terms were derived from manual searches of the ERIC Clearinghouse on Languages and Linguistics and ERIC…

The kinds of testing of listening skills that could be introduced for Foreign Languages in Elementary Schools (FLES) in the early stages of instruction (e.g., in the third grade at the end of 10-20 clock hours of instruction) are discussed. It is suggested that listening is rarely tested in isolation, but normally is mixed with speaking or…

Correlational studies establishing the validity of language skill tests have traditionally described how well the tests have converged, that is, yielded equivalent results. Convergent and discriminant validation is a logical extension of these traditional procedures. However, since it requires evidence of discriminant as well as convergent…

Advocates the study of poetry in FL classes and suggests methods by which students could be tested on poetry. (KM)

The first part of the paper presents theoretical arguments in favor of more student-centered approaches to the evaluation of progress in foreign language learning. It is argued that subective self-assessment procedures are not necessarily less reliable than objective tests and that the language student cannot assume full responsibility for the…

The Australian Second Language Proficiency Ratings Scale (ASPLR), a performance-based instrument, is described. The origins of and rationale behind the Scale are discussed. The construction and use of the Scale are detailed. It is hoped that the usefulness of the ASPLR extends beyond the "on-arrival" English as a second language program…

This guide is intended for the use of the interviewers who determine the oral proficiency ratings of candidates for the Foreign Service. The following materials have been collected: (1) "The Measurement of Speaking and Reading Proficiency in a Foreign Language," (2) "Definitions of Absolute Ratings," (3) "Factors in…

Suggests a monolingual, strictly oral "multiple choice" testing system, with suggestions regarding method, correcting and grading. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Reports on an experiment designed to test the reliability of the cloze procedure in second language testing, specifically as a measure of overall language proficiency, and as a measure whose results are independent of style. (AM)

Presents a measurement instrument for evaluating a second language learner's oral skills, which is based on a mathematical theory of communication, and which relies on native speaker judgment. (AM)

Discusses the value of self-evaluation to the adult second language learner; the tools of self-evaluation; and the relationship of self-evaluation to other forms of evaluation, to learning, and to instruction. (AM)

Discusses several tests designed to determine speaking ability which preceded the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages/Educational Testing Service test and describes the benefits of the American Institute of Musical Studies oral proficiency testing program. (SED)

This article is mainly concerned with a study of the relation between the content of a multiple choice test and its composition, from the point of view of those features in tests which enable the testee to derive the correct answer by studying the composition of the test itself. (Author/POP)