The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses proficiency in English both generally and for special purposes of non-native English speakers studying, training, or learning English in English-speaking countries. The Speaking subtest of the IELTS measures a candidate's general proficiency in speaking in everyday situations via a…

This book on language tests and test use for English as a second language is aimed at both experienced and inexperienced teachers in both grade school and adult education. The text begins with an introduction to the history of language testing, including its value for both students and teachers, and its current state and types of tests available.…

These 25 papers address issues of second language assessment and curriculum planning. The papers are divided into three categories: theoretical foundations, assessment approaches, and research and policy. Among the specific topics discussed are: whether tests measure language or intelligence, additive versus subtractive bilingualism, the…

Ways to use classroom tests as an aid to students of foreign languages are discussed, with particular reference to retesting. (RM)

The rationale and methodology for using videotape recordings to test foreign language listening comprehension are discussed. First, the advantages of using video in teaching and testing listening comprehension are examined and the specific listening skills to be developed at the beginning level are outlined. Issues in the selection of video…

Materials to be used in workshops to teach language teacher trainees the communicative approach to language testing are presented. The materials were developed from a 1985 Council of Europe workshop held in York, England. They include preliminary notes for workshop organizers, an introductory "ice-breaker" activity, and six content…

Practical and technical aspects of language testing research are considered in 23 articles. Topical areas include: testing of general proficiency; the hypothesis of a single unitary factor accounting for reliable variance in tests; the structure of language proficiency; pros and cons of cloze testing; a new functional testing approach; and…

This annotated bibliography covers the following topics in teaching English as a second language (ESL): tests, abstracts and indices, bibliographies and reviews, overviews of ESL testing, aptitude testing, specific tests (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Michigan Test, and standardized tests), testing speaking skills, testing listening…

In the spring of 1978, the individualized Latin program at the Ohio State University underwent an evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the experiment and to consider making the program a permanent part of the curriculum. Although the competency-based learning (CBL) component had worked satisfactorily for a majority of the students, about…

MOST OF THE CRITICISMS OF TRANSLATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE COURSES FOCUS ON THE SUPPOSEDLY DIFFICULT PROBLEMS OF SELECTING, USING, AND GRADING TRANSLATION TESTS AS OPPOSED TO THE OBJECTIVE TESTS GENERALLY USED BY ADVOCATES OF AUDIOLINGUALISM. BUT MOST OF THESE CRITICISMS FAIL TO RECOGNIZE THAT THE PROCESS OF LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE…

Presented in this report are the procedures, results, and recommendations of a study conducted in Fairfield, Connecticut in which high school students with FLES backgrounds were compared with non-FLES peers in terms of language skills and interest in foreign language study. A summary of findings on student interest in language study is presented…

This final report presents a description of a test combining cloze procedure and an entropy analysis (CLOZENTROPY), designed to measure the compatibility of a foreign student's English with that of his peers who are native speakers of English. This test, and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) were administered to 48 foreign students…

This pamphlet is designed to provide general guidelines for beginning teachers who are interested in establishing a Spanish program. Contents include suggested outlines and materials for basic and advanced courses. Sections on testing, teaching aids, and library materials for teachers of Spanish are included. (RL)

A description of the revised baccalaureate examination. The performance objectives for modern languages in oral and written expression, especially for French, comprehension and critical judgment of a text are discussed. Results of the inter-ministerial study and sample sections from examinations are given. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Describes principles for designing a proficiency-based course to prepare students for the ACTFL/ETS Advanced Plus/Superior level according to Interagency Language Roundtable guidelines. Proposes ways to combine grammatical and "functional/notional" syllabuses with a proficiency approach. Examines the implications of these principles for…