This article reports on a study of the validity and reliability of tests administered in an EFL university setting. The study addresses the question of how well face validity reflects more objective measures of the quality of a test, such as predictive validity and reliability. According to some researchers, face validity, defined as the surface…

This article advocates making the provision of opportunities for learning the main objective of language testing. It recognizes the need for tests to be fair, valid, and reliable, but asserts the priority of what it calls "learning validity", in order to prevent time being wasted on language courses on tests, and the preparation for them. The…

Contends that the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) has some very serious defects. First, it does not test either the ability to speak or to write English. Second, it has strong cultural biases. Third, a relatively large number of right answers can be obtained by guesswork. (SED)

Examination of the reliability and validity of paper-and-pencil pronunciation tests of English as a second language in Osaka (Japan) showed very low reliability. Correlations with more direct measures of pronunciation showed very low validity of written pronunciation tests. Sample tests are appended. (Author/CB)

Evaluation of Chinese-speaking students' responses to a "Reporting Test" of oral proficiency in English as a foreign language indicated that the test may be valid and applicable for assessing oral proficiency. (CB)

Discusses problems with the current trend in using behavior trait-based criteria to assess English-as-a-Second-Language productivity skills, and describes alternatives to such testing that involve the matching of linguistic tasks against nonlinguistic criteria. (Author/CB)

An examination found no significant differences between timed- and untimed-essay test scores of adolescent students of English as a Second Language. Results suggest that there is a need for more expansive research regarding sample size and age, different time limits, students' educational backgrounds, writing skill training, communicative aims,…

Describes a study of the development of a new oral proficiency test which could replace the existing English as a Foreign Language Oral Matriculation test in Israel. The deficiencies of the existing Oral Matriculation test are specified, and the components of the experimental test are described. (Author/SED)