German advanced English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) students' productive knowledge of English collocations consisting of a verb and a noun were investigated in a translation task and a close task. Results suggest that EFL students should concentrate on collocations that cannot readily be paraphrased. The tasks are appended. (32 references)…

The methodology used to determine readability of English texts (cloze procedure and word lists) is not applicable to foreign-language material. Linguistic variables are proposed as the basis for readability formulas. Contrastive and error analysis are possible strategies. (JB)

Describes a software package for computer-assisted language learning, designed to put the text handling and "number crunching" capabilities of the microcomputer to use in the foreign language classroom. Done in ways compatible with the learner's own natural needs and strategies, it also gives the classroom teacher a significant degree of control…

"Listening Recall" is a listening comprehension test which discriminates over a wide range of proficiency. Unlike traditional tests, requiring multiple choice responses, it is a listening cloze procedure; a narrative passage accompanied by a written version with deletions. Particularly suited to low proficiency learners, test has high…

Reports on a study where tertiary English-as-a-Second-Language learners of intermediate and advanced proficiency were required to complete three types of grammar-focused exercises commonly used in the classroom: a cloze exercise, a text reconstruction, and a short composition. Comparison of exercises completed individually with those completed by…

Analysis of the performance of 257 adult English-as-a-second-language students on six language tests (multiple choice, cloze, listening, reading, structure) indicated that age was a significant factor on listening and structure tests and high school graduation affected performance on all tests but one listening test. (Author/CB)

Describes the development of the Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) Test specifications and the performance of each item type during administration of the test in other countries. Innovative formats such as multiple-choice cloze and multiple-choice dictation are discussed and described. In addition, the findings of a validity study…

Explores cloze sensitivity to global comprehension by means of retrospective interview techniques. No significant differences were found between English as a second language (ESL) college students (N=14) and native English-speaking students (N=14) in their processing strategies. (Author/CB)