This paper presents some reasons for reconsidering the use of discrete structure-point tests of language proficiency, and suggests an alternative basis for designing proficiency tests. Discrete point tests are one of the primary tools of the audio-lingual method of teaching a foreign language and are based on certain assumptions, including the…

Even though modern methods of teaching emphasize listening and speaking, seldom are students of English tested in a standardized way on their ability to communicate through these skills. Many people learn to communicate well enough to conduct daily affairs in a new language, yet are unable to read, write, or speak any educated form of it. They are…

This issue of the workpapers includes the following reports and papers: "The ESL Service Courses at UCLA: A Progress Report," by Kathleen M. Bailey; "A Comparison of Item Analysis Programs," by Earl Rand; "Stereotypes in Media - or - How to Avoid Functional Fixedness," by James Heaton; "The Search for a Second Language Acquisition Index of…

This article describes a language achievement test designed for French students studying English. It evaluates reading and listening comprehension, and grammatical and lexical skills. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

Guidelines for evaluating, establishing, and administrating classroom and laboratory language programs are offered in this report. Attention is focused on the language laboratory, with sections on its use, scheduling, materials and texts, preparation of audio materials, preparation of tests, supervision, discipline, and maintenance. Briefer…

This bibliography on testing in English as a second language (ESL) is divided into four sections. Section 1, Second Language Testing, includes texts and articles that treat the general and overall aspects of second language testing. Many of the theories, techniques, and tests discussed in these works also apply to ESL. The items in the second…

An oral situational structural test developed for ESL students is discussed. This article proposes that tests can be used as motivational instruments and as teaching instruments. Properly used, tests enable students to see a link between ultimate language proficiency and immediate exam passage. (CHK)

Seven articles are contained in this publication. "Bilingual Education vs. Segregation" and "Lau Remedies Outlined" are by Jose A. Cardenas. The former discusses the bilingual education paradox in situations where children are forced to forego the benefits of bilingual education because all instruction is in English, or are segregated in order to…

The aim of the research in question was to investigate the efficiency of various classes of distractors used in multiple-choice vocabulary question testing. Much of the quality of multiple-choice questions relies on the extent to which incorrect choices tempt the less proficient student. The study selected 8 classes of distractors and attempted to…

The use of a comprehension question, involving reading a Latin paragraph and then answering related questions, is thought unnecessary for the British Ordinary-level examination. Suggested alterations are: reconsideration of skills being tested; use of such questions only where not redundant; comprehension as part of literary reading instead. (CHK)

This paper describes the value of the cloze procedure for teaching language and composition, classroom diagnosis of language difficulties, and research into the process of composition. Any aspect of language structure, including word order, form class words, connectives, inflectional endings, and function words, could be taught through use of the…

An attempt was made to further the understanding of foreign language proficiencies and to formulate methods of testing them. Language testing is needed as a criterion of the efficacy of teaching. Consideration of the curriculum and analysis of the texts used would aid in test construction. A discussion of the design and content of language tests…

Efforts to better the school Leaving Exams in English of a large African state lead to the belief that schools should do away with them completely. Where this cannot be done, a thorough, systematic evaluation of reading comprehension, structure, and usage should be combined with productive integrative evaluation. (SCC)