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…

This paper questions the purpose of testing in second language instruction. Comments are based on an examination of tests used by the Defense Language Institute for students of English as a second language. Two kinds of tests are used: the English Comprehension Level (ECL), used primarily as a basis for setting exit requirements, and "Book…

Two small-scale studies of foreign language test validity are reviewed. The teacher variable is found to be the great threat to test validity, even when grammatical material is presented in the language laboratory. Suggestions for compensating for teacher influence are offered. (JB)

The process and results of error marking in EFL written work are studied. Common errors were classified and presented to native and non-native EFL teachers to mark and to indicate seriousness of errors. Non-natives judged more severely; individuals were consistent in their judgment; differing views of error gravity are noted. (CHK)

Documents and articles on second language testing that were included in the ERIC data base from 1966 through 1979 are covered in this bibliography. Each of the approximately 1600 entries is identical to a document resume that appeared in "Resources in Education" or "Current Index to Journal in Education" during that period. The bibliography is…

This monograph consists of the foreign language sections of the seven "Mental Measurements Yearbooks" (1938-1972) and "Tests in Print II" (1974). The brief foreign language test descriptions from TIP II, totaling 105, are provided first, followed by the lengthier reviews, which total 184, from each of the seven MMYs. In…

The following papers are presented in the conference proceedings: (1) "Development and Current Use of the FSI Oral Interview Test," by H. Sollenberger; (2) "Interview Testing in Non-European Languages," by W. Lovelace; (3) "Measuring Second Language Speaking Ability in New Brunswick's Senior High Schools," by M.…

Finds that text material in final (end-of-school) French oral examinations in Germany do not correspond with the accomplishment to be expected of the students, in both appropriateness and degree of difficulty. Offers criteria, sample texts, and suggestions regarding reasonable requirements. (IFS/WGA)

This guide first points out the difficulty and the lack of reliability involved in using tests to evaluate the abilities of children from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. Suggestions are then given for using existing evaluation techniques to test the English language proficiency of children at kindergarten level. The following…

This paper reports on the results of seven questions asked to secondary level department chairmen regarding the unit tests which accompany textbook materials. Nearly 1,500 responses were received from teachers of French, German, and Spanish. The results indicate that most teachers do not use publishers tests when they are available. The…

A description of the status of foreign language instruction and testing in the context of the changing state of education. The content of Second Cycle French programs, a critique of French examinations and some samples of tests which point to change are discussed. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Addresses modern language teachers, especially of French, on the notions of objectivity and subjectivity, and the problems of testing knowledge. Specific written and oral measures are discussed, and a glossary of testing terms is provided. (Text is in French.) (MSE)

This article reports on a series of experiments designed to determine the validity of the Cloze test as a measure of the English language proficiency of nonnative speakers. (CFM)

Discusses a study designed to verify the validity and effectiveness of the summary as a teaching and testing tool. The subjects were Italian students enrolled in second year French at the university level. (CFM)