A discussion of the testing system in Sweden within the context of the position of foreign languages in the educational system. Topics addressed are the standardized grading system, the different types of tests, the content of the French tests and opinions of teachers and students. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

Discusses a study of the relative benefits of a year-long reading comprehension course for English as a foreign language students, compared with an intensive summer course using the same curriculum. Students were separated into groups according to their language abilities. Although improvement in both cases was nearly equal, the summer course is…

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)

Discusses the use of the York Group Graded Tests in French programs in English Comprehensive, Middle, and Secondary Schools. Commercial materials that can be used with the tests are indicated. (AM)

Problems of development of a defined syllabus for modern language courses are discussed, as well as the relationship of the syllabus to testing and public examinations in particular. (RM)

The absence of a uniform system of education in the United States is accompanied by freedom in testing. Two types of testing procedures are described: the multi-level standardized tests produced by the Educational Testing Service and experimental use of the cloze procedure. (Text is in French.) (AMH)

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)

The Certificate of the People's Universities is an examination organized in different European countries. The students are generally adults in evening courses. A description of the system in Germany is given; and principles of the examination, test content, and educational perspectives are discussed. References are included. (Text is in French.)…

Proposes establishment of sixth-form commercial language courses. Level, course length, syllabus, examination, languages proposed (French and German), and teacher motivation are discussed. (CHK)

Offers an annotated bibliography featuring citations regarding introductory materials on psycholinguistics, language acquisition, classroom learning, learning styles, communicative language teaching, instructional methods, testing, and curriculum development. (CB)

Discusses the role of assessment in determining whether the investment in an early start in a foreign language has been worthwhile, suggesting that it is important for reasons, such as feedback to parents and the public, informing national policy development, and school self evaluation. Describes an independent evaluation of modern languages in…

This book contrasts non-Soviet approaches to language testing and provides definitions from four Soviet language test experts. The role of foreign language teaching, the function of tests, and theoretical problems are discussed, with considerable focus on communicative competence. The book discusses test standardization and classification and…

The use of the Language Background Questionnaire is analyzed, and the following criticisms are offered: (1) the varying nature and range of questions used, (2) the inclusion of indirect language background questions, and (3) previous methods of categorization of individuals into groups using language background scores. (SL)

Discusses requirements for the new People's University Certificate in English and finds improvement in the more precise statement of learning goals and system of course offerings and in the treatment of such items as "language appropriateness,""spontaneous language skills" and area studies. (IFS/WGA)