Two reading comprehension tests were made up based on two different texts thought to be of equal difficulty. An analysis of the texts and test items was performed after students taking one of the tests scored considerably higher than the other students, and it was determined that one text was in fact more difficult. (CFM)

The persistent problems in foreign language testing are considered under four headings: (1) validity, (2) scope, (3) efficiency, and (4) the problem of how tests relate to the wider context of instruction. The first consists of insuring that the measurements and assessments obtained reflect what they are intended to reflect. The problem of scope…

Some of the pitfalls in the construction of multiple choice tests are discussed and examples of invalid questions given. (RM)

A study to evaluate seven commonly employed reading comprehension testing techniques in terms of predictive validity, difficulty and discriminability is described. (Author/RM)

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)

REVISIONS OF "THE ALLP FRENCH PROGRAM" (A 1-YEAR PROGRAMED COURSE FOR THE COLLEGE AND ADULT LEVEL EMPHASIZING ORAL SKILLS) AND THE RESULTS OF A SECOND TRIAL USE OF THE REVISED PROGRAM WERE REPORTED. THE REVISED FRENCH PROGRAM WAS DESIGNED TO OVERCOME THE SHORTCOMINGS OF THE ORIGINAL PROGRAM AND SOUGHT TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE, LESS TIME…

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 the concept of communicative competence in second language learning and various models for testing this skill. (AM)

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)

Reports on a testing experiment (at the university level) dealing with the construction and validation of a university entrance test in Romance languages. Discusses the subtest "vocabulary," as to problems of validation--specifically, a self-rating test and an association-speed test. (IFS/WGA)

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)

Two achievement tests in French are critically examined: one on the students' vocabulary after three years of French, and one designed for student placement. Both are found to be reliable. The validity of their content and construction is discussed. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

The construction of tests of oral competence in a foreign language requires consideration of several factors. The face validity of the test, or the degree to which students feel they are performing a real communicative act, is illustrated with a number of model testing situations. Content validity, or the ability of a test to measure what has been…