It is proposed that in the teaching and testing of Chinese as a foreign language (CFL), emphasis should be placed on features that are universal to all languages rather than particular to Chinese. Shared properties of Chinese and other languages, particularly English, are illustrated through examination of three major language components:…

This project extended the application of a model for development of semi-direct tests of oral proficiency, originally developed for Chinese, to a diverse set of less commonly taught languages spanning various language families and representing diverse cultural backgrounds. This second, final report covers development of tests for Hebrew, Hausa,…

This study investigated the type of language impairments found and the degree to which these impairments were being identified in a learning-disabled population in a middle school suburban setting, by use of the Fullerton Language Test for Adolescents, Revised. Subjects were categorized as language learning impaired (N=8 and mean age of 13 years)…

The Victorian (Australia) assessment approach of developing national subject profiles has potential for language assessment. Within each language area, levels of development would be identified and defined by observable language behavior, which could then be tested by a variety of test types. Assessment would be done by teachers in schools using…

An adaptation of the Foreign Service Institute's (FSI) oral interview test for oral language proficiency developed for use at the American Institute of Musical Studies' (AIMS) summer vocal institute in Austria to determine students' improvement in German language is discussed. The reasons for its selection over other major comparable tests are…

An experiment was conducted to determine the possibility of adding a listening comprehension test to the English matriculation exam in Israel. The testing method and teachers' and pupils' reactions are noted, and the test itself is included. (Available from English Inspectorate, Ministry of Education and Culture, P. O. Box 292, Jerusalem, Israel.)…

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)

Table lists skills for second language learning on one axis and levels of complexity on the other. Uses of table by classroom teacher in assessment are discussed. (RM)

An alternative model for the 16+ examinations presently being tested by examining boards is suggested which would allow for differing levels of achievement for different student populations. (RM)

Examines extent to which teacher control of syllabus content, examination papers and examining techniques is practiced in the Yorkshire Regional Examinations Board's region. (RM)

The typical day of a student travelling in France is outlined, with discussion of the different types of language he would be exposed to. Ways in which classroom teaching can provide similar experience are suggested, and abilities involved in listening and reading which are not language-specific are discussed. (RM)

The factor-referenced kits developed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) are assessed. With support from the National Science Foundation, the researcher surveyed the total range of research done over the past 65 years on the identification of cognitive abilities, principally through factor analysis. From a corpus of an estimated 2,000 data…

Conference papers on aspects of motivation and language teaching include: "Motivate Who?" (Frederick D. Eddy); "Motivation and Language Learning the following: Psychological Aspects" (W. E. Lambert); "Discussion of Professor Lambert's Presentation" (Karl S. Pond); "Linguistics and Motivation" (Robert L. Politzer); "Discussion of Professor…

This guide to Alberta's French 30 standardized test describes the testing program and administration, the test parts, and test scoring for both teachers and students anticipating taking the test. Dates and times of test administration and scoring dates in 1990 are charted. The two parts of the test are described in some detail, including their…

This volume presents papers that dicusss the need for more systematic and rigorous research programs to monitor the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines and their various implementations. "A Progress Report on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, 1982-1986" (David V. Hiple), traces the…