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)

Presents a German test for English students. Errors in the placing of "nicht" are examined and categorized. Criticism of the objectivity of the findings are examined. The tests are seen as a measure of oral skills. Study is recommended of how to present most economically the various items. (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)

This article discusses the section of the final examination used at a regional training center in French language and literature in Morocco. The linguistics task is in the form of two tests containing language errors which an examination candidate is required to find, correct, and explain. (Text is in French.) (CLK)

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)

Acquisition of the words "this" and "that" was tested by a comprehension and a production task with children aged 4 and 7. It was confirmed that children would learn the spatial contrast between the words and apply it from the speakers viewpoint; non-egocentrism was not deemed necessary for correct use. (CHK)

Criticizes the "Norm Book for English" for its priorities, finding that it slights the content aspect in favor of the language side. It is argued that there should be greater flexibility in the judging of Abitur (high School graduation) essays. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

In Part I, three aspects of cloze tests are examined: placement, measuring achievement, and evaluation. In Part II, it is shown how original texts and textbook texts are prepared for different forms of the cloze test. (Text is in German. (IFS/WGA)

Argues that language tests employing methods not fair to all test takers are unethical. Ways of reducing sources of unfairness in language testing is discussed. (15 references) (Author/CK)

Replicates prior research into the determinants of English language proficiency among immigrants using a dataset that controls for potential biases stemming from selective emigration, omitted variables, and the mismeasurement of key constructs. It finds that English proficiency rises with exposure to U.S. society and that a pattern exists in…

Reports on an exploratory study that investigated the comparability of listening assessment tasks used to assess and report learning outcomes of adult English-as-a-Second-Language learners in Australia. Focused on the effects of task characteristics and task conditions on learners' performance in competency-based listening assessment tasks that…

Focuses on the performance levels of the Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) and English Language Testing Service (ELTS) tests. It is concluded that more attention should be paid to the process underlying test performance. (15 references) (GLR)

A brief exploration of the essential philosophy of second-language proficiency testing within a communicative framework yields the following five principles for teachers designing second-language tests: updating outmoded tests; critically and objectively evaluating test effectiveness; ensuring test reliability and validity; ensuring tests'…

Analyzes observations of the pronunciation of French by 32 undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin (Nigeria). The phonological analysis includes: 1) sound variation; 2) terminal sound loss; 3) sound intrusion; 4) assimilation; and 5) liaison. Many factors appear to have affected performance, especially having had a Francophone teacher…

A study of the Glendon Examination of Bilingual Competence included a survey of former candidates, students, and faculty regarding perceptions of test content and format and development and piloting of a new test. Issues arising in the research are discussed. The test and grading criteria are appended. (Author/MSE)