With the ever increasing popularity of international standardized English proficiency tests,the test takers' craze for them has nev er been greater.However,the issue of the inequity which comes from the legitimate...With the ever increasing popularity of international standardized English proficiency tests,the test takers' craze for them has nev er been greater.However,the issue of the inequity which comes from the legitimate knowledge which decides a test-taker's score hasn't been fully exposed.The theoretical study of this issue in this paper helps explore the legitimate knowledge tested in international English proficiency tests.By examining the legitimate knowledge in the sample tests of IELTS and TOEFL,the study reveals the underlying bias which constitutes a decent score for the test takers.In the end,the study proposes a more balanced assessment model for discussion.展开更多
It is quite necessary for teachers of English to know the basic knowledge and techniques about how to design good English testpapers. To meet this necessity, this paper first tells of the basic principles and requirem...It is quite necessary for teachers of English to know the basic knowledge and techniques about how to design good English testpapers. To meet this necessity, this paper first tells of the basic principles and requirements of designing English test papers, then the procedures,and, at last, the characters of some test questions and the techniques when designing them.展开更多
Low rating reliability has long been the primary concern in school-based oral English achievement tests. In this study, a computer-aided rating system （CARS） was developed to improve inter- and intra-rater reliabili...Low rating reliability has long been the primary concern in school-based oral English achievement tests. In this study, a computer-aided rating system （CARS） was developed to improve inter- and intra-rater reliability through the instantiation of rating criteria, task division and random distribution, on-line training, reliability verification and sound wave ＂reading＂ and ＂writing.＂ A rating experiment was conducted among six raters to compare intra- and inter-rater reliability between traditional rating and rating with CARS. At the end of each round of rating, a conference was held. Both quantitative an~ qualitative analyses show that CARS can significantly improve inter- and intra-rater reliability, mainly through helping raters use criteria more accurately and focus more attention on rating. In addition, the research has also shed light upon further study on improving rating reliability.展开更多
This paper discusses the importance of a well-written college English final exam within a university at the end of each semester, the directive function of such an exam, the valuable informative feedback of the detail...This paper discusses the importance of a well-written college English final exam within a university at the end of each semester, the directive function of such an exam, the valuable informative feedback of the detailed scores, the necessity and importance of informing students of the general format of the exam and types of items as early as possible. It also deals with the importance of formative evaluation, the functions of regular scores, problems in retests that test-makers should pay attention to and the different organizations of test-makers.展开更多
A comprehensive overview of standardized testing system for ESL （English as a Second Language） students in U.S kindergarten thru grade 12 public school system is reviewed within the context of basis on federal and s...A comprehensive overview of standardized testing system for ESL （English as a Second Language） students in U.S kindergarten thru grade 12 public school system is reviewed within the context of basis on federal and state laws, as well as instructional basis. Identification process of LEP （Limited English Proficient） students via nomination, testing and testing criteria to be identified as LEP, hence ESL if placed in the program is defined in detail Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP （Adequate Yearly Progress） measures through regular state standardized tests depending on three types of instructional program that LEP student is placed in the school that are Bilingual Education Program, ESL Program, and Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Programs are described. Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP measures through other means if exempted from regular state standardized tests such as LAT （Linguistically Accommodated Testing） and the conditions to be exempted are discussed in detail. Holistically rated English Language Proficiency Assessments that are implemented to fulfill federal AMAOs （Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives） measures are defined briefly. Physical features of LAT test as well as direct and indirect accommodations for LAT reading, mathematics and science tests are defined via the accommodation needed and the type of assistance provided. Lastly, testing criteria to exit LEP status and other issues concerning exiting LEP status are reviewed展开更多
This paper analyzes the design and implementation of a normal writing test in a senior high school. In line with theories of test evaluation, an effective writing test should try to meet the balance of the six usefuln...This paper analyzes the design and implementation of a normal writing test in a senior high school. In line with theories of test evaluation, an effective writing test should try to meet the balance of the six usefulness, which will be discussed in this paper; thereafter, pedagogical implications will be mentioned with an emphasis on how a test affects the teachers in changing their teaching approaches and motivates the learners in achieving higher goals in their writing proficiency.展开更多
文摘With the ever increasing popularity of international standardized English proficiency tests,the test takers' craze for them has nev er been greater.However,the issue of the inequity which comes from the legitimate knowledge which decides a test-taker's score hasn't been fully exposed.The theoretical study of this issue in this paper helps explore the legitimate knowledge tested in international English proficiency tests.By examining the legitimate knowledge in the sample tests of IELTS and TOEFL,the study reveals the underlying bias which constitutes a decent score for the test takers.In the end,the study proposes a more balanced assessment model for discussion.
文摘It is quite necessary for teachers of English to know the basic knowledge and techniques about how to design good English testpapers. To meet this necessity, this paper first tells of the basic principles and requirements of designing English test papers, then the procedures,and, at last, the characters of some test questions and the techniques when designing them.
文摘Low rating reliability has long been the primary concern in school-based oral English achievement tests. In this study, a computer-aided rating system （CARS） was developed to improve inter- and intra-rater reliability through the instantiation of rating criteria, task division and random distribution, on-line training, reliability verification and sound wave ＂reading＂ and ＂writing.＂ A rating experiment was conducted among six raters to compare intra- and inter-rater reliability between traditional rating and rating with CARS. At the end of each round of rating, a conference was held. Both quantitative an~ qualitative analyses show that CARS can significantly improve inter- and intra-rater reliability, mainly through helping raters use criteria more accurately and focus more attention on rating. In addition, the research has also shed light upon further study on improving rating reliability.
文摘This paper discusses the importance of a well-written college English final exam within a university at the end of each semester, the directive function of such an exam, the valuable informative feedback of the detailed scores, the necessity and importance of informing students of the general format of the exam and types of items as early as possible. It also deals with the importance of formative evaluation, the functions of regular scores, problems in retests that test-makers should pay attention to and the different organizations of test-makers.
文摘A comprehensive overview of standardized testing system for ESL （English as a Second Language） students in U.S kindergarten thru grade 12 public school system is reviewed within the context of basis on federal and state laws, as well as instructional basis. Identification process of LEP （Limited English Proficient） students via nomination, testing and testing criteria to be identified as LEP, hence ESL if placed in the program is defined in detail Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP （Adequate Yearly Progress） measures through regular state standardized tests depending on three types of instructional program that LEP student is placed in the school that are Bilingual Education Program, ESL Program, and Two-Way Immersion Dual Language Programs are described. Standardized testing process of these students based on the federal AYP measures through other means if exempted from regular state standardized tests such as LAT （Linguistically Accommodated Testing） and the conditions to be exempted are discussed in detail. Holistically rated English Language Proficiency Assessments that are implemented to fulfill federal AMAOs （Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives） measures are defined briefly. Physical features of LAT test as well as direct and indirect accommodations for LAT reading, mathematics and science tests are defined via the accommodation needed and the type of assistance provided. Lastly, testing criteria to exit LEP status and other issues concerning exiting LEP status are reviewed
文摘This paper analyzes the design and implementation of a normal writing test in a senior high school. In line with theories of test evaluation, an effective writing test should try to meet the balance of the six usefulness, which will be discussed in this paper; thereafter, pedagogical implications will be mentioned with an emphasis on how a test affects the teachers in changing their teaching approaches and motivates the learners in achieving higher goals in their writing proficiency.
