Testing for Language Teachers - Chapter 7&8

When identifying the target population for the test, which of the following is NOT considered?

• The age and educational background of test-takers

• The preferred testing method of test developers

• The test-takers' language proficiency level

• Accessibility needs of candidates with disabilities

What does the "Backwash Effect" refer to in the context of test design?

• The way a test influences teaching methods and learning behaviors

• The time required to grade a test accurately

• The financial impact of test administration on educational institutions

• The process of rewriting test items after initial validation

Why is it important to run the test on a group of non-expert speakers?

• To validate the test among experienced linguists

• To finalize the scoring rubrics

• To analyze real test-taker performance and identify issues

• To speed up the test development process

What is the primary function of an item bank in test development?

• To increase the number of test-takers

• To prevent the use of alternative test questions

• To eliminate the need for test moderation

• To store validated test items categorized by skill and difficulty

Which of the following is NOT typically included in test specifications?

• Level of difficulty

• Test format and structure

• Test developers’ background

• Delivery mode

Why should test objectives align with frameworks such as CEFR or ACTFL?

• To make the test easier for all candidates

• To eliminate the need for grammar and vocabulary sections

• To ensure the test follows a predictable format

• To ensure the test measures recognized language proficiency standards

What is a key characteristic of a well-designed multiple-choice question (MCQ)?

• The correct answer should always be the longest option

• The question should be as ambiguous as possible

• Distractors should be plausible but incorrect

• All answer choices should be correct

Why might gap-filling (Cloze Tests) be challenging to score?

• They are limited to testing advanced speakers

• They always require computer-based grading

• They only test spelling ability

• They may have varied answers and multiple correct responses

Which test technique requires students to repeat accurately what they listen to?

• Elicited Imitation

• Dictation

• Cloze Tests

• Yes/No Questions

How does the use of distractors in MCQs contribute to test effectiveness?

• By identifying students with good test-taking skills

• By increasing the test length

• By preventing random guessing and improving validity

• By providing misleading options to confuse students