The study was conducted in the department of the English University of Gujrat during Spring- 2012 semester. A question
paper was designed to check the aptitude of the intermediate students of population 25. There were three sections; Grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension, in the question paper. Section: A (Grammar) was proved valid with 84.33 % of validity. The validity of Section: B (vocabulary) and Section C (reading comprehension) were 91.64 % and 52.00 respectively. As a whole, the validity of all the questions was 75.99 %. Thus, the designed aptitude test may be considered reliable.
Summary on LANGUAGE TESTING & ASSESSMENT (Part I) Alderson & Banerjee MissJillSmith
Summary on article by Ch. Alderson & J.Banerjee regarding Language Testing & Assessment. Diferent types of language testing, authors, hypothesis, conclusions and expectations. Ethics, politics and standards impact on language testing.
Summary on LANGUAGE TESTING & ASSESSMENT (Part I) Alderson & Banerjee MissJillSmith
Summary on article by Ch. Alderson & J.Banerjee regarding Language Testing & Assessment. Diferent types of language testing, authors, hypothesis, conclusions and expectations. Ethics, politics and standards impact on language testing.
The impact analysis of psychological reliability of population pilot study fo...Dr. Seyed Hossein Fazeli
The purpose of research described in the current study is the psychological reliability, its’ importance, application, and more to investigate on the impact analysis of psychological reliability of population pilot study for selection of particular reliable multi-choice item test in foreign language research work
Test Anxiety and Academic Achievement in Thiruvannamalai Districtijtsrd
The present study planned to probe the effects of test anxiety on academic achievement of high school pupils. The respondents encompassed of 300 school pupils 158 boys and 142 girls studied in IX standard were selected by random basis from diverse high schools of Thiruvannamalai District. Prof. V. P. Sharma’s Test Anxiety Scale TAS was used to assess test anxiety and English Achievement Test EAT was used to carry out test and calculated the percentage of total marks attain by the students was measured as the academic achievement score. The outcome revealed that the result revealed that there is significant difference in Private school students have high anxiety when compared to Government School students. Nuclear family students achieve more in the academic of English when compared to Joint family students. Government school students achieve more in English when compared to Private school students. And also reveals that there is no significant difference between nuclear family and joint family in respect to their Test Anxiety. Lastly, the correlation result reveals that there exists a moderate Positive Correlation between Test Anxiety and Academic Achievement. Dr. R. Muthaiyan | J. Lingeswaran "Test Anxiety and Academic Achievement in Thiruvannamalai District" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-5 , August 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd32980.pdf Paper Url :https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/32980/test-anxiety-and-academic-achievement-in-thiruvannamalai-district/dr-r-muthaiyan
Evaluating The Cognitive Level of Seafarers Expertise Test (UKP) Sheet By Usi...sabaribmt
Seafarers Expertise Test (UKP) has important roles in measuring student’s competence in maritime skill and knowledge. Changing the implementation of UKP in writing to be Computer Based - Assessment (CBA) is a demand for rapid technology change. Since English is also used in delivering the test, so many students do not pass the test, and should do remedial test more than three times. The difficulty of the test becomes one of the reasons for its failure. The aim of this research was to investigate the Cognitive Levels of UKP sheet which focused on “Plan a voyage and conduct navigation part”. This research also used content analysis method and qualitative descriptive design. The questions analyzed were consisted of 100 questions. The source of the data was taken from document of Polytechnic Bumi Akpelni Semarang. The writers analyzed the data using Taxonomy’s Bloom for categorizing the cognitive level for each question. The result showed that there were 51% of Remembering, 43% of Understanding and 6% of Applying which were categorized as Low Order Thinking Skill (LOTS). On the other hand, the category of High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) did not exist in the test questions. It can be concluded that the questions of the test were more focused on LOTS than HOTS.
The exploring nature of methodology in the current studies of language learni...Dr. Seyed Hossein Fazeli
There is not a method abandoned as what it might be called a baby-and-bathwater type reaction. Still all the methods have failed to deliver quit the hoped-for miracles. In this way, methodology alone can never be a solution to find what is searching. Rather it is an aid and suggestion. In addition, in the case of methodology, it is true that we are moving in risky area. Research on the related literature of Language Learning Strategies (LLSs) shows that LLSs has a history of only thirty years that is much sporadic (Chamot, 2005a). Recently such strategies have been the focus of specific research (Oxford, 1990), and much of the research was descriptive. The Strategy Inventory for Language Learning(SILL) of Rebecca L. Oxford which is a kind of self-report questionnaire, as an important instrument to measure LLSs, has been used extensively by researchers in many countries, its reliability has been checked in multiple ways, and has been reported as high validity, reliability, and utility(Oxford, 1996a). In the current study, the investigator aims to explore nature of methodology and the use of SILL in the studies of LLSs.
The impact analysis of psychological reliability of population pilot study fo...Dr. Seyed Hossein Fazeli
The purpose of research described in the current study is the psychological reliability, its’ importance, application, and more to investigate on the impact analysis of psychological reliability of population pilot study for selection of particular reliable multi-choice item test in foreign language research work
Test Anxiety and Academic Achievement in Thiruvannamalai Districtijtsrd
The present study planned to probe the effects of test anxiety on academic achievement of high school pupils. The respondents encompassed of 300 school pupils 158 boys and 142 girls studied in IX standard were selected by random basis from diverse high schools of Thiruvannamalai District. Prof. V. P. Sharma’s Test Anxiety Scale TAS was used to assess test anxiety and English Achievement Test EAT was used to carry out test and calculated the percentage of total marks attain by the students was measured as the academic achievement score. The outcome revealed that the result revealed that there is significant difference in Private school students have high anxiety when compared to Government School students. Nuclear family students achieve more in the academic of English when compared to Joint family students. Government school students achieve more in English when compared to Private school students. And also reveals that there is no significant difference between nuclear family and joint family in respect to their Test Anxiety. Lastly, the correlation result reveals that there exists a moderate Positive Correlation between Test Anxiety and Academic Achievement. Dr. R. Muthaiyan | J. Lingeswaran "Test Anxiety and Academic Achievement in Thiruvannamalai District" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-5 , August 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd32980.pdf Paper Url :https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/32980/test-anxiety-and-academic-achievement-in-thiruvannamalai-district/dr-r-muthaiyan
Evaluating The Cognitive Level of Seafarers Expertise Test (UKP) Sheet By Usi...sabaribmt
Seafarers Expertise Test (UKP) has important roles in measuring student’s competence in maritime skill and knowledge. Changing the implementation of UKP in writing to be Computer Based - Assessment (CBA) is a demand for rapid technology change. Since English is also used in delivering the test, so many students do not pass the test, and should do remedial test more than three times. The difficulty of the test becomes one of the reasons for its failure. The aim of this research was to investigate the Cognitive Levels of UKP sheet which focused on “Plan a voyage and conduct navigation part”. This research also used content analysis method and qualitative descriptive design. The questions analyzed were consisted of 100 questions. The source of the data was taken from document of Polytechnic Bumi Akpelni Semarang. The writers analyzed the data using Taxonomy’s Bloom for categorizing the cognitive level for each question. The result showed that there were 51% of Remembering, 43% of Understanding and 6% of Applying which were categorized as Low Order Thinking Skill (LOTS). On the other hand, the category of High Order Thinking Skill (HOTS) did not exist in the test questions. It can be concluded that the questions of the test were more focused on LOTS than HOTS.
The exploring nature of methodology in the current studies of language learni...Dr. Seyed Hossein Fazeli
There is not a method abandoned as what it might be called a baby-and-bathwater type reaction. Still all the methods have failed to deliver quit the hoped-for miracles. In this way, methodology alone can never be a solution to find what is searching. Rather it is an aid and suggestion. In addition, in the case of methodology, it is true that we are moving in risky area. Research on the related literature of Language Learning Strategies (LLSs) shows that LLSs has a history of only thirty years that is much sporadic (Chamot, 2005a). Recently such strategies have been the focus of specific research (Oxford, 1990), and much of the research was descriptive. The Strategy Inventory for Language Learning(SILL) of Rebecca L. Oxford which is a kind of self-report questionnaire, as an important instrument to measure LLSs, has been used extensively by researchers in many countries, its reliability has been checked in multiple ways, and has been reported as high validity, reliability, and utility(Oxford, 1996a). In the current study, the investigator aims to explore nature of methodology and the use of SILL in the studies of LLSs.
Asia eBIT @ UCSC: Implementing the paradigm shift from Teaching to Learning t...Gihan Wikramanayake
G N Wikramanayake, K P Hewagamage, G I Gamage, A R Weerasinghe (2007) "Asia eBIT @ UCSC: Implementing the paradigm shift from Teaching to Learning through e-learning framework" In:25th National Information Technology Edited by:Chrisantha Silva et al. pp. 68-81. Computer Society of Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka: CSSL Sep 19-20 ISBN: 978-955-9155-15-7
A Rhetorical Identification Analysis of English Political Public Speaking: Jo...Bahram Kazemian
Since political discourse reflects the close relation between politics and language, it has attracted many scholars’
attention at home and abroad. Therefore, English political public speaking (EPPS for short), the subcategory of political
discourse, has been chosen as the subject of the study. Based on the findings of Kenneth Burke’s new rhetoric and classical
rhetoric, the identification strategies of EPPS in John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address from the perspectives of rhetorical content and rhetorical form were probed. Since EPPS is always well-prepared rather than impromptu, the identification strategies via rhetorical content and form are always employed by the speaker to accomplish their purposes.
Critical Discourse Analysis of a Reading Text ‘Pakistan and the Modern World’...Bahram Kazemian
This paper presents some key concepts in studying and analyzing the aspects of communication critically. It has always been crucial and a complex phenomenon for the experts in the field of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to decode and deduce the meaning of a text through context. They examine and attribute language as a social process involving context to determine the meaning of an utterance to its producer and receiver. It has also been of great interest and enthusiasm for discourse analysts to explore and identify the underlying objective of meaning carrying an ideological message based on religious, sociopolitical, and historical assumptions. The discourse practitioners are seriously occupied with critical studies on revealing social inequality, power relations, and dominance operated through language (Wodak, 2001a). Critical studies have actively pursued such discursive practices of power dominance, the imposition of an ideology, and discrimination through text and talk. There have been important insights on sociopolitical and historical discourse serving the purpose at (macro and micro) levels of analysis (van Dijk, 1993). It suggests the use of conversation analysis, narrative analysis, rhetoric/stylistics, and media analysis. The underlying approach may be used to analyze the discourse of speeches delivered by renowned politicians, parliamentarians, and national leaders. Following van Dijk (1993) approach/model, this study aims to analyze a political speech, titled as ‘Pakistan and the Modern World’ made by the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaquat Ali Khan at the University of Kansas, United States of America.
An Investigation of the Reading Text ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ (Long Live Pakistan)...Bahram Kazemian
This paper is a critical study in Critical Discourse Analysis paradigm of a Textbook prescribed for intermediate students (Second Language Learners) in Government Colleges affiliated to the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. The textbook contains selected texts to improve students reading skills integrated with writing activities. Each of the texts contains questions at the end to be answered. It is observed that the reading tasks are badly designed and there is no mental activity to involve students in the text discourse. The study focuses on critical discourse of the underlying text to inspect whether the text reading involves students in the critical discourse or not; it also attempts to analyze the Reading Text ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ to identify problems showing the gap and unawareness on the part of teachers and students regarding the critical discourse of the text in classroom reading context. It is also suggested that teachers need to bring about a change in their traditional teaching methods in order to tackle the issue. The awareness of critical discourse analysis is recommended on the part of the teachers in order to analyze and understand the real meaning of the text. In result, it may develop the critical approach which is very essential for a reader.
Audience Perception of Synonyms from the Pulpit: A Case among Six Church Anci...Bahram Kazemian
This work investigated audience perception of messages that contained synonyms. Some church members opined
that synonyms changed meanings of messages intended by Ministers of the Christian religion. The study was conducted among 161 church members drawn from six church ancillary groups in Madina, a suburb of Accra. The groups were selected from Orthodox, Pentecostal and Charismatic Churches in Madina. A qualitative approach was used in this study. It was found that sets of words used as synonyms did not make any much difference in meaning to the majority of the members in the audience nor did it have any significant effect on their perception of the messages preached from the pulpits. The work concludes that, so long as synonym use in the pulpits does not create any misunderstanding among the audience, its’ use by Ministers of the Christian faith will continue.
Distinctiveness of Pakistani English in Online Travel Guides of PakistanBahram Kazemian
The study highlights the distinctive features of Pakistani English (PE) in a new genre: online travel guides of Pakistan uploaded by Pakistan Tourism. The data has been gathered through internet resource. British National Corpus has been used for the conformation of the distinctiveness of those features. The features highlighted in the paper validate the previous studies in order to take a serious step towards the codification of PE. It also presents new features such as a divergent use of
punctuation and orthography of compound words from BSE and contributes to the existing body of knowledge. It is helpful for the researchers interested in a compilation of register based lexis and also offers a number of dimensions for further research by taking new genres into account in the study of non-native varieties of English. It also provides a good source of data for the compilation of corpus of PE.
Beating NYC Parking Tickets- The Essential Guide-PreviewLawrence Berezin
PREVIEW of Ebook:
1. Dedication
2. Who Should Buy this Book?
3. Table of Contents
4. Blocking the Box
5. The Rule
6. The Elements
6. Customer Success Story
7. Defense Certification
8. Evidence
9. "Thanks All Folks"
Fuzzy Measurement of University Students Importance Indexes by Using Analytic...IRJESJOURNAL
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to apply a Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process model FAHP for estimating students' importance indexes problem, where the measures of students' attitudes and responses are often uncertain or difficult to determine by using non-fuzzy model. Fuzzy set theory treats a kind of uncertainty called fuzziness. It shows that the boundary of “yes” or “no” is ambiguous and appears in the meaning of words or included in the subjunctives or recognition of human beings. Design/methodology/approach: This paper adapts FAHP to analysis students' satisfaction for the services submitted by the university to enhance learning process and circumstance environment for students, this area of researches is still out of university importance. For the purposes of the survey, questionnaires were designed for all the factors which are affecting in students' satisfaction and most probably all these factors are taken according to their suitable priority. There were five main criterions in the questionnaires. Criterion one focuses on administrative university services Si, the second criterion concentrate with teaching and learning process Ti, while the third criterion is university climate and student activities Ai, the fourth criterion covers the administrative facilities Fi, and the fifth criterion is learning facilities students Li, were asked to measure their perceived experiences with those criterions. Each criterion contains some of sub criteria. Findings: The results illustrate that the quality of teachers T1, Opportunities for recreational activities A1, fair evaluation for students T6, and remedial support A3 are the most important indexes for students. The proposed model would help decision-makers to enhancement the quality of the services and may be adding other facility to make the university more attractive. Research limitations/implications: This paper makes some assumptions such as the number of sample are taken from seven colleges only and not cover all colleges in the university and concentrated about the final levels. Originality/value: This paper introduces fuzzy theory with AHP approach to the research of university services as customers in public firms and it has reached some valuable conclusions, which has opened up a new field of study in the universities services area
The paper makes an empirical research on the effect of formative assessment on English learning of higher vocational college students. It finds that: formative assessment attaches importance to the learning process, which is conducive to the development of good English learning habits; formative assessment can enhance students’ confidence in English learning, improve the atmosphere of team cooperative learning and autonomous learning, but cannot change the learning motivation of students. Overall, formative assessment has a greater impact on students with lower English proficiency.
Analysis of Traditional Assessment in the EFL TeachingYogeshIJTSRD
The article seeks to compare traditional assessment procedures such as multiple choice tests with performance or alternative assessments. The descriptive analysis method was used to express the effectiveness of traditional assessment and its advantages, limitations as well. The author analyzes multiple choice tests that used to evaluate foreign language students from Physics and Math faculty at Nukus state pedagogical institute. Also, the article describes some assessment types. The authors analyze multiple choice tests and suggest some alternative assignments and employ other type of assessment in the teaching process to achieve effective results. Kaljanova Umit Aitbayevna | Tajenova Sayora Bayronovna "Analysis of Traditional Assessment in the EFL Teaching" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-3 , April 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd39970.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/39970/analysis-of-traditional-assessment-in-the-efl-teaching/kaljanova-umit-aitbayevna
The Responses of Non-English Major Students with Visual Learning Style of Wri...idhasaeful
This research is conducted towards the students of non-English major with visual learning style and writing preference. There are 14 students, which are taken to be the respondents. Questionnaires are the instrument used to gather the data in this research. This research employs descriptive qualitative method in analyzing the data.
The result portrays that 3 major findings: (1) most of the students find it difficult to accomplish the oral English test which is natural and normal due to their preference skill in writing, (2) in spite of the difficulty of the oral English test, the majority of the students consider the test to be challenging, accommodating and satisfying (3) a large number of the students get the benefit from the effectiveness of the feedback that they get in the form of rubrics.
A Radical Shift to a Profound and Rigorous Investigation in Political Discour...Bahram Kazemian
Drawing on overarching methodological frameworks of Hallidayan grammatical metaphor, Fairclough’s
perspective on critical discourse analysis and rhetoric, this study attempts to posit a novel, integrated and
practical approach to political, the media, advertisement and other discourses. To this end and based on the
proposed approach, it aims to critically and eclectically exemplify and dissect three speeches delivered by Mr.
Barack Obama, former president of the US, to first manifest the integrated approach practicality and adeptness
through analysis; then by virtue of analysis to unveil how language is manipulated and distorted by orators in
order to convey seamlessly intended messages and political creeds to the audience. Surveying recent annals of
literature, to date no one has conducted an integrated study applying these disciplines in an individual paper and
this study as a trial one can be useful for upcoming research. The analysis depicts practicality and efficiency of
the integrated approach and displays that the speeches abound with nominalizations, modal verbs, parallelisms
and antitheses. Furthermore, there are some three-part listing, the use of passivization, quotations and modality
metaphors. Therefore, a tendency to utilize more nominalizations, parallelism and other devices by the speaker
can be a fundamental reason for making his political language more powerful, impressive, persuasive and
ambiguous as well.
The Importance of Culture in Second and Foreign Language Learning.Bahram Kazemian
English has been designated as a source of intercultural communication among the people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. A range of linguistic and cultural theories contribute meaningful insights on the development of competence in intercultural communication. The speculations suggest the use of communicative strategies focusing on the development of learners’ efficiency in communicating language through cultural context. However, the teaching of culture in communication has not been paid due importance in a number of academic and language settings of Pakistan and Iran. This assignment study indicates problems in view of teaching English as a medium of instruction in public sector colleges of interior Sindh, Pakistan and prescribed textbooks in Iranian schools. It also aims to identify drawbacks and shortcoming in prescribed textbooks for intermediate students at college level and schools. Therefore, the assignment study recommends integration of cultural awareness into a language teaching programme for an overall achievement of competence in intercultural communication.
The Role of Error Analysis in Teaching and Learning of Second and Foreign Lan...Bahram Kazemian
The aim of this paper is to investigate errors made by second and foreign language (L2) learners so as to understand the strategies and techniques used in the process of second and foreign language learning. Error analysis is a very important area of applied linguistics as well as of second and foreign language learning. It is also a systematic method to analyze learners' errors. Errors are not always bad, rather they are crucial parts and aspects in the process of learning a language. They may provide insights into the complicated processes of language development as well as a systematic way for identifying, describing and explaining students' errors. Errors may also help to better understand the process of second and foreign language acquisition. This study tries to investigate why Pakistani ESL and Iranian EFL learners fail to produce grammatically correct sentences in English, in spite of having English as a compulsory subject at all levels in their learning institutions and schools. What are the reasons for their poor English written performance? In the present study, the writing assignments of university students as well as intermediate English learners were analyzed for the purpose of error analysis. Results of the analysis suggest that students lack grammatical accuracy in their writing and are not sure of the grammatical rules that may apply in their writing in English. The study concludes that they are highly influenced by the rules of their first language (L1).
The Language of TV Commercials’ Slogans: A Semantic AnalysisBahram Kazemian
This qualitative-descriptive study highlights the semantic property of the slogans of TV commercials. The study
focuses on the analysis of linguistic tools used by the copywriters of TV commercials to influence the target audience. Leech’s (1981) associative meaning with its sub-types provide a theoretical basis to the study. The research displays multiple strategies used by the copywriters. It underscores the associations attached to the keywords of the selected slogans according to the mentioned theory of meaning. The research helps the TV viewers to understand the guile used by the copywriters to entrap them as well as the researchers of the field of semantics.
Systemic Functional Linguistics Mood Analysis of the Last Address of the Holy...Bahram Kazemian
The study highlights the functional and semantic properties of the last address of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The
study is based upon Halliday’s (1985) SFL Mood analysis. The data obtained from the last address of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) are analyzed in tables. The analysis of 56 clauses reveals that 32 are declarative, 22 are imperative; whereas, only one is interrogative clause. A brief discussion explains the functional structural meanings based on clausal Mood classification. The study of the religious text discusses interpersonal metafunction of language. It highlights the power relations of the participants. The study fills the gap of SFL based linguistic study of the religious texts. The research shall act as a torch light for young researchers for further investigation in this regard.
Code-Switching in Urdu Books of Punjab Text Book Board, Lahore, PakistanBahram Kazemian
The study highlights English code-switching in Punjab Urdu textbooks. The research aims at finding and categorizing Urdu-English code-switches. Another rationale behind the study is to present Urdu equivalents of the switches from an Urdu-English dictionary; for instance, adakar for actor and sayyah for tourist. Textbooks of 5th, 6th, 9th and 10th class are selected for data collection and analysis. A number of instances are observed at morpheme, word, phrase and clause levels. Data is analyzed qualitatively. The data analysis shows switches at all the mentioned levels. The researchers propose a revision of the existing textbooks in the light of the given equivalents and a careful scrutiny of the compilation of future textbooks to preserve the purity of Urdu language.
Factors Responsible for Poor English Reading Comprehension at Secondary LevelBahram Kazemian
The present study shows factors responsible for poor English reading comprehension at secondary school level students. The purpose of this study is to explore those factors and to suggest remedies how to strengthen English reading comprehension of the students. English is the 2nd language of Pakistani students and Kachru (1996) places it in the outer circle. Test and interviews are conducted to get the data. Different factors like poor command of vocabulary, habit of cramming, no interest to learn creativity in reading but the sole goal is just to pass the examination which are found responsible for poor English reading comprehension. Motivation to learn reading can develop reading comprehension skill of students.
Dialogical Odes by John Keats: Mythologically RevisitedBahram Kazemian
This paper, using Mikhail Bakhtin’s theory of dialogism tries to investigate the indications of dialogic voice in Odes by John Keats. Indeed this study goes through the dialogic reading of ‘Ode to a Nightingale’, ‘Ode on a Grecian Urn’, ‘Ode to Psyche’, and ‘Ode on Melancholy’, considering mythological outlooks. Analyzing Keats’s odes through dialogical perspective may reveal that Keats plays a role of an involved and social poet of his own time. Moreover, Keats embraces the world of fancy and imagination to free himself from sufferings of his society. Keats’ odes are influenced by expression of pain-joy reality by which he builds up a dialogue with readers trying to display his own political and social engagement. Applying various kinds of mythological elements and figures within the odes may disclose Keats’s historical response and reaction toward a conflicted society and human grieves in general.
Although, chaos/complexity theory and SLA have commonplaces, they seem to be different in that chaos/complexity theory offers the wider perspective that has served SLA in the past. As opposed to SLA, chaos/complexity theory encourages linguists to think in relational terms. It refers to the fact that by accepting participation metaphor/language use/emergent grammar position, chaos/complexity theory does not reject psychological perspective. As it is stated , chaos complexity theory like socialists focus on the following issues: 1. all languages are static 2. there are mechanisms for language change 3.language and learning are seen as an open systems.
Nevertheless, C/CT never rejects the following characteristics which psychological perspective focuses on: 1. languages are sensitive to initial conditions 2. there are systemic patterns with dynamic paths.
A Bakhtinian dialogical nature of theme in Keats’s odes as a circular escape ...Bahram Kazemian
This paper, applying Mikhail Bakhtin’s concept of dialogism as a theoretical starting
point, attempts to study the manifestations of dialogic voice in Odes by John Keats.
In essence, this study investigates the dialogic reading of ‘Ode to a Nightingale’, ‘Ode on
a Grecian Urn’, ‘Ode to Psyche’, ‘To Autumn’ and ‘Ode on Melancholy’, regarding thematic viewpoints. A scrutiny upon Keats’s odes through dialogical viewpoints may
disclose that Keats is an involved and social poet of his time. Besides, Keats as an
escapist poet clings to the world of fancy and imagination to release himself from
conflicts of his society. Keats’ odes are dominated by expression of joy-pain reality
through which he, in an intimate dialogue with readers tries to show his own social
and political engagement. Examining various themes within the odes may display
Keats’s historical response toward a troubled society and human sufferings in general.
A contrastive linguistic analysis of inflectional bound morphemes of English,...Bahram Kazemian
In order to contrast and compare inflectional bound morphemes of English, Azeri and Persian languages and to identify their similarities and dissimilarities, inventories of English, Azeri and Farsi inflections, i.e. their set of affixes, were gathered, studied, and elaborated with some examples, and with English meanings. Eventually, after comparison, the researchers ended up with a series of statements about similarities and differences between these languages. The design of the present study is comparative-analytic which concentrates on the comparison and contrasting inflections of English, Azeri and Persian languages. The data is analyzed and illustrated through the contrastive method.
Critical Discourse Analysis of Barack Obama's 2012 Speeches: Views from Syste...Bahram Kazemian
In the light of Halliday's Ideational Grammatical Metaphor, Rhetoric and Critical Discourse Analysis, the major objectives of this study are to investigate and analyze Barack Obama's 2012 five speeches, which amount to 19383 words, from the point of frequency and functions of Nominalization, Rhetorical strategies, Passivization and Modality, in which we can grasp the effective and dominant principles and tropes utilized in political discourse. Fairclough’s Critical Discourse Analysis frameworks based on a Hallidayan perspective are used to depict the orator’s deft and clever use of these strategies in the speeches which are bound up with his overall political purposes. The results represent that nominalization, parallelism, unification strategies and modality have dominated in his speeches. There are some antithesis, expletive devices as well as passive voices in these texts. Accordingly, in terms of nominalization, some implications are drawn for political writing and reading, for translators and instructors entailed in reading and writing pedagogy.
Nominalizations in scientific and political genres: A systemic functional lin...Bahram Kazemian
Halliday (1985, 1994) contemplates that there are two kinds of utterances: congruent, also called non-metaphorical; and incongruent, or metaphorical. Predominantly, it is believed that people, places and things are realized by means of a noun; actions are realized verbally and so on. However, all meanings may have more than one way of realization, and sometimes, in written language and particularly in scientific register, the realizations of the semantic functions of the clause are not typical, but marked. The general characterization of GM in terms of alternative realizations is stated more precisely as alternative lexico-grammatical realizations of a choice in the semantics (Simon-Vandenbergen, Taverniers, & Ravelli, 2003).
Ideational Grammatical Metaphor in Scientific Texts: A Hallidayan PerspectiveBahram Kazemian
This study looked into a particular lexico-grammatical resource, the resource that SFL refers to as IGM. Proposed and evolved mainly by Halliday (1985, 1994), GMs can be identified in terms of the metafunctions. This paper adopts Hallidayan Systemic Functional Grammar to pinpoint and analyze nominalization and the role played by it. With a corpus of 10 authentic scientific texts drawn from very influential magazines, the analysis is conducted based on nominalization, its frequency and process types. The analysis displays that Ideational Grammatical Metaphor has permeated scientific texts and the prevailing process types are material and relational types.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
How to Split Bills in the Odoo 17 POS ModuleCeline George
Bills have a main role in point of sale procedure. It will help to track sales, handling payments and giving receipts to customers. Bill splitting also has an important role in POS. For example, If some friends come together for dinner and if they want to divide the bill then it is possible by POS bill splitting. This slide will show how to split bills in odoo 17 POS.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Operation “Blue Star” is the only event in the history of Independent India where the state went into war with its own people. Even after about 40 years it is not clear if it was culmination of states anger over people of the region, a political game of power or start of dictatorial chapter in the democratic setup.
The people of Punjab felt alienated from main stream due to denial of their just demands during a long democratic struggle since independence. As it happen all over the word, it led to militant struggle with great loss of lives of military, police and civilian personnel. Killing of Indira Gandhi and massacre of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and other India cities was also associated with this movement.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
We all have good and bad thoughts from time to time and situation to situation. We are bombarded daily with spiraling thoughts(both negative and positive) creating all-consuming feel , making us difficult to manage with associated suffering. Good thoughts are like our Mob Signal (Positive thought) amidst noise(negative thought) in the atmosphere. Negative thoughts like noise outweigh positive thoughts. These thoughts often create unwanted confusion, trouble, stress and frustration in our mind as well as chaos in our physical world. Negative thoughts are also known as “distorted thinking”.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
CLASS 11 CBSE B.St Project AIDS TO TRADE - INSURANCE
Pilot Study for Validity and Reliability of an Aptitude Test
1. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
285
Pilot Study for Validity and Reliability of an Aptitude Test
Mehwish Noor
Department of English, University of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan; Email: noorlinguist@gmail.com
Bahram Kazemian (Corresponding Author)
Department of English, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran; Email: bahram_kazemian@yahoo.com
Raza-e-Mustafa
Department of English, University of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan; razaemustafa@uog.edu.pk
Fakharh Muhabat
Department of English, University of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan; Email: biyakhan38@yahoo.com
Doi:10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n3p285
Abstract
The study was conducted in the department of the English University of Gujrat during Spring- 2012 semester. A question
paper was designed to check the aptitude of the intermediate students of population 25. There were three sections; Grammar,
vocabulary and reading comprehension, in the question paper. Section: A (Grammar) was proved valid with 84.33 % of validity.
The validity of Section: B (vocabulary) and Section C (reading comprehension) were 91.64 % and 52.00 respectively. As a
whole, the validity of all the questions was 75.99 %. Thus, the designed aptitude test may be considered reliable.
Keywords: Validity, Reliability, Aptitude Test, Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Vocabulary.
1. Introduction
Evaluation and assessment are very important elements of the process of learning and teaching. They provide
significance and weight to the mentioned process. A number of issues are involved to set a good test. It is almost ideal
to set a valid and reliable test in order to intervene it with the pre-set objectives of teaching. The objectives of teaching a
specific course or module must be relevant to the need analysis of the learners, time, place, resources and the institution.
Assessment is very expedient for students who need feedback, for teachers who need information about their students’
understanding, for academic institutions that need information about the process of teaching and learning and for parents
who need information about their children’s progress. Assessment is a good source of wash back, negative and positive.
Experienced teachers use assessment as an evidence of learning to inform what and how they have taught. On the other
hand, tests may encourage students to study more or may promote their standards of learning. Tests actually appraise
the students’ cognitive abilities, performance, and potential of learning. They also gauge the validity and reliability of the
test in order to fulfill the pre-planned objectives. Cameron (1963) contended that “Not everything that counts can be
counted, and not everything that can be counted counts”. In fact, there is no universal agreement as to which human
processes are responsible for the improvement in intelligent behavior and no clear consensus to measure human mental
capabilities. It includes the capacity to learn from experience, process information and adapt to the environment.
However, tests are designed to quantify a variety of cognitive processes that underlie one’s capability. Bower (2009) is
of the opinion that assessment is not a spreadsheet rather it is a conversation. It is not a perplexing activity rather it is an
exchange of the information that teachers and the learners require in order to improve their performances.
Aptitude tests are primarily designed to predict future outcomes of success. They mainly aim at the potential
capabilities of the learners in a particular domain. They are used in a recruitment process. Predominantly, an aptitude
test does not examine knowledge; it is not a test that one can study for. There is no syllabus fixed for this kind of tests
because they are used to determine an individual's tendency to succeed in a given field. Individuals might take an
2. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
286
aptitude test to determine what kinds of careers they are well suited for. Similarly, college students might take an aptitude
test when thinking about what would be an appropriate field of study and which university is the best choice for them.
Such kind of predictive (aptitude) tests are the dire need of the age for a healthy competitive environment.
2. Literature Review
The practice of reliability and validity are common in quantitative research and now it is reevaluated in the qualitative
research model (Golafshani, 2003). Both reliability and validity are essential in the process of designing a good test.
Winter (2000) stated, “Reliability and validity are tools of an essentially positivist epistemology” (p. 7). Joppe (2000)
clearly defines reliability as:
The extent to which results are consistent over time and an accurate representation of the total population under
study is referred to as reliability and if the results of a study can be reproduced under a similar methodology, then the
research instrument is considered to be reliable (p. 1).
She further explained validity in quantitative research as: It determines whether the research truly measures that
which it was intended to measure or how truthful the research results are. In other words, does the research instrument
allow you to hit "the bull’s eye" of your research object? (p. 1). This study aimed at designing a valid as well as reliable
test up to human level in order to achieve the desired results. Henceforth, SPSS statistical programme is applied for the
analysis of a pilot study.
McClelland (1973) differentiates the intelligence test with performance test. He affirms the necessity of
performance based tests in order to bring about a match between test scores and professional and academic research.
The current study is valuable by keeping in view the transparency of the process of assessment. So to say, pilot
studies have been conducted to ensure the validity and reliability of the tests set not only for assessing the abilities of the
students but also to predict their future performance (Hambleton, & Patsula, 1999).
Chalmers (2007) reports about the practice of Australian government of evaluation of pilot studies since 2007 and
asserts the necessity of conducting such kind of studies for the sake of prerequisite of the fair judgment. In the same
line, Sabrina et al, (2007) opine the effectiveness of the meta-analysis of higher education students and for the purpose,
suggest prior conformity of the actual evaluation in order to assess the skills of German speaking students. Choi (2008)
reports with reference to Korea, those aptitude tests have a considerable impact on EFL learning.
Similarly, Gardner (1983) presents the social and psychological perspectives of the aptitudes test of second
language proficiency and reports that it is a common practice in India, Nigeria and Maldives. He emphasizes that
attention and motivation of the students of second language are of paramount importance. So that, to keep them intact,
the validity and reliability of the aptitude test are very much important.
It is evident that the proficiency of English language matters for the professional and scientific studies at higher
levels. So that, universities round the world offer aptitude tests in order to predict future success of the students. That is
why, such kind of studies enhance the efficiency of these tests and provide a chance to improve the quality of the test
prior to the actual evaluation.
2.1 Research Objectives
This study was carried out by keeping in mind the following objectives:
• To prepare a question paper by covering the three main areas: Grammar, vocabulary and reading
comprehension of language.
• To gauge the intermediate students’ language proficiency for future success through the designed question
paper.
• To analyze the reliability and validity of the questions.
2.2 Research Question
Does the designed question paper address the objectives?
3. Materials and Methods
The study was conducted in the department of the English University of Gujrat during spring- 2012 semester, as a
3. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
287
fulfillment of TESOL-III assignment.
For the purpose, a question paper was designed to check the aptitude of the intermediate students for their
language proficiency. The question paper had three sections. The section A: had nine questions related to English
Grammar. The section B: had eleven questions that covered various areas of vocabulary like analogy, synonym,
antonym and general knowledge. The last section C: comprised of five questions which were asked from the given
passage. For addressing proper answers, students had to go through the careful reading of the passage.
Twenty-five (n=25) Second Semester BS Environmental Sciences Students (respondents) were randomly selected
from the University of Gujrat. Second Semester students are fresh Intermediate students thus were preferred as per
design and level of the aptitude test. The data obtained was analyzed by Statistical Software SPSS (Statistical Package
for the Social Sciences).
4. Results and Discussion
4.1 Section A (Grammar):
It was observed that respondents had attempted questions in given time frame. Table # 01, reveals the detailed analysis
of the Section A (Grammar). All the nine questions were attempted by the respondents. All the asked questions proved
valid except Question # 04 and 05. The questions were not very hard. However, the questions were proved unreliable.
The reason might be the Grammar translation Method of learning, because the native language of the respondents is
Urdu and they conceived the meaning accordingly that led them to attempt incorrectly. As a whole, the Section had
84.33 of validity.
Table # 01: Detail Analysis of Section A (Grammar)
Question # Correct Answer (%) Wrong Answer (%) Un-attempted (%) Validity of Question (%)
01 96.00 04.00 00.00 96.00
02 96.00 04.00 00.00 96.00
03 88.00 12.00 00.00 88.00
04 04.00 96.00 00.00 04.00
05 00.00 100.0 00.00 00.00
06 100.0 00.00 00.00 100.0
07 100.0 00.00 00.00 100.0
08 92.00 08.00 00.00 92.00
09 96.00 04.00 00.00 96.00
Validity as a Whole for Section “A” 84.33
4.1.1 Item Analysis of Section A (Grammar)
Q#01: Did you --------- anywhere last weekend?
This question was attempted by 96% respondents as the correct choice, whereas only 4% of the respondents
chose the wrong option. There is no evidence of the selection of any particular distracter. The question may be
considered valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the use of a first form of the verb is often problematic for second
language learners. English was the second language of all the respondents thus the assumption may be considered
wrong.
Q#02: I work as a teacher and so ---------- my wife.
The majority (96%) of the respondents selected the correct option, whereas only 4% of the respondents chose the
incorrect option. There is no evidence of the selection of any particular distracter. The question may be considered valid
and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the proper use of the present indefinite form of the verb for the third
person singular is often problematic for second language learners. The obtained data is negating the assumption.
Q#03: How long ---------- married?
Comprehensively, 88% of the respondents selected the correct option, whereas only 12% of the respondents went
for the incorrect option. No evidence of the selection of any particular distracter can be seen. The question may be
4. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
288
considered valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the proper use of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense is often
problematic for second language learners. Only 12% respondents proved the assumption.
Q#04: He has not played since he ------------an accident.
Only 4% of the respondents selected the correct option, whereas only 96% of the respondents went for the
incorrect option. There is no evidence of the selection of any particular distracter.
The item was selected on the assumption that the proper use of “since s/he has had" case in the present perfect
form of the verb is often problematic for second language learners. Even though the item was selected according to the
difficulty level of the respondents, yet it was attempted incorrectly by the majority of the students so the item was proved
invalid through the SPSS data analysis. It was considered as a bad item and the reliability of the test might be increased
if the item is deleted.
Q#05: He is good------ Mathematics.
All the respondents selected the wrong option. All the respondents opted same distracter “(a) in”. Although the
item was selected according to the difficulty level of the respondents, yet it was attempted incorrectly by the students so
the item was proved invalid. It was considered as a bad item and the reliability of the test might be increased if the item
is deleted.
The selection of the specific item refers to the error analysis leads us to the fact that it occurred due to the
difference between the source language and target language structures.
Q#06: I ----------a book now-a-days.
All (100%) respondents attempted the question correctly. Thus, no evidence of the selection of the specific
distracter can be seen.
The item was selected on the assumption that the use of the verb "be” is sometimes problematic for second
language learners. The question is proved valid and reliable.
Q#07: I have not seen him--------a long time.
All (100%) of the respondents attempted the question correctly. Thus, the question is proved valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the appropriate use of the preposition is sometimes problematic for
second language learners.
Q#08: If she works hard, she-------the test.
Most of the respondents (92%) attempted the question correctly, whereas only 08% of the respondents chose the
wrong option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. Thus, the question is proved valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the conditional sentences are often problematic for second
language learners.
Q#09: Zafer ---------in the factory for ten years.
The majority of the respondents (96%) selected the correct option whereas only 04% of the respondents went for
the incorrect option. There is no evidence of the selection of any particular distracter. The question is proved valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the proper use of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense in such a
case is often problematic for second language learners.
4.2 Section B (vocabulary)
Table # 02: Detail Analysis of Section B (Vocabulary)
Question # Correct Answer (%) Wrong Answer (%) Un-attempted (%) Validity of Question (%)
10 88.00 08.00 04.00 92.00
11 100.0 00.0 00.00 100.0
12 100.0 00.0 00.00 100.0
13 100.0 00.00 00.00 100.0
14 68.00 32.00 00.00 68.00
15 60.00 40.00 00.00 60.00
16 96.00 04.00 00.00 96.00
17 92.00 08.00 00.00 92.00
18 100.0 00.00 00.00 100.0
5. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
289
19 100.0 00.00 00.00 100.0
20 100.0 00.00 00.00 100.0
Validity as a Whole for Section “B” 91.63
It was observed that respondents had attempted questions in given time frame. Table # 02 reveals the detailed analysis
of the section: B (Vocabulary). Except the item #10, all the eleven questions were attempted by the respondents. 04.00%
of the respondents did not attempt it. All the asked questions proved valid through the SPSS data analysis.
4.2.1 Item Analysis of Section B (Vocabulary)
Q#10: Cow: Calf: __________
88% of the respondents selected the correct option whereas only 08% of the respondents went for the incorrect
option and 04% of the respondents did not attempt the question. There is no evidence of the selection of any particular
distracter. The question may be considered valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the analogy is an important part of vocabulary section. The question
may be considered valid and reliable.
Q#11: ODIOUS is the closest in the meaning to?
100% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 0.00% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter.
The item was selected on the assumption that the knowledge of synonyms is very important in the vocabulary
section of any language aptitude test. The question may be considered valid and reliable.
Q#12: UNDERMINE is the closest in meaning to?
100% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 0.00% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. The question may be considered valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the knowledge of synonyms is very important in the vocabulary
section of any language aptitude test.
Q#13: TACIT is the closest in meaning to?
100% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 0.00% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. The question may be considered valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the knowledge of synonyms is very important in the vocabulary
section of any language aptitude test.
Q#14: The opposite of MONOCHROME is?
68% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 32% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. The item was selected on the assumption that the
knowledge of antonyms is very important in the vocabulary section of any language aptitude test.
Q#15: The opposite of PERIPHERAL is?
60% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 40% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. The question may be considered valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the knowledge of antonyms is very important in the vocabulary
section of any language aptitude test.
Q#16: You must buy this before you travel on a train.
96% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 04% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. The question may be considered valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the contextual based questions provide an ease to solve IQ based
items in the vocabulary section.
Q#17: People carry their clothes in this when they travel.
92% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 08% of the respondents selected the wrong
option. The question may be considered valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the contextual based questions provide an ease to solve IQ based
items in the vocabulary section.
6. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
290
Q#18: If you sit next to this, you will see some great views.
100% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 0.00% of the respondents selected the wrong
option. The item was selected on the assumption that the contextual based questions provide an ease to solve IQ based
items in the vocabulary section.
Q#19: People wait for their train here.
100% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 0.00% of the respondents selected the wrong
option. The question may be considered valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the contextual based questions provide an ease to solve IQ based
items in the vocabulary section.
Q#20: There are various stalls to facilitate the train passengers there.
100% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 0.00% of the respondents selected the wrong
option. The question may be considered valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that the contextual based questions provide an ease to solve IQ based
items in the vocabulary section.
Hence with the sum of the percentage of the valid items of Section “B” (Vocabulary) is proved valid with 91.63 % of
validity with different degrees of individual item’s validity in percentage.
4.3 Section C: (Reading Comprehension)
Table # 03 reveals the detailed analysis of the section C (Reading Comprehension). All the five questions were
attempted by the respondents. Except the questions # 23 and 24 all the asked questions proved valid through the SPSS
data analysis. Both invalid items proven through SPSS data analysis were neither tricky nor hard. They were asked
according to the difficulty level of the students. However, the questions were proved unreliable. The validity of the items
would be increased if both of the said items are deleted.
Table # 03: Detail Analysis of Section C (Reading Comprehension)
Question # Correct Answer (%) Wrong Answer (%) Un-attempted (%) Validity of Question (%)
21 68.00 32.00 00.00 68.00
22 100.0 00.00 00.00 100.0
23 20.00 80.00 00.00 20.00
24 20.00 80.00 00.00 20.00
25 52.00 48.00 00.00 52.00
Validity as a Whole for Section “C” 52.00
4.3.1 Item Analysis of Section C (Reading comprehension)
Q#21: What was the main problem in this story?
68% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 32% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. The question may be considered valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that reading comprehension is a very important part of any language
aptitude test.
Q#22: Why did Chief want to go home?
100% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 0.00% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. The question may be considered valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that reading comprehension is a very important part of any language
aptitude test.
Q#23: Why was the Officer Simpson nervous?
20% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 80% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. The question may not be considered valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that reading comprehension is a very important part of any language
7. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
291
aptitude test. The item is proved invalid through the SPSS data analysis. The item was not a tough one, but most of the
respondents attempted it incorrectly. The reason behind this might be misjudgment due to the haste. The stem and the
distracters were very clear otherwise.
Q#24: Did Chief know what was wrong with Officer Simpson?
20% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 80% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter. The question may not be considered valid and
reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that reading comprehension is a very important part of any language
aptitude test. The item is proved invalid through the SPSS data analysis. The item was not a tough one, but most of the
respondents attempted it incorrectly. The reason behind this might be misjudgment due to the haste. The stem and the
distracters were very clear otherwise.
Q#25: "He refused to let that anger show." Which of the following sentence gives closest
sense?
52% of the respondents attempted the question correctly whereas 48% of the respondents chose the wrong
option. There is no evidence of the selection of the specific distracter can be seen. The question may or not be
considered valid and reliable.
The item was selected on the assumption that reading comprehension is a very important part of any language
aptitude test. Hence with the sum of the percentage of the valid items of Section: C (Reading Comprehension) is proved
valid with 52.00 % of validity.
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
The study was conducted in the department of the English University of Gujrat during Spring- 2012 semester. A question
paper was designed to check the aptitude of the intermediate students of population 25. The reliability and validity of any
test need prior examination. The pilot study is considered and recommended by the researchers. Keeping in view the
results of the analysis, Section: A (Grammar) was proved valid with 84.33 % of validity. The validity of Section: B
(vocabulary) and Section C (reading comprehension) were 91.64 % and 52.00 respectively. As a whole, the validity of all
the questions was 75.99 %. Thus, the designed aptitude test may be considered reliable. The researchers are of the
opinion that in order to plan any aptitude test for best evaluation, pilot studies to check the reliability and validity of the
tests are very significant. For the sake of reliable and valid assessment, any institutions must conduct them.
References
Cameron, William Bruce. (1963). Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking by www.abebooks.com ›
Chalmers, D. (2007). A review of Australian and international quality systems and indicators of learning and teaching. Carrick Institute
for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 1(2).
Choi, I. C. (2008). The impact of EFL testing on EFL education in Korea. Language Testing, 25(1), 39-62.
Gardner, R. C. (1983). Learning another language: A true social psychological experiment. Journal of language and Social Psychology,
2(2-3-4), 219-239.
Hambleton, R. K., & Patsula, L. (1999). Increasing the validity of adapted tests: Myths to be avoided and guidelines for improving test
adaptation practices. Association of Test Publishers, 1(1), 1-13.
Joe Bower. (2009). For the love of learning. [Online] Available: http://www.youblisher.com/p/7617-For-the-Love-of-Learning/
Joppe, M. (2000). The Research Process. [Online] Available: https://www.uoguelph.ca/hftm/research-process (Feb. 7, 2015).
McClelland, D. C. (1973). Testing for competence rather than for" intelligence.".American psychologist, 28(1), 1. http://dx.doi.org/10.10
37/h0034092
Nahid Golafshani (2003). Understanding Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research. The Qualitative Report, 8(4), 597-606. [Online]
Available: http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR8-4/golafshani.pdf (Feb. 5, 2015).
Trapmann, S., Hell, B., Hirn, J. O. W., & Schuler, H. (2007). Meta-analysis of the relationship between the Big Five and academic
success at university. Zeitschrift für Psychologie/Journal of Psychology, 215(2), 132-151.
Winter, G. (2000). A comparative discussion of the notion of validity in qualitative and quantitative research. The Qualitative Report,
4(3&4). [Online] Available: http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR4-3/winter.html. (Feb. 10, 2015).
8. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
292
Appendix
APTITUDE TEST OF ENGLISH
Total Marks: 25 Maximum Time Allowed: 25 Minutes
Name: ______________________ Roll No: _________________________
Class: ______________________ Institution: _______________________
IMPORTANT NOTE:
There are three sections of this question paper. All the questions in each section are compulsory. Follow the given instructions carefully. Each
correct answer shall carry one mark. Cutting and overwriting shall not be accepted: however, there shall be no negative marking for wrong
answer.
SECTION: A (Grammar)
ENCIRCLE THE CORRECT OPTION:
1) Did you________anywhere last weekend?
a) go
b) going
c) went
d) have gone
2) I work as a teacher and so _______ my wife.
a) do
b) is
c) work
d) does
3) How long _________married?
a) have you been
b) are you
c) have you
d) been
4) He has not played since he_______an accident.
a) has
b) had
c) has had
d) had had
5) He is good_____Mathematics.
a) in
b) at
c) for
d) of
6) I____________a book now-a-days.
a) was writing
b) am writing
c) have written
d) will write
7) I have not seen him________a long time.
a) since
b) to
c) from
d) for
8) If she works hard, she________the test.
a) passes
b) pass
c) will pass
d) will have pass
9) Zafer _________in the factory for ten years.
a) worked
b) has been working
c) have been working
d) is working
9. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
293
SECTION: B (Vocabulary)
ENCIRCLE THE CORRECT OPTION:
10) Cow: Calf: __________
a) Hen: Egg
b) Horse: Mare
c) Ram: Ewe
d) Goat: Kid
11) ODIOUS is the closest in the meaning to?
a) Hateful
b) Blunt
c) Neutral
d) Faithful
12) UNDERMINE is the closest in meaning to?
a) Impose
b) Apprehend
c) Glorify
d) Weaken
13) TACIT is the closest in meaning to?
a) Ostensible
b) Garrulous
c) Peaceful
d) Unspoken
14) The opposite of MONOCHROME is?
a) Variegated
b) Multidimensional
c) Complex
d) Bicameral
15) The opposite of PERIPHERAL is?
a) Central
b) Spherical
c) Exterior
d) Radial
FILL THE FOLLOWING BLANKS WITH APPROPRIATE WORDS BY USING THE GIVEN FIRST ALPHABET OF EACH EXPECTED WORD.
16) You must buy this before you travel on a train.
T _ _ _ _ _ (Expected word is of 06 letters)
17) People carry their clothes in this when they travel.
B _ _ (Expected word is of 03 letters)
18) If you sit next to this, you will see some great views.
W _ _ _ _ _ (Expected word is of 06 letters)
19) People wait for their train here.
W_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Expected word is of 11 letters)
20) There are various stalls to facilitate the train passengers there.
PLAT FORM (Expected word is of 08 letters)
10. ISSN 2239-978X
ISSN 2240-0524
Journal of Educational and Social Research
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol. 5 No.3
September 2015
294
SECTION: C (READING COMPREHENSION)
READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE CAREFULLY AND ENCIRCLE THE CLOSEST GIVEN ANSWER FOR EACH QUESTION BELOW:
Frank Wilcox has been Chief of police in a Lansett county for 25 years. He had just turned 30 when he took the job. He has seen murders, robberies and
cats stuck in trees. He has found missing children. Today would be like no other. It is 11:00 at night. Chief Wilcox was putting together his things. He was
tired. He wanted to go home. “Chief Wilcox,” an officer shouted while walking quickly into his office. It was Officer Simpson. He looked nervous. He looked
like he would like to be anywhere else but there. “What is it, Simpson?” asked the Chief. “Holman’s Grocery is just held up at gun point,” Simpson said. His
voice was shaky. He coughed to clear his throat. “Is anyone hurt?” asks Chief. Lansett is a very small county. The Chief knew just about everyone who
lived there. If anyone was hurt, there was a good chance he knew who was it? May be that's why Officer Simpson looked nervous. “No one is hurt
“Simpson replied”. “But we caught the suspect.” “Ah, well, Simpson. You guys could take care of that. I’ was--,” Chief Wilcox stopped in mid-sentence. He
understood what was wrong. From behind Officer Simpson, the Chief saw his youngest daughter, Devon. She was in handcuffs. Chief Wilcox got a lump
in his throat. He sat in his chair, stunned. “How could it be?” he thought. “Devon, would you please tell me what is going on?” the Chief demanded. Devon
did not look at him. The Chief could feel anger growing inside of him. He refused to let that anger show. “Take her back for questioning” the Chief said to
Officer Simpson in a calm voice. “Devon, whatever you did, speak the truth,” the Chief said. “I’m your dad. I love you. We will figure this out.”
21) What was the main problem in this story?
a) Devon won't look at her dad.
b) Officer Simpson was nervous.
c) The Chief's daughter was caught of theft.
d) The Chief wanted to go home.
22) Why did Chief want to go home?
a) He was hungry.
b) He was tired.
c) He wanted to see Devon.
d) He was worried about his family.
23) Why is Officer Simpson nervous?
a) He is scared of Chief Wilcox.
b) He has just been held up at gun point.
c) He has just arrested Chief's daughter.
d) He has just found an important piece of evidence in a new case.
24) Did Chief know what was wrong with Officer Simpson?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Might be
d) a & c
25) "He refused to let that anger show." Which of the following sentence gives closet sense?
a) He is forced to let that anger show.
b) He is about to let that anger show.
c) He wants to let that anger show.
d) He disguised his anger.
(Nice Attempt, Good Luck)