Why testing grammar? Specification Sampling Writing items

1. Testing Grammar
BY Ola AlSilaimi
Why?
Specification
Sampling
Writing
items

2. Why
?
Specification
Sampling
Writing
items
Why Test Grammar :
I. Since language skills are the ones which interest us, then these
skills that should be tested directly
II. But, most proficiency tests have a grammar section
III.Most programs include grammar courses
IV.Whether or not grammar has an important place in an
institution’s teaching, it has to be accepted that grammatical
ability, or rather the lack of it, sets limits to what can be
achieved in the way of skills performance.
V. It is useful to diagnose what gaps exist in the repertoire of
students.
VI.It is helpful to inform teachers and learners to take responsibility
for filling the existing gaps.

3. Why
?
Specification
Sampling
Writing
items
• From the Objective
• straightforward
• Depend on the
institution and
their own
specification
Achievement
tests
Proficiency
tests

4. Why
?
Specification
Sampling
Writing
items
Sampling :
Selecting the important items not the easy ones.

5. Why
?
Specification
Sampling
Writing
items
Gap filling Paraphrase Completion Multiple choice
Writing item
Writing items :
Production Recognition

6. 1. He arrived late, ____was a surprise. (which)
2. He displayed the wide, bright smile_______had charmed so many people
before.(which, that).
Gap filling :
1
* Sometimes filling does not test what we
really want :
They left at seven. They ____ be home by now
( Must, Should, May, Could, Might, Will )

7. 2 Paraphrase (equivalent meaning) :
When we arrived, a policeman was questioning the bank clerk.
When we arrived, the bank clerk _____________

8. 3 Completion( test a variety of structures ) :
_____the policeman questioning the bank clerk ?
Yes. he was .

9. 4 Multiple choice :
They left at seven. They ____ be home by now.
B. Yes, but we can’t count on it, can we?
a. Can b. could c. will d. must
They left at seven. They ____ be home by now
( Must, Should, May, Could, Might, Will )

10. Thank you for listening
Any question ?