LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT

LECTURE 7
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Learning Outcomes
Explain the difference between
objective and subjective testing.
Construct test items to assess the
four language skills and rationalize
the choice.

Objectiv
e Testing

Subjectiv
e Testing

Methods
of
evaluatin
g

Objective Testing
Scoring is objective when no judgement on
the part of the scorer is needed.
Test items can be evaluated objectively if
there is only one right answer and scorers
can mark a test by following an answer key.
Objective tests can be constructed multiple
choice questions, true or false questions or
matching.
Advantage - test takers cannot create
alternative, acceptable answers.

Subjective Testing
When there is the need for judgement on
the part of the scorer, then scoring is
subjective.
In that case, test takers might provide some
acceptable, alternative responses that the
teacher or test developer did not predict.
Different degrees of subjectivity in test
scoring e.g. evaluating short answers is less
subjective than evaluating a longer text.

Objective testing techniques

Multiple-choice
Gap-filling
True/False
Matching

Subjective Testing
short-answer essay
extended-response
essay,
problem solving and
performance tasks e.g. role-play,
story- telling, oral presentations

Illustrate different types of test items to assess

specific language skills

Speaki
ng
Listeni
ng

Readin
g

Langua
ge
Skills

Writing

Reference : Brown, H.D. (2004). Language

assessment: Principles and classroom
practices. New York: Longman.

Tutorial #7
Groupwork:
Based on a stimulus, construct items
for testing various language skills.
Present the test items and rationalize
the choice of test items.