By agreeing to fill in the set of questionnaires you voluntarily consent to be part of anonymous research

by Anica Radosavljević Krsmanović and Danica Jerotijević Tišma.

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN FOREIGN

LANGUAGE LEARNING
A compilation of student questionnaires
 GENERAL INFORMATION

GENDER male female N/A (please circle)

AGE ___________ (please write down your age)

YEAR OF STUDY 1 2 3 4 (please circle)

AGE OF ONSET (when you started learning English) __________________ (please write down)

Please answer the following questions:

1. Have you ever visited an English-speaking country? (if yes, please write down where and for how
long)

YES ____________________________________________________ NO

2. How many hours a day do you spend learning English for school?

a) less than 1 hour b) 1-2 hours c) 2-3 hours d) 3-4 hours e) more than 4 hours

3. How many hours a day do you spend using English for fun?

a) less than 1 hour b) 1-2 hours c) 2-3 hours d) 3-4 hours e) more than 4 hours

4. How many hours a day do you spend reading, listening in English?

a) less than 1 hour b) 1-2 hours c) 2-3 hours d) 3-4 hours e) more than 4 hours

5. How many hours a day do you spend speaking, writing in English?

a) less than 1 hour b) 1-2 hours c) 2-3 hours d) 3-4 hours e) more than 4 hours

6. Do you think that you have learnt English in school or outside of it?

a) mostly outside of it b) mostly in school c) both in school and outside of it

7. What is you preferred native speaker variety?

a) American English
b) British English
c) I don’t have any preference
d) my own variety
e) other (please specify) ____________________

8. How would you describe your attitude towards the English cultural influence in the world?
a) positive b) negative c) neutral

9. How would you describe your attitude towards Serbian cultural heritage?
a) positive b) negative c) neutral

10. What is your dream job/occupation (after you graduate)? _______________________________

 Verbal Aptitude Test

1) verbal dexterity test

You have 45 minutes to try to solve as many of the anagrams as possible. The answers are all one word.
1. LAIDARM _____________________________________________
2. BOILTAR _____________________________________________
3. PETSTEM _____________________________________________
4. SUNCLOT _____________________________________________
5. SCANBEE _____________________________________________
6. DOESPIE _____________________________________________
7. RIPHEAP _____________________________________________
8. MRTAUNT _____________________________________________
9. RIOTSUM _____________________________________________
10. SEWTRAM _____________________________________________
11. LEDMARE _____________________________________________
12. BEAMAIL _____________________________________________
13. ANSHIRT _____________________________________________
14. RARELIE _____________________________________________
15. ACEGIRL _____________________________________________

2) find the letter test

You have 30 minutes in which to answer the 10 questions.

Questions 1–5: A B C D E F G H

1. What letter is two to the left of the letter immediately to the right of the letter D?
Answer:

2. What letter is immediately to the left of the letter that is three to the right of the letter immediately to
the left of the letter D?
Answer:

3. What letter is midway between the letter that is four to the right of the letter D and the letter two to the
left of the letter H?
Answer:

4. What letter is two to the right of the letter four to the left of the letter that is immediately to the right of
the letter E?
Answer:

5. What letter is immediately to the left of the letter that comes midway between the letter three to the left
of the letter D and the letter two to the left of the letter G?
Answer:
Questions 6–10:

6. What letter comes two letters below the letter that is three to the right of the letter F?
Answer:

7. What letter is three above the letter that is two to the left of the letter that is two places below the letter
N?
Answer:

8. What letter is midway between the letter three to the left of the letter S and the letter three places above
the letter W?
Answer:

9. What letter is immediately to the left of the letter two above the letter immediately to the right of the
letter two above the letter four to the left of the letter Z?
Answer:

10. What letter is two to the left of the letter that comes midway between the letter three to the right of the
letter W and the letter two below the letter D?
Answer:

3) word and letter arrangement test

You have 45 minutes in which to answer the 20 questions.

Arrange the letters in alphabetical order followed by the numbers in ascending order.
1. N 8 6 B K L
Answer:
2. 5 A N D 8 F J T 9 S
Answer:
3. 4 P N D 2 8 5 S K L B
Answer:
4. E S 3 T 9 M X F 4 Y
Answer:
5. T 2 4 L B S 9 N 5 P F
Answer:

Arrange the letters in reverse alphabetical order followed by the numbers in ascending order.

6. J 4 N 2 6 3 P K Z D 7
Answer:
7. 5 T L Y K X N 7 A M 3
Answer:
8. D 9 2 K G H U 7 6 R
Answer:
9. 8 A 9 7 T L S H 5 W J
Answer:
10. G B M R 9 S K 4 3 2 W
Answer:

Arrange the even numbers in ascending order followed by the letters in forward alphabetical order
followed by the odd numbers in descending order.

11. Y 2 L 5 8 D 9 F G
Answer:
12. S 7 5 2 4 K J T Z 6 3
Answer:
13. M 4 T N K F B 7 6 3 V 2 9
Answer:
14. 7 6 Q P C H 8 4 3 T M A X
Answer:
15. D 8 K 3 J 2 X 9 T 5 B 4 U 7
Answer:

Arrange the odd numbers in ascending order followed by the letters in reverse alphabetical order followed
by the even numbers in descending order.

16. J 6 N Q 5 7 D A F 8 K L
Answer:
17. 8 D 2 5 L H C J 7 4 6 9 3 T F
Answer:
18. D 2 L 6 F N 3 M P Q J S 8 T 9
Answer:
19. 7 K 8 D F 9 T 6 J 2 L 5 S Q N
Answer:
20. K F D C B 8 5 E N 7 T J 3 M 4
Answer:

4) synonym and antonym test

In each of the following select two words that are synonyms, plus an antonym of these two synonyms,
from the list of words given. You have 20 minutes in which to complete the 10 questions.
1. ban, betray, proscribe, authorize, indict, chaperone
Answers:

2. hasty, isolated, recurrent, prejudiced, responsive, continued

Answers:

3. pliable, deliberate, tenacious, impulsive, studied, solid

Answers:

4. liable, innocent, legal, edifying, culpable, devious

Answers:

5. maintain, evoke, reform, restate, recant, decline

Answers:

6. ambiguous, unequivocal, expert, hesitant, unskilful, unclear

Answers:
7. brief, latent, hitherto, hidden, punctual, evident
Answers:

8. few, limited, copious, numerous, finite, microscopic

Answers:

9. anticlimax, purifier, let down, remedy, culmination, pollutant

Answers:

10. supporter, patron, acquaintance, adversary, counterpart, beneficiary

Answers:

The Big Five Inventory (BFI)

Please write the number next to each statement that is true for you.
l Disagree strongly
2 Disagree a little
3 Neither agree or disagree
4 Agree a little
5 Agree strongly

I see Myself as Someone Who...

____1. Is talkative ____23. Tends to be lazy

____2. Tends to find fault with others
____3. Does a thorough job
____4. Is depressed, blue
____5. Is original, comes up with new ideas
____6. Is reserved
____7. Is helpful and unselfish with others
____8. Can be somewhat careless
____9. Is relaxed, handles stress well
____10. Is curious about many different things
____11. Is full of energy
____12. Starts quarrels with others
____13. Is a reliable worker
____14. Can be tense
____15. Is ingenious, a deep thinker
____24. Is emotionally stable, not easily upset
____25. Is inventive
____26. Has an assertive personality
____27. Can be cold and aloof
____28. Perseveres until the task is finished
____29. Can be moody
____30. Values artistic, aesthetic experiences
____31. Is sometimes shy, inhibited
____32. Is considerate and kind to almost everyone
____33. Does things efficiently
____34. Remains calm in tense situations
____35. Prefers work that is routine
____36. Is outgoing, sociable
____37. Is sometimes rude to others
____16. Generates a lot of enthusiasm
____17. Has a forgiving nature
____18. Tends to be disorganized
____19. Worries a lot
____20. Has an active imagination
____21. Tends to be quiet
____22. Is generally trusting
____38. Makes plans and follows through with them
____39. Gets nervous easily
____40. Likes to reflect, play with ideas
____41. Has few artistic interests
____42. Likes to cooperate with others
____43. Is easily distracted
____44. Is sophisticated in art, music, or literature

Strategy Inventory for Language Learning

Please circle the number next to each statement that is true for you.
l Never or almost never true of me
2 Usually not true of me
3 Somewhat true of me
4 Usually true of me
5 Always or almost always true of me

Part A
1. I think of relationships between what I already know and new things I learn in English. 1 2 3 4 5
2. I use new English words in a sentence so I can remember them. 1 2 3 4 5
3. I connect the sound of a new English word and an image or picture of the word to help remember the
word. 1 2 3 4 5
4. I remember a new English word by making a mental picture of a situation in which the word might be
used. 1 2 3 4 5
5. I use rhymes to remember new English words. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I use flashcards to remember new English words. 1 2 3 4 5
7. I physically act out new English words. 1 2 3 4 5
8. I review English lessons often. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I remember new English words or phrases by remembering their location on the page, on the board, or
on a street sign. 1 2 3 4 5
Part B
10. I say or write new English words several times. 1 2 3 4 5
11. I try to talk like native English speakers. 1 2 3 4 5
12. I practice the sounds of English. 1 2 3 4 5
13. I use the English words I know in different ways. 1 2 3 4 5
14. I start conversations in English. 1 2 3 4 5
15. I watch English language TV shows spoken in English or go to movies spoken in English. 1 2 3 4 5
16. I read for pleasure in English. 1 2 3 4 5
17. I write notes, messages, letters, or reports in English. 1 2 3 4 5
18. I first skim an English passage (read over the passage quickly) then go back and read carefully.12345
19. I look for words in my own language that are similar to new words in English. 1 2 3 4 5
20. I try to find patterns in English. 1 2 3 4 5
21. I find the meaning of an English word by dividing it into parts that I understand. 1 2 3 4 5
22. I try not to translate word-for-word. 1 2 3 4 5
23. I make summaries of information that I hear or read in English. 1 2 3 4 5
Part C
24. To understand unfamiliar English words, I make guesses. 1 2 3 4 5
25. When I can' t think of a word during a conversation in English, I use gestures. 1 2 3 4 5
26. I make up new words if I do not know the right ones in English. 1 2 3 4 5
27. I read English without looking up every new word. 1 2 3 4 5
28. I try to guess what the other person will say next in English. 1 2 3 4 5
29. If I can' t think of an English word, I use a word or phrase that means the same thing. 1 2 3 4 5
Part D
30. I try to find as many ways as I can to use my English. 1 2 3 4 5
31. I notice my English mistakes and use that information to help me do better. 1 2 3 4 5
32. I pay attention when someone is speaking English. 1 2 3 4 5
33. I try to find out how to be a better learner of English. 1 2 3 4 5
34. I plan my schedule so I will have enough time to study English. 1 2 3 4 5
35. I look for people I can talk to in English. 1 2 3 4 5
36. I look for opportunities to read as much as possible in English. 1 2 3 4 5
37. I have clear goals for improving my English skills. 1 2 3 4 5
38. I think about my progress in learning English. 1 2 3 4 5
Part E
39. I try to relax whenever I feel afraid of using English. 1 2 3 4 5
40. I encourage myself to speak English even when I am afraid of making a mistake. 1 2 3 4 5
4l. I give myself a reward or treat when I do well in English. 1 2 3 4 5
42. I notice if I am tense or nervous when I am studying or using English. 1 2 3 4 5
43. I write down my feelings in a language learning diary. 1 2 3 4 5
44. I talk to someone else about how I feel when I am learning English. 1 2 3 4 5
Part F
45. If I do not understand something in English, I ask the other person to slow down or say it again.12345
46. I ask English speakers to correct me when I talk. 1 2 3 4 5
47. I practice English with other students. 1 2 3 4 5
48. I ask for help from English speakers. 1 2 3 4 5
49. I ask questions in English. 1 2 3 4 5
50. I try to learn about the culture of English speakers. 1 2 3 4 5

BELIEFS ABOUT LANGUAGE LEARNING INVENTORY (BALLI)

Decide whether you agree or disagree with each statement. Mark 1 2 3 4 or 5 depending on what’s
true for you.
1 strongly agree
2 agree
3 undecided
4 disagree
5 strongly disagree

1. It is easier for children than adults to learn a foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5

2. Some languages are easier than others. 1 2 3 4 5
3. If I get to speak this language very well, I will have many opportunities to use it. 1 2 3 4 5
4. It is important to repeat and practise a lot. 1 2 3 4 5
5. I would like to learn this language so that I can get to know its speakers better. 1 2 3 4 5
6. It’s okay to guess if you don’t know a word in a foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
7. Learning a foreign language is mostly a matter of translating. 1 2 3 4 5
8.I believe that I will ultimately learn to speak this language very well. 1 2 3 4 5
9. Learning a foreign language is mostly a matter of learning a lot of new vocabulary words. 1 2 3 4 5
10. It is easier to read and write this language than to speak and understand it. 1 2 3 4 5
11. Women are better than men at learning foreign languages. 1 2 3 4 5
12. It is important to speak a foreign language with an excellent accent. 1 2 3 4 5
13. If I learn to speak this language very well, it will help me get a good job. 1 2 3 4 5
14. You shouldn’t say anything in a foreign language until you can say it correctly. 1 2 3 4 5
15. It is easier to speak than to understand a foreign language.
16. Some people are born with a special ability which helps them learn a foreign language.
17. Learning a foreign language is mostly a matter of learning a lot of grammar rules. 1 2 3 4 5
18. It is easier to speak than to understand a foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
19. It is easier for someone who already speaks a foreign language to learn another one. 1 2 3 4 5
20. New Zealanders think that it is important to speak a foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
21. If I heard someone speaking in the language I am trying to learn, I would go up to them so that I could
practise speaking the language. 1 2 3 4 5
22. People who are good at maths and science are not good at learning foreign languages. 1 2 3 4 5
23. I have foreign language aptitude (ability to learn a language quickly). 1 2 3 4 5
24. It is necessary to know the foreign culture in order to speak the foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
25. Learning a foreign language is different from learning other school subjects. 1 2 3 4 5
26. New Zealanders are good at learning foreign languages. 1 2 3 4 5
27. I feel self-conscious speaking the foreign language in front of other people. 1 2 3 4 5
28. If you are allowed to make mistakes in the beginning it will be hard to get rid of them later on. 12345
29. People who speak more than one language well are very intelligent. 1 2 3 4 5
30. It is better to learn the foreign language in the foreign country. 1 2 3 4 5
31. Everyone can learn to speak a foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
32. English is:
a) a very difficult language to learn b) a difficult language c) a language of medium difficulty d) an easy
language e) a very easy language
33. If someone spent one hour a day learning English, how long would it take him/her to become fluent?
a) Less than a year b) 1-2 years, c) 3-5 years d) 5-10 years e) you can’t learn a language in one hour a day

Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale

Decide whether you agree or disagree with each statement. Mark 1 2 3 4 or 5 depending on what’s
true for you.

1 strongly agree
2 agree
3 undecided
4 disagree
5 strongly disagree

1. I never feel quite sure of myself when I am speaking in my foreign language class. 1 2 3 4 5
2. I don't worry about making mistakes in language class. 1 2 3 4 5
3. I tremble when I know that I'm going to be called on in language class. 1 2 3 4 5
4. It frightens me when I don't understand what the teacher is saying in the foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
5. It wouldn't bother me at all to take more foreign language classes. 1 2 3 4 5
6. During language class, I find myself thinking about things that have nothing to do with the course. 1 2
3 4 5
7. I keep thinking that the other students are better at languages than I am. 1 2 3 4 5
8. I am usually at ease during tests in my language class. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I start to panic when I have to speak without preparation in language class. 1 2 3 4 5
10. I worry about the consequences of failing my foreign language class. 1 2 3 4 5
11. I don't understand why some people get so upset over foreign language classes. 1 2 3 4 5
12. In language class, I can get so nervous I forget things I know. 1 2 3 4 5
13. It embarrasses me to volunteer answers in my language class. 1 2 3 4 5
14. I would not be nervous speaking the foreign language with native speakers. 1 2 3 4 5
15. I get upset when I don't understand what the teacher is correcting. 1 2 3 4 5
16. Even if I am well prepared for language class, I feel anxious about it. 1 2 3 4 5
17. I often feel like not going to my language class. 1 2 3 4 5
18. I feel confident when I speak in foreign language class. 1 2 3 4 5
19. I am afraid that my language teacher is ready to correct every mistake I make. 1 2 3 4 5
20. I can feel my heart pounding when I'm going to be called on in language class. 1 2 3 4 5
21. The more I study for a language test, the more con‐ fused I get. 1 2 3 4 5
22. I don't feel pressure to prepare very well for language class. 1 2 3 4 5
23. I always feel that the other students speak the foreign language better than I do. 1 2 3 4 5
24. I feel very self‐conscious about speaking the foreign language in front of other students. 1 2 3 4 5
25. Language class moves so quickly I worry about getting left behind. 1 2 3 4 5
26. I feel more tense and nervous in my language class than in my other classes. 1 2 3 4 5
27. I get nervous and confused when I am speaking in my language class. 1 2 3 4 5
28. When I'm on my way to language class, I feel very sure and relaxed. 1 2 3 4 5
29. I get nervous when I don't understand every word the language teacher says. 1 2 3 4 5
30. I feel overwhelmed by the number of rules you have to learn to speak a foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
31. I am afraid that the other students will laugh at me when I speak the foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
32. I would probably feel comfortable around native speakers of the foreign language. 1 2 3 4 5
33. I get nervous when the language teacher asks questions which I haven't prepared in advance.1 2 345

WILLINGNESS TO COMMUNICATE

Please circle the number next to each statement that is true for you.

Neither agree
Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
nor disagree
1 2 3 4 5

I am willing to…
talk about my favourite sport in English in a whole-class discussion 1 2 3 4 5
talk to my classmates in English when the teacher leaves the classroom for a few 1 2 3 4 5
moments
talk in English to my classmates about movies and series 1 2 3 4 5
find opportunities to speak in English no matter how crowded the classroom is 1 2 3 4 5
talk in English to the student sitting next to me before the teacher enters the 1 2 3 4 5
classroom
talk in English in group-work language-learning activities 1 2 3 4 5
speak in English if other students laugh at my language mistakes 1 2 3 4 5
talk in English to my classmates about the history of English countries 1 2 3 4 5
raise my hand to ask or answer questions in English 1 2 3 4 5
talk in English to my classmates about computer games 1 2 3 4 5
speak in English even if I am seated in the back of the classroom 1 2 3 4 5
ask my classmate about the correct pronunciation of a word 1 2 3 4 5
talk in English about great artists I know in a group discussion 1 2 3 4 5
give a presentation in English in front of my classmates 1 2 3 4 5
talk to my teacher about English literature 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
 speak in English even if I know my classmates are better than me at speaking
English
talk in English to strange students from other universities 1 2 3 4 5

talk in English with my classmates about my weekends 1 2 3 4 5

ask my teacher in English to repeat what he or she has just said if I did not 1 2 3 4 5
understand
talk in English to my classmates outside of the classroom 1 2 3 4 5

speak in English even if my language mistakes are frequently corrected by the 1 2 3 4 5

teacher
ask another student in English to explain a grammatical point to me 1 2 3 4 5

have a group discussion about the marriage tradition in English cultures 1 2 3 4 5

talk about the lifestyle of English people in a whole-class discussion 1 2 3 4 5

speak in English more when a discussion is related to my personal experiences 1 2 3 4 5

speak in English more when I am in the class of the same language teacher over 1 2 3 4 5
several terms
discuss cultural differences between English and Serbian people in a group 1 2 3 4 5

Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire

Decide whether you agree or disagree with each statement. Mark 1 2 3 4 or 5 depending on what’s
true for you.

1 strongly agree
2 agree
3 undecided
4 disagree
5 strongly disagree

1. When the teacher tells me the instructions I understand better. 1 2 3 4 5

2. I prefer to learn by doing something in class. 1 2 3 4 5
3. I get more work done when I work with others. 1 2 3 4 5
4. I learn more when I study with a group. 1 2 3 4 5
5. In class, I learn best when I work with others. 1 2 3 4 5
6. I learn better by reading what the teacher writes on the chalkboard. 1 2 3 4 5
7. When someone tells me how to do something in class, I learn it better. 1 2 3 4 5
8. When I do things in class, I learn better. 1 2 3 4 5
9. I remember things I have heard in class better than things I have read. 1 2 3 4 5
10. When I read instructions, I remember them better. 1 2 3 4 5
11. I learn more when I can make a model of something. 1 2 3 4 5
12. I understand better when I read instructions. 1 2 3 4 5
13. When I study alone, I remember things better. 1 2 3 4 5
14. I learn more when I make something for a class project. 1 2 3 4 5
15. I enjoy learning in class by doing experiments. 1 2 3 4 5
16. I learn better when I make drawings as I study. 1 2 3 4 5
17. I learn better in class when the teacher gives a lecture. 1 2 3 4 5
18. When I work alone, I learn better. 1 2 3 4 5
19. I understand things better in class when I participate in role-playing. 1 2 3 4 5
20. I learn better in class when I listen to someone. 1 2 3 4 5
21. I enjoy working on an assignment with two or three classmates. 1 2 3 4 5
22. When I build something, I remember what I have learned better. 1 2 3 4 5
23. I prefer to study with others. 1 2 3 4 5
24. I learn better by reading than by listening to someone. 1 2 3 4 5
25. I enjoy making something for a class project. 1 2 3 4 5
26. I learn best in class when I can participate in related activities. 1 2 3 4 5
27. In class, I work better when I work alone. 1 2 3 4 5
28. I prefer working on projects by myself. 1 2 3 4 5
29. I learn more by reading textbooks than by listening to lectures. 1 2 3 4 5
30. I prefer to work by myself. 1 2 3 4 5

MOTIVATIONAL SELF SYSTEM

Please circle the number next to each statement that is true for you.
Neither agree
Strongly disagree Disagree Agree Strongly agree
nor disagree
1 2 3 4 5

Statement
I can imagine myself living abroad and having a discussion in English 1 2 3 4 5
I would like to spend lots of time studying English. 1 2 3 4 5
My parents believe that I must study English to be an educated person. 1 2 3 4 5
I can imagine myself studying in a university where all my courses are
1 2 3 4 5
taught in English.
I am prepared to expend a lot of effort in learning English. 1 2 3 4 5
I have to study English, because, if I do not study it, I think my parents 1 2 3 4 5
will be disappointed with me.
I like the atmosphere of my English classes.
1 2 3 4 5
I can imagine a situation where I am speaking English with foreigners. 1 2 3 4 5
Studying English is important to me in order to gain the approval of my 1 2 3 4 5
peers/teachers/family/boss.
I find learning English really interesting.
1 2 3 4 5
I can imagine myself speaking English with international friends and
1 2 3 4 5
colleagues.
I am working hard at learning English.
1 2 3 4 5
I think that time passes faster while studying English.
1 2 3 4 5
I can imagine myself living abroad and using English effectively for
1 2 3 4 5
communicating with the locals.
I consider studying English important because the people I respect think 1 2 3 4 5
that I should do it.
I would you like to have more English courses at the faculty. 1 2 3 4 5
I can imagine myself speaking English as if I were a native speaker of
1 2 3 4 5
English.
I think that I am doing my best to learn English. 1 2 3 4 5
Compared to my classmates, I think I study English relatively hard. 1 2 3 4 5
Studying English is necessary because people surrounding me expect me
1 2 3 4 5
to do so.
I really enjoy learning English.
1 2 3 4 5