Shift towards testing language in a more communicative way than before

Emphasis on memorization of grammar rules

Introduction of purely multiple-choice tests

What major change in language testing philosophy occurred between 1950 and 1980?

Because speaking was difficult to test objectively

Because speaking was tested separately in oral exams

Because students refused to participate in speaking tests

Why did American testing philosophy in the mid-20th century omit speaking skills from language tests?

British focused on test content and construct, Americans emphasized test reliability

British prioritized multiple choice tests, Americans emphasized essays

British ignored reliability, Americans ignored content

British testing relied solely on oral exams, Americans on written tests

What was the key difference between British and American language testing philosophies during the 20th century?

Who contributed significantly to the operationalisation of communicative language ability in testing?

Phone-based recorded speaking tests marked by teachers

In-person interviews conducted in local community centers

What technological development is currently helping make language testing more accessible in economically disadvantaged areas?

To allow people to rise through the Mandarin system based on merit

What was the primary purpose of the Imperial exam system in ancient China?

The early 20th century, with Cambridge producing the CPE in 1913

The 18th century, when the first language proficiency tests were introduced

The 6th century, simultaneously with the Chinese exam revisions

The mid-19th century, due to the Industrial Revolution

Around what period did formal language testing begin to develop significantly in the Western world?

Reliability of tests was paramount, leading to multiple-choice formats

Focus on testing communicative abilities over objective measures

Emphasis on open-ended composition and oral exams

Tests were primarily based on memorization of classical texts

Which educational philosophy dominated American language testing by the mid-20th century?

Which tool is commonly used today to analyze the vocabulary range and frequency in reading texts for language testing?

Designing tests specifically for local contexts, purposes, and populations

Creating globally standardized exams for all countries

Using only native examiners from the test developers' country

Translating international tests into local languages without adaptation

What is meant by 'localisation of tests' in the context of modern language testing?

This test assesses knowledge of the historical development, philosophies, and methodologies of language testing from ancient times to the modern era.

Відкриті відповіді: Test on the History and Evolution of Language Testing