4.1 Introduction
The most common types of objective items used to test awareness of the grammatical features of the language:
multiple-choice items 多选
error-recognition items 错误识别
rearrangement items 重新排序
completion items 填空
transformation items句型转换
items involving the changing of words词形变换
'broken sentence' items断句
pairing and matching items配对
combination items连接
addition items
4.2 Multuple-choice grammar items: item types
Do not interrupt the flow of meaning in the sentence;
The correct form should be compared on equal terms with the other options.
Do not requires the testees to spend time on unnecessary reading.
It should be made to sound as natural as possible and be correct both in writing and in speech.
4.3 Constructing multiple-choice items
What are the steps of constructing multiple-choice items?
Step 1 Reduce the length and correct the error;
Step 2 Substitute a blank for the area being tested;
Step 3 Add another two distractors;
Step 4 Check and replace the unsuitable distractor
4.4 Construction error-recognition multiple-choice items
What are the two arguments about this type ?
There are different ways of correcting many sentences.
It emphasizes the more negative aspects of language learning.
4.5 Constructing rearrangement items
Word order item are useful for testing other structures and features involving inversion
The order of adjective and the position of adverbs can be tested in this way, as indeed can several other grammatical areas.
When used for sentences, such items can offer a means of testing an understanding of connectives and references devices.
4.6 Constructing completion items
Completion items are a useful means of testing a students' ability to produce acceptable and appropriate forms of language.
What are the three ways of restricting the choice available to the testees?
by providing a context
by providing data
by using multiple-choice technique
4.7 Constructing transformation items
It is extremely useful for testing ability to produce structures in the target language and helps to provide a balance when included in tests containing multiple-choice items.
4.8 Constructing items involving the changing of words
It is used for testing the students' ability to use correct tenses and verb forms.
4.9 Constructing 'broken sentence' items
It tests the students' ability to write full sentences from a series of words and phrases.
Make sure that t instructions are very clear indeed and provide one or two examples.
4.10 Constructing pairing and matchin items
Test the ability to select appropriate responses to stimuli which would be presented orally in normal everyday situations.
Test students' sensitivity to appropriacy and their awareness of the functions of language.
4.11 Constructing combination and addition items
They should be used sparingly, as they involve largely mechanical responses.
