This document discusses testing grammar and vocabulary in language assessments. It begins by outlining reasons for testing grammar, including that grammatical ability limits other skills and it helps diagnose gaps for teachers and learners. It then provides examples of different item types for testing grammar, including gap filling, paraphrase, completion, and multiple choice. Scoring considerations for production-based grammar tests are mentioned. The document also discusses testing vocabulary and provides examples of item types, such as recognizing synonyms, definitions, and filling gaps. Pictures and definitions are provided as examples for production-based vocabulary testing.

1. José Carlos Maya Carmona
Marina Sánchez Revuelta

2. 
 WHY TEST GRAMMAR?
-Grammatical ability or the lack of it sets limits to
what can be achieved in other skills.
-It is useful to diagnose what gaps exist in the
repertoire of students.
-It is helpful to inform teachers and learners to
take responsability for filling the existing gaps.
TESTING GRAMMAR

3. 
 WRITING SPECIFICATIONS
Achievement tests Placement tests
Specification on content Specifications will
should be straightforward include all the structures
identified
 SAMPLING: will reflect the selection of the
structures identified
TESTING GRAMMAR

4. 
 WRITING ITEMS:
It is important to be written in gramatically correct
language.
TECHNIQUES FOR TESTING GRAMMAR:
1. Gap filling
2. Paraphrase Production
3. Completion
4. Multiple choice Recognition
TESTING GRAMMAR

5. 
 1. Gap filling
 He arrived late, _______was a surprise.(which)
 He displayed the wide, bright smile_______had
charmed so many people before.(which, that).
 Computers have had the ability to play chess for many
years now,[…]able
 2. Paraphrase: equivalent meaning
When we arrived, a policeman was questioning the bank clerk.
When we arrived, the bank clerk _____________
TESTING GRAMMAR

6. 
 3. Completion: test a variety of structures
-Mr Gilbert: And when…………..?
+Mr Cole: In 1972, at the end of the summer term.
 4. Multiple choice: useful when gap filling does not test what
we really want.
Example: use of could
A. 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
TESTING GRAMMAR

7. 
 SCORING PRODUCTION GRAMMAR TESTS
- Gap filling and multiple choice: items should cause
no problems
We should take into account…
-If we focus on one element we have to reward just on
this element.
-Two elements are test: points may be assigned for each
of them
TESTING GRAMMAR

8. 
 WHY TEST VOCABULARY?
- Essential when using a language, so is important to test it.
- Is supported with the inclusion of grammar.
Problem and solution in testing vocabulary
- Apparently usefulness of vocabulary test are not as much
as in grammar test.
- One alternative is to use published test of vocabulary or
construct one for our group of students.
TESTING VOCABULARY

9. 
 WRITING SPECIFICATIONS
Achievement tests Placement &proficiency
tests
All the items should Important to make reference
be included to one of the published
word lists
 SAMPLING: Words can be grouped according to their
frequency and usefulness
TESTING VOCABULARY

10. 
 WRITING ITEMS
1. Testing recognition ability
a) Recognise synonyms
b) Recognise definitions multiple
c) Recognise appropriate word for context choice
2. Testing production ability
a)Picture
b)Definitions achievement test
c)Gap filling
TESTING VOCABULARY

11. a) Recognise synonims
Choose the alternative (a, b, c or d) which is closest in meaning to the word
on the left on the page.
Gleam a) Gather b) shine c)welcome d) clean
b) Recognise definitions
Loathe means…
a)Dislike intensely c) Search carefully
b) Become seriously ill d) Looks very angry
c) Recognise appropriate words in context
The strong wind _____ the man’s efforts to put up the tent.
a)Disabled b)hampered c)deranged d)regaled
TESTING VOCABULARY

12. 
a) Pictures : the main difficulty in testing productive
lexical ability is the need to limit the candidate to the
lexical item that we have in mind. The best way to solve
this is using pictures. (achievement test)
Each of the objects below has a letter against it. Write down
the names of the objects:
a……… d……….
b……… e……….
c……… f……….
TESTING VOCABULARY

13. 
b) Definitions: It is important to be careful when
selecting a word, because it can be ambiguous
………….. is frozen water
c) Gap filling
Because of the snow, the football match was________
until the following week.
TESTING VOCABULARY

14. 
THANKS FOR YOUR
ATTENTION