Application exercises

A. Decide whether you think the TOEFL examination is an NRT or a CRT. Then, list the characteristics that you feel support your view.

B. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns by drawing a line down the middle of the page. First, in the column on the left, list all of the complaints that you have ever had with tests. You may wish to include those problems raised about NRTs (in this chapter). In the column on the right, list the ways that CRTs (as described in this chapter) address the problems that were written in the other list. For those problems not directly addressed by CRTs, note what general good-test-writing practices are violated.

C. Think about a language course with which you are familiar. List the objectives of that course in as much detail as you can. Then describe what a Criterion-referenced achievement test (designed to gather information on the students' language learning) might look like. What subtests would be included and what types of test questions would be appropriate?