Shiken: JALT Testing & Evaluation SIG Newsletter
Vol. 12 No. 2. Spring 2008. (p. * - *) [ISSN 1881-5537]

A Prototype for One Section of a EFL Reading Test


In our opinion, the current TOEIC® Part 5 and Part 6 are too similiar. We also have other concerns this test which are outlined in this opinion piece. Listed below is one attempt to create part of a reading test that taps into at least some paragraph-level skills and also does not rely exclusively on multiple-choice format.

This prototype involves three tasks: (1) paragraph unscrambling, (2) open sentence completion, (3) multiple matching. This is by no means a complete reading test, nor is it without problems. However, to stimulate creative thought on about foreign language reading assessment, we put this out and welcome feedback. It should go without saying that considerable more piloting and revision is needed before this can be called a ready-to-use product.

– SET 1 –

Take a look at this scrambled paragraph with some missing words. The sequence of the first and last sentence is given. 
    
α .  I plan to open up a checking account at a local bank.

β .  With premium accounts, there is no such monthly service charge.

γ .  However, I can't decide whether to  up a regular or premium account.

δ .  Premium customers, though, must  a balance of 500 dollars in their accounts.

ε .  One advantage of a regular account is there is  required minimum balance.

ζ .  On the other , regular accounts have a monthly service charge.

η .  If the account falls below $500, customers will be required to pay a $10 fee.
Task 1: Determine the correct sentence sequence for sentences β - ζ for the paragraph above –

Q1. The 3rd sentence in this paragraph should be
β     γ     δ     ζ    

Q2.The 5th sentence in this paragraph should be
β     γ     δ     ζ    
Task 2: Complete the two sentences below by typing in any appropriate word(s) which are congruent with
the overall meaning of the entire paragraph. (Please note that more than one correct response is possible)
Q3. The author feels about which kind of bank account to open.

Q4. Regarding this transaction, the author's main concern seems to be
Task 3: Complete sentences γ - ζ by selecting the most appropriate word (a - i) from the list below:
	 (a) set               (d) seat                (g) contain               
	 (b) any               (e) much                (h) no                  
	 (c) hand              (f) side                (i) maintain
Q5. The correct missing word for sentence γ is
(a)     (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)    

Q6. The correct missing word for sentence δ is
(a)     (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)    

Q7. The correct missing word for sentence ε is
(a)     (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)    

Q8. The correct missing word for sentence ζ is
(a)     (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)    

[ p. * ]

– SET 2 –


Take a look at this scrambled paragraph with some missing words. The sequence of the first and last sentence is given. 
    
α . I just read the quarterly financial statement for Ocean Investments.

β . This condition is artfully   in the report, which downplays all problems.

γ . If we withdraw too much money all of a , it could create a run.
 
δ . No doubt novice investors might be fooled by the report.

ε . I must frankly state that their finances are  : they face bankruptcy.

ζ . However, shrewd investors are   to detect the charade.
    
η . I therefore want you to withdraw our funds gradually over the next month.
Task 1: Determine the correct sentence sequence for sentences β - ζ for the paragraph above –

Q9. The 3rd sentence in this paragraph should be
β     γ     δ     ζ    

Q10.The 5th sentence in this paragraph should be
β     γ     δ     ζ    
Task 2: Complete the two sentences below by typing in any appropriate word(s) which are congruent with
the overall meaning of the entire paragraph. (Please note that more than one correct response is possible)
Q11. The person writing this hardly feels about Ocean Investments.

Q12. The person writing this is hoping to avoid
Task 3: Complete sentences γ - ζ by selecting the most appropriate word (a - i) from the list below:
	 (a) abysmal           (d) absent              (g) absolute             
	 (b) masking           (e) mask                (h) masked              
	 (c) bond              (f) bounded             (i) bound
Q13. The correct missing word for sentence γ is
(a)     (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)    

Q14. The correct missing word for sentence δ is
(a)     (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)    

Q15. The correct missing word for sentence ε is
(a)     (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)    

Q16. The correct missing word for sentence ζ is
(a)     (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)    

[ p. * ]


NEWSLETTER: Topic IndexAuthor IndexTitle IndexDate Index
TEVAL SIG: Main Page Background Links Network Join
Copyright (c) 2008 by Mark Chapman & Tim Newfields. All rights reserved.
http://jalt.org/test/cha-newEx.htm
Index