A Critical Analysis of Testing English Language Learning at an Advanced Level.

A Critical Analysis of Testing English Language Learning at an Advanced Level.

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Contents

Dedication ……….I Acknowledgements...II Abstract...III List of content...…...…...….. .V List of tables and figures...…...VIII Introduction... X Research methodology...XIII

Chapter one: Theoretical features of testing English Language learning

Introduction...………...…1

1. Definitions of testing English language Learning..………... ……2

2. Approaches to testing English language earning...…..………..4

2.1. Structuralist approach to testing English language learning…….…..4

2.2. Communicative approach to testing English language learning...5

3. Essential traits of a good test:...…15

4. Procedures for Test design:...21

4.1. Forms of English language testing:...21

4.2. Types of English language tests:... 25

4.3. Types of test items:...27

4.4. Evaluation of English language tests:... 35

5. English language learners’ levels:...….38

Conclusion...………...41

Chapter two: Advanced learners background (case of 4

year students of English at Biskra University) Introduction ...…………...42

1. Socio-cultural background…...43

2. Learning background...44

A Critical Analysis of Testing English Language Learning at an Advanced Level.

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2.1. Middle school...…...44

2.2. High school...…...47

2.3. Their streaming...….50

2.4. University ...…...51

Conclusion...……...…...57

Chapter three: Testing English language learning in English Department at Biskra University (case of 4th year students of English at Biskra University) Introduction....………...58

1. Analysis of questionnaire for teachers of 4

year students in English Department at Biskra University…….………59

1.1. Approaches to testing advanced learners in English Department at Biskra University...………...59

1.2. Essential traits of testing advanced learners in English Department at Biskra Uuniversity...………...61

1.3. English language test design for advanced learners at Biskra University...……...65

Sum-up...…...78

2. Analysis of questionnaire for 4

year students at Biskra University………..79

2.1. Advanced learners background...…...79

2.2. The material to be tested according to advanced learners in Biskra University ...………80

2.3. Advanced learners’ attitude toward the essential traits of their testing in Biskra University... ……….….……....81

2.4. Advanced learners’ attitude toward their test design in Biskra University... ………...…...83

2.5. Advanced learners’ attitude toward the evaluation of their testing in Biskra University...………..…………...86

Sum-up...………..………...88

Conclusion...….90

A Critical Analysis of Testing English Language Learning at an Advanced Level.

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Advantages and drawbacks of testing English language advanced learners at

Biskra University...…...…...91

1. Advantages of testing English language advanced learners at Biskra University...…91

2. Drawbacks of testing English language advanced learners at Biskra University...…...….92

Solutions and recommendations...…...94

General conclusion ...…..….95

Bibliography...…...97 Appendices

• Appendix one: - Questionnaire for teachers of 4

year students in English departments at Biskra University

- Questionnaire for 4

year students at Biskra University

• Appendix two: Questions of the exams of 4

year

• Appendix three: Some lectures of 4

year

• Appendix four: - Question of exams: middle schools.

- Question of exams: high school