Assessing L2 vocabulary depth with word associates format tests: issues, findings, and suggestions

Word Associates Format (WAF) tests are often used to measure second language learners’ vocabulary depth with a focus on their network knowledge. Yet, there were often many variations in the specific forms of the tests and the ways they were used, which tended to have an impact on learners’ response behaviors and, more importantly, the psychometric properties of the tests. This paper reviews the general practices, key issues, and research findings that pertain to WAF tests in four major areas, including the design features of WAF tests, conditions for test administration, scoring methods, and test-taker characteristics. In each area, a set of variables is identified and described with relevant research findings also presented and discussed. Around eight topics, the General Discussion section provides some suggestions and directions for the development of WAF tests and the use of them as research tools in the future. This paper is hoped to help researchers become better aware that the results generated by a WAF test may vary depending on what specific design the test has, how it is administered and scored, and who the learners are, and consequently, make better decisions in their research that involves a WAF test

Deotek देवटक (Thana नागभीड, District Chandrapur, Maharashtra). Temple.

<p>Deotek  देवटक (Thana नागभीड, District Chandrapur, Maharashtra). General view of the ruins of the small temple at Deotek, from the north east.</p><p><strong>Coordinates:  </strong><a href="http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=20.608323&lon=79.736366&z=16&m=bs&show=/37859176/Temple">20°36'27"N 79°44'13"E</a></p><p>Devṭek or Deoṭek ( देवटक). The building, made of coarse laterite quarried nearby, has a ruined spire of the phāṃsanā type and belongs to the 11th century. Parts of the laterite surface retain what appears to be original white plaster. Beglar's report on Deotek in ASI vol. 7.</p&gt

A vocabulary size test

No description supplied</jats:p

A vocabulary size test

No description supplied</jats:p

Bodhgayā, Bihar. Pillar with Sūrya while still in the Mahant's residence. British Museum 1897,0528,0.68

Bodhgayā, Bihar. Pillar with Sūrya while still in the Mahant's residence. British Museum 1897,0528,0.68 (detail) from the estate of by A. W. Franks</p

A vocabulary size test

No description supplie

Advancing Malaysian Practice-Based Education

As an international language of communication, English in Malaysia is considered a critical language of commerce for Malaysia to maintain its competitive edge and for graduates to work and practise in a global context. It is a key to successful education for practice for these students. The official role of English in Malaysia is that of a second language (L2), with Malay as the first language and Tamil or Chinese as the third. The recent growth of the use of English in the “outer circle” as delineated by Kachru (1985) in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia has been extensive. In Malaysia the growth of English has been steady, and increased efforts have been made by English language researchers and teachers to encourage English proficiency among school students, particularly secondary school students