Contrastive perspectives on the reliability of grammar testing: The case of the verb phrase in L2 English

In this article we present the preliminary results of empirical research on the reliability of grammar testing. The following testing techniques are examined: multiple choice, translation, gap-filling and, finally, performance. In particular, for the purposes of this paper we set up four different tests to identify knowledge of the English verb phrase among native speakers of Dutch. Drawing from a detailed examination of selected results it is concluded that a renewed interest in a contrastive approach to language testing and practice is to be recommended

Production modes : writing as materializing and stimulating thoughts

In this chapter, we systematize and discuss research on writing and text production as a highly interrelated mode of language use. We start from two examples of professional writing that complement each other: one is about writing in financial communication, the other about not writing in public discourse (Part 1). These examples help us illustrate the transition from a detached to an integrative view of writing in text production research (2). We then develop a framework for the integrative analysis of writing as a key mode of language use (3). Within this framework, challenges for and controversial issues of contemporary writing research are identified (4). This allows us to outline what such research can contribute to and benefit from applied linguistics (5) and to sketch a related research roadmap (6). In the reference section, we focus on work explaining the interplay of writing and other modes of language use as mental and societal processes (7)

Production modes: writing as materializing and stimulating thoughts

In this chapter, we systematize and discuss research on writing and text production as a highly interrelated mode of language use. We start from two examples of professional writing that complement each other: one is about writing in financial communication, the other about not writing in public discourse (Part 1). These examples help us illustrate the transition from a detached to an integrative view of writing in text production research (2). We then develop a framework for the integrative analysis of writing as a key mode of language use (3). Within this framework, challenges for and controversial issues of contemporary writing research are identified (4). This allows us to outline what such research can contribute to and benefit from applied linguistics (5) and to sketch a related research roadmap (6). In the reference section, we focus on work explaining the interplay of writing and other modes of language use as mental and societal processes (7)

CONTRASTIVE PERSPECTIVES ON THE RELIABILITY OF GRAMMAR TESTING: THE CASE OF THE VERB PHRASE IN L2 ENGLISH

AbstractIn this article we present the preliminary results of empirical research on the reliability of grammar testing. The following testing techniques are examined: multiple choice, translation, gap-filling and, finally, performance. In particular, for the purposes of this paper we set up four different tests to identify knowledge of the English verb phrase among native speakers of Dutch. Drawing from a detailed examination of selected results it is concluded that a renewed interest in a contrastive approach to language testing and practice is to be recommended

Linguistic ethnography and institutions

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