LANGUAGE TESTING

(Purpose of Language Testing)

This Assignment Requirements Submitted One of Subject Language Testing Fifth Semester

English Departement Programme Fourth Grup of IAIN Bone

By:

Group III

Febrianti (02174003)

Anti (02174013)

Sri Ayu Andini (02174023)

TARBIYAH FACULTY

INSTITUTE AGAMA ISLAM NEGERI (IAIN)

BONE

2019
 A. Definition Of Language Testing

Language testing is concerned with a sub-set of cognitive or mental abilities, and

therefore with skills underlying behaviour (for example reading ability, speaking ability)
as well as with potential ability to learn a language (aptitude). 1 A language test is an
instrument for measuring language ability.2 A test is a method of measuring a person’s
ability, knowledge, or performance in a given domain. A test is an instrument or procedure
designed to elicit performance from learners with the purpose of measuring their
attainment of specified criteria.

The test can also be approved as a collection of questions that must be answered or
questions that must be chosen with the aim of measuring certain aspects for the person
subjected to the test.3 Mostly in the teaching and learning process, students are given
questions or assignments from the teacher. These questions can be in the form of class
questions, homework assignments, or other forms that are asked to obtain certain
information, according to the contents of the assignment. Such actions are forms of written
tests.

It can be concluded that the test is a planned tool to measure ability, expertise or
knowledge. From this understanding the tests are:
a. Is a tool;
b. Must be planned, in the sense of preparation, certain principles and conditions;
c. Functioning as a measure of children's abilities, abilities, and knowledge.

B. Purpose of Language Testing

Language testing is very important in language learning because it can support

success, both learners and instructors in successful achievement. For learners, tests can be
used to find out the great results that have been obtained, namely the abilities obtained,
while for teachers, tests can be used to determine the effectiveness of obtaining, methods,
techniques, and facilities used in the learning process. Not apart from the importance of

1
Tim McNamara, Dictionary of Language, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 1999, page 1
2
Douglas Dan, Understanding Language Testing, Routledge, London 2010, page 2
3
http://sudutpendidikan7.blogspot.com/2015/12/definisi-dan-fungsi-dari-tes.html Accessed on 2015
 the test in language teaching and learning, according to Harris (1967: 2-4) language tests
have six related objectives and do not exclude each other, namely: 4
a. To determine readiness for instructional programs
It is used to separate those who are prepared for an academic or training program from
those who are not.
b. To classify or place individuals in appropriate language classes.
Other screening tests try to distinguish degrees of proficiency so that examinees may be
assigned to specific sections or activities on the basis of their current level of
competence.
c. To diagnose the individual’s specific strengths and weaknesses.
It generally consists of several short but reliable subtests measuring different language
skills or components of a single broad skill. On the basis of the individual’s
performance on each subtest, we can plot a performance profile which will show his
relative strengths in the various areas tested.
d. To measure aptitude for learning.
An aptitude test serves to indicate an individual’s facility for acquiring specific skills
and learning.
e. To measure the extent of student achievement of the instructional goals.
Achievement tests are used to indicate group or individual progress toward the
instructional objectives of a specific study or training program.
f. To evaluate the effectiveness of instructions.
Achievement tests are used exclusively to assess the degree of the instructional program
success.

For simplicity, the six categories can be grouped under three headings:

a) Aptitude
Aptitude test serves to indicate an individual’s facility for acquiring specific skills
and learning.
b) General Proficiency

4
Dr. Supriyadi M,Pd, Evaluasi pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia, UNG Press Gorontalo, gorontalo 2013, page 6
 General proficiency test indicates what an individual is capable is doing now (as the
result of his cumulative learning experiences), though it may also serves as a basis
for predicting future attainment.
c) Achievement
Achievement test indicates the extent to which an individual has mastered the
specific skills or body of information acquired in a formal learning situations.