TEST METHODS

1.Discrete-Point Test
2.Integrative Test
3.Direct Test
4.Authentic Test
5.Performance Based Examination
Discrete-Point Test

Discrete-point testing works on the

assumption that language can be reduced to
several discrete component “points” and that
these “points” can be assessed. Examples of
discrete-point test items in language testing
include multiple choice true/false, fill in the
blank, and spelling.
What all of these example items have in common is that they
usually isolate an aspect of the language from the broader
context. For example, a simple spelling test is highly focused
on the orthographic characteristics of the language. True/false
can be used to assess knowledge of various grammar rules etc.

The primary criticism of discrete-point testing was its

discreteness. Many believe that language is wholistic and that
in the real world students will never have to deal with language
in such an isolated way. This led to the development of
integrative language testing methods.
Integrative Test
Integrative language testing is based on the unitary
trait hypothesis, which states that language is
indivisible. This is in complete contrast to discrete-
point methods which supports dividing language into
specific components.  Two common integrative
language assessments include cloze test and
dictation.
Cloze test involves taking an authentic reading passage and
removing words from it. Which words remove depends on
the test creator. In addition, sometimes potential words are
given to the student to select from or sometimes the list of
words is not given to the student
The student’s job is to look at the context of the entire story
to determine which words to write into the blank space.
 This is an integrative experience as the students have to
consider grammar, vocabulary, context, etc. to complete the
assessment.

Dictation is simply writing down what was heard. This also

requires the use of several language skills simultaneously in
a realistic context.
DIRECT TEST
– demonstrate the learner’s ability to use the language in
actual communication
Ex: choose the relevant grammar and lexis to express their
ideas
• For speaking: interviews and presentations
• For writing: Essay questions
• For reading: Using real reading material and having the
student respond to question verbally and or in writing
• For listening: Following oral directions to complete a task
AUTHENTIC TEST
It  evaluates the students’ collective
skills and abilities to perform and
demonstrate the tasks in real-world
situation. It involves performance tests
and portfolio assessment.
Characteristics of Authentic
Assessment
1. Authentic assessment requires the students to perform meaningful tasks in real world
situation.
2. It promotes the development of higher order thinking skills.
3. It tenders direct evidence of application and construction of knowledge and skills
acquired. 
4. It includes portfolio collection of entries.
5. It demonstrates application of a particular knowledge and skills.
6. It fosters role-playing of the lessons learned by students which serves as show window
to them. 
7. It identifies performance of students’ acquired skills and expertise.
8. It assesses directly holistic projects by multiple human judgment like self, peer, subject
teacher, and teacher-adviser.
9. It trains the students to evaluate their own work as well as to their parents.
10. It is designed on criterion- referenced measure rather than norm-referenced measure.
 In authentic assessment, the knowledge
acquired through “learning by doing” can
hardly be erased in the mind of the learners
due to logical understanding of the process
and product. Whereas, traditional assessment
can be easily forgotten by learners as a
consequence of rote memorization and no
actual performance of the tasks.
PERFORMANCE-BASED
ASSESSMENT
– measure student learning based on how well the
learner can perform on a practical real task
Ex: Record of the extracts of a language has
produced over a period of time in his/her
workplace
• Writing: Essays assessing students’
understanding of a subject through a written
description, analysis, explanation, or summary
Reporters:
Penaflor, Myra
Pansaon, Jacquelline
Salutillo, Marielle Kaye