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Functions of
Literature Tests
(Part 2)
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Functions of Literature Tests

 They assess students' knowledge on particular pieces

of literature which they are assigned for class.

 Such textual materials may include prose and/or poetry, and

teachers may ask students to focus on an individual work or
multiple pieces simultaneously.
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Why give tests?

 Reasons why we test students of literature:

a. to elicit a specific response

b. to develop literary competence

c. to bring a literary piece of art to students intellectual and

emotional baggage

d. to develop decision-making and meaning-making

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Tips for Teachers on Giving Literature
Tests
1. Teachers should aim for balanced test.

The test may include knowledge and skills items; guided, controlled
and free response items; and productive and receptive response
type items.

2. Use actual, authentic texts.

The items require contact with actual texts. This will eliminate
dependence on prepared or memorized notes.
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Tips for Teachers on Giving Literature
Tests

3. Provide linguistic support when necessary.

Vocabulary and/or structure (grammar) can help eliminate linguistic

difficulties that hinder the application of literary skills.
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Tips for Teachers on Giving Literature
Tests

4. Test items should require the application of skills and principles.

5. Test items should encourage the transfer of skills from familiar

texts to unfamiliar ones.

6. Write the test items to meet student level, not tutor expectations.
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Tips for Teachers on Giving Literature
Tests
7. The test items should give abstract concepts a practical and
concrete focus.

8. Devise questions that would encourage the test-takers to identify

with and personalize the texts they meet.

9. Translate into test situations those activities found to be

motivating in the classroom.
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Thank you!