Common test techniques

Advantages

Guessing will contribute less to test scores

It is not restricted by distrators

Cheating is not likely to happen

Items should be easy to write

Disadvantages

Responses may take longer

Test takers have to produce language

Likely to be subjective

Scoring may take longer

Advantages

Work best when the missing words can be found in the text

Work well when testing grammar and vocabulary

Disadvantages

Discontinuous items may ask for more than 1 respone

Unclear instructions will lead to failing

Does not ask for productive skills

Does not have high reliability

Advantages

Scoring is perfectly reliable

Rapid scoring

Allows the testing of receptive skills

Disadvantages

Only recognises knowledge

Guessing has an unknowable effect

Restrics what can be tested

Complicated constructioon

Backwash may be harmful

Cheating may be facilitated

Advantages

Can be used when assessing

Can be modified to give reasons

Disadvantages

Test takers have 50% of success

Cannot be used in formal exams

Giving reasons will affect validity