Testing Grammar

Transformation Item:

They are very useful to test the ability to produce structures in the target language. They provide the testee with the chance to compose his own answer but in a guided way.

The testees may be asked to change a statement into a question, singular into plural , present simple into past , the active into the passive voice , etc.

Instructions :
Change the following statements into questions.

1. The play was very long.
_____________________ ?

2. She bought a new camera.
_____________________ ?

3. He lives inTesting Grammar /Usage
Grammar tests are intended to test grammatical structures of the foreign language.
In the earlier stages of language learning in the learners ability to recognize the basic grammatical patterns of the foreign language is tested . Only later should they be tested for real production.
Areas commonly tested include the followings.
1. Tenses of verbs
2. Verb form
3. Preposition
4. Quantifiers
5. Adverb of time
6. Question- tags
7. Pronouns
8. Question- words
9. Articles
10. Word order
11. Demonstrative
12. Auxiliaries
13. Possessives
14. Inflections
15. Conjunctions.
Techniques for testing grammar in the secondary school stage include the followings;






Multiple – choice completion
This is an efficient way to test grammar. The test item presents a sentence with a missing part, followed by four multiple-choice options for completing it. Here are sample areas that can be tested by the multiple choice completion techniques.
Instructions;
Circle the letter of the most suitable alternatives in the followings;
1. …………….. Sami s letter a week ago.
a. Had received b. receives c. received d. would received.
2. If I had enough money , I ………… a camera.
a. Would you have bought. b. had bought c. would buy d. bought.
3. Don t you remember that we……….. to cinema tonight?
a. Would go b. go c. will have gone b. are going.

4. They…………….. here since 1970.

a. Lived b. has been living c. have lived d. is living.

Verb Form;

1. Would you mind………… the sentence again, please.

a. To repeat b. repeat c. repeated d. repeating.

2. I saw the man……….. cross the street.
a. Is crossing b. was crossing c. crossing d. crosses.

3. I didn t ask you ………… to do it.
a. To volunteer b. volunteer c. volunteered d. volunteering.


Best Regards
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