The "noise" test is a dictation of English sentences recorded on tape with accompanying background white noise; it is used to evaluate English proficiency. This study describes a revision to increase test validity. Technical aspects of recording, syntactic comparability of test items, and data on revised instrument performance are discussed. (CHK)

Examined the relationship between first- and second-language literacy by identifying the skills and processes developed in the first language that were transferred to the second language. Subjects were 40 students from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Australia. Found that people learning English as a second language transfer their literacy…

Analyzes second language oral proficiency interviews, including a case study and a contrastive discourse analysis. Findings indicate that the case study interviews are conducted according to a procedural script and that oral proficiency questions formulated for the other interviews are based on the interactional discourse characteristic of…

Discusses how to provide effective instruction for an increasingly diverse student population. Suggests teachers must consider the distinct differences among English language learners' academic backgrounds and academic language proficiencies. (Author/VWL)

Describes the first semester writing curriculum of a second-year university German course based on the proficiency guidelines of the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages. Notes that a traditional review grammar gives students practice with words and sentences while films provide a context for creative writing. (41 references)…

Introduces extensive reading as a way of improving students' attitudes and motivation toward English-as-a-Foreign-Language reading as well as improving their proficiency in reading and their English language ability. (Author/VWL)

Suggests that second language learners could benefit from being made aware of the semantic components that unify verbs that display a certain syntactic behavior and the semantic components that exclude other verbs from participating in this behavior. Findings of a study in which production and judgment data on the behavior of "change of state" and…

Tested the hypothesis that synchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC) can indirectly improve second language oral proficiency by developing the same cognitive mechanisms underlying spontaneous conversational speech. Findings show a significant difference between the experimental and control groups oral proficiency development with…

Examines the relationship between second language proficiency and pausing patterns in the speech of 30 Russian speakers of English performing two oral tasks--a topic narrative and a cartoon description--in Russian and in English. Findings support the view that adherence to the target language pausing norms may lead to the perception of nonnative…

Analysis of a dataset of 38,887 Spanish-speaking children aged 4-6 who took the Pre-Language Assessment Scales Espanol indicates serious concerns with test validity. The "non-non" label--nonverbal in both Spanish and English--may be an artifact of poor assessment. Policies requiring routine oral native-language assessment of…

Rathus Assertiveness Schedule, Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, The Inventory for Student Adjustment Strain, and UCLA Loneliness Scale were used to examine a total of 122 graduate international students. Findings indicate that English proficiency, assertiveness, and academic self-efficacy contributed uniquely to the variance in students' general…

Canadian postsecondary students (n=133) with moderate second-language competence took the Wonderlic Personnel Test with or without the standard time limit in English or French. Findings suggest that time accommodation can be applied to clients who are taking an intelligence test in their second language. (SLD)

Suggestions for incorporating oral proficiency activities into the Business French course are offered within the framework of a five-skills course. (VWL)

Discusses the unique problems of the intermediate year of language instruction in which material taught in the first year of college Spanish or in three years of the language in high school is assimilated. The discussion uses the experience of Queensborough Community College of New York City as an example. (three references) (GLR)

Based on current second-language acquisition theory and research, it is proposed that curriculum planning and teaching activities be guided by three issues: supplying students with optimum comprehensible input; providing interaction in real communicative contexts; and increasing motivation to seek additional input and interactive opportunities.…