TASK 14 -- Communicative approach

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Date Posted: 19:35:40 08/06/03 Wed
Author: Marcos Manso
Subject: TASK 14

Testing Communicative Competence

We can test communicative competence by focusing more on the ability of the learner in using the language appropriately, both receptively and productively, than simply testing his/her knowledge about the language, such as grammar and vocabulary. It is not that we should discard one way of testing in detriment of the other, but putting more emphasis on the first rather than on the latter.

For example, more than just testing whether the students can form correct sentences we should also test, and be more concerned about, if they can use those sentences appropriately in one or different contexts and in real life situations.

Appropriateness is the key word for testing productive skills and comprehension for testing receptive skills. It is more important to test if students understand what the speaker wants to say and respond appropriately, even committing a few mistakes than just testing whether they can produce perfect sentences, but out of context or not fit to the situation.

Sometimes, answers in a give test cannot be considered either right or wrong for this is what it is like in real life.

Instead of testing only one skill (e.g., listening) it is more adequate to test two skills at the same time (listening and speaking altogether) for this is closer to real life situations. To exemplify, when testing reading comprehension students can not only answer comprehension questions but also express orally or in written form their reactions to the text presented, comment on their perceptions of the author�s tone or intent, the kind of text that is, and so on.

While purpose is very important, other aspects should be tested such as cultural and social aspects which will also reflects the learner ability of using the language in the right social and cultural context. In order to provide learners with an ideal syllabus, all elements and aspects of real life should be approached so that they can be later tested on these skills and show their competence in real communication.

Marcos Manso

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Replies:

Re: TASK 14 -- Vera, 08:07:44 08/07/03 Thu
- Re: TASK 14 -- Marcos Manso, 05:36:45 08/08/03 Fri