Point to Point: TESTING LISTENING IN ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS

Page No.: 
102
Writer(s): 
Vivien Berry

In his paper, Testing Listening Comprehension in Japanese University
Entrance Examinations (JALT Journal 10[1 & 2], 15-42), Gary Buck defines
his purpose as twofold: first, to examine the major issues involved in
testing listening comprehension, and second, to stimulate discussion of the
issues amongst language teachers and testers. That he has succeeded in his
second purpose is evidenced by this response. As to this first purpose, he has
indeed presented a cogent and concise explication of current theoretical
views as to the nature of the listening process. I will,argue, however, that
despite his concern with the "washback" effect on classroom language
teaching, Buck's paper in fact puts the cart before the horse by not
addressing the most fundamental question of all: "What is the rationale
behind the English language component of Japanese university entrance
tests?"

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