The development of an oral language test for the measurement of second-language skills for English

The present study resulted from a need to develop an oral and realistic test of the English langage skills of Mexican- American bilingual women. It consisted of nine realistic situations commonly found difficult by new bilinguals. The Ss were given directions and asked to participate in skit-like situations requiring them to communicate prescribed questions, thoughts or requests. Fourteen scales were incorporated in the test to measure syntactic complexity (T-units), syntactic or lexical versatility, ratings of success and clarity of pro- nounciation, richness of vocabulary (type/token ratios), total verbal production and comprehension. In addition, six validity scales were employed in the form of four-point ratings (of speaking, listening and general English language competence) provided by those well-acquainted with the Ss as well as the Ss themselves. The results seemed to show that with the exception of the type/token ratios, this is a valid, useful technique for the measurement of secon-language skills for English.