Longman Tests in Context 2. [antikvár]

INTRODmiON This series of three booics contains topic-based tests, each test dealing with one comnnon topic or theme. The tests can thus be used in conjunction with specific topics which are taught or which arise from the course worl<. Alternatively, the tests can be used on their own, thereby forming a topic-based syllabus. The tests will be found most suitable for use at the following levels: English taught as a foreign language Book 1 Elementary level Book 2 Lower intermediate level Book 3 Intermediate level English taught as a second language Lower elementary level Upper elementary level Lower intermediate level All the tests consist of objective items, and thus teachers should experience little difficulty in marking the tests and in adopting suitable marking schemes. This also helps to increase the reliability of each test. However, teachers are reminded that they should complement all objective testing by such subjective tests as oral activities and free-writing. Like all classroom tests, these tests are most useful when they are closely related to the teaching which takes place prior to their use and in follow-up work. Consequently, the tests function best as progress tests for use in the classroom rather than as selection or proficiency tests. The tests can be given regularly (e.g. once every week or fortnight) and can be used to focus students' attention on specific topics and areas of language. Used informally in this way, the tests will serve both to reinforce learning and to motivate students. Each test uses realia wherever possible, thus constantly reminding students that they are performing real tasks in English and that English is a living language, used as a means of communication in the daily lives of ordinary people. However, the language level of the students using the book has been taken into account at all times and an attempt has been made to avoid cultural bias as much as possible. For learners of English living in Britain and in countries where English is used as a first or second language, the use of realia reflects those tasks which students will be called upon to perform in real life. In all cases, the tests will make the learning of English seem more relevant to students. All the tests have been carefully graded, following both a structural and a functional/notional syllabus. Moreover, since the tests highlight important and useful topic areas, they can be used to supplement any syllabus, whether the syllabus is based on topics, functions or grammar. Each book contains a brief guide for teachers, indicating suitable preparation and teaching for each test. However, it must be emphasised that the books are also useful for work on a self-access basis by students learning English on their own. Answers to all the test questions are given in a detachable key included in the book. Furthermore, there are blanks in the marking scheme for entering the student's score for each question. In this way students can follow their progress as they work through the tests.