Integrative Testing of Listening

Abstract

In integrative forms of testing, language competence is assumed to be a unitary ability, not a multifactorial or divisible unit. Consequently, the assessment of language ability is not accomplished by assessing the knowledge of discrete points or the use of language elements in isolation, but is realized by assessing the use of those elements interactively. Integrative tests of listening therefore require that test takers employ various sources of knowledge and forms of processing (e.g., linguistic, semantic, and pragmatic) if they are to complete test tasks successfully. These tests come in different forms, for instance as cloze tests and comprehension questions in independent listening tests, or as integrated listening tasks in which listening comprehension forms the basis for language production (i.e., for speaking and writing).