A Comparability Study Of TEM4 And TOEFL Listening Comprehension Sub-tests

The present study attempts to compare the two listening comprehension sub-tests, TEM4 and TOEFL, as to whether they measure a similar English listening proficiency and as to which one requires a higher level of communicative language ability. Other possible findings are expected to obtain which facilitate our classroom teaching and learning of English listening comprehension as well as listening testing.Theoretical background in the present study is Bachman's framework of CLA and TFM. This framework has been defined as both the abilities we wish to measure and the means by which we observe and measure these abilities. It is even viewed as a useful instrument to compare language tests.Experiment and questionnaire survey were conducted to provide answers to the research questions. Research instruments are two newly-published authentic listening sub-test papers, TEM4 and TOEFL as well as two questionnaires. Subjects are 140 college students majoring in English and 92 in Science and Engineering. Data comparisons indicate a relatively high complexity of TOEFL listening sub-test, which requires a higher level of communicative language ability. Findings also show that both groups of subjects are dependent upon question preview, which they believe causes troubles taking TOEFL listening sub-test and does not accord with authentic communication. However, TEM4 listening sub-test is more reliable than its counterparts. In addition, the test content analysis was made and then findings proved the above conclusions.Finally the author suggests that stems in TEM4 listening sub-test printed on the test book should be removed so as to make test takers unable to preview questions, which will bring about beneficial backwash effects on teaching of listening comprehension and be conducive to improving students' listening proficiency.The present study is of both pedagogical and practical significance for teaching and testing of English listening as well as for those people involved.