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The Performance of Non-Native Speakers of English on TOEFL and Verbal Aptitude Tests GRE GREB SAT TOEFL TSWE

Author(s):
Angelis, Paul J.; Cowell, William R.; Swinton, Spencer S.
Publication Year:
1979
Report Number:
RR-79-07
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
47
Subject/Key Words:
College Board, Graduate Record Examinations Board, Aptitude Tests, English Tests, Foreign Language Tests, Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Scores, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Test of Standard Written English (TSWE), Verbal Ability

Abstract

The performance of two groups of non-native English speakers on the Test of English as a Foreign Language™ (TOEFL®) and an appropriate verbal aptitude test was examined. One group of graduate applicants took both TOEFL and the verbal section of the Aptitude Test of the Graduate Record Examinations® (GRE®). Another group of undergraduate applicants took TOEFL, the verbal section of the College Board® Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT®), and the Test of Standard Written English (TSWE). Data are presented showing how native and non-native speakers compare on each set of tests. Information is also provided to aid in interpreting test results for non-native speakers who have taken both types of tests. The appendix to the report summarizes item reviews, by specialists in English as a second language, which suggest future directions for TOEFL test development.

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