Article published In: ITL - International Journal of Applied Linguistics
Vol. 135/136 (2002) ► pp.61–84
"Have I got it right?"
A look at examination questions
Published online: 1 January 2002
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.135-136.03leo
https://doi.org/10.1075/itl.135-136.03leo
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a survey-based study on the abilities of Singaporean students at a local university to interpret the writing tasks as set out in the instructional verbs of examination questions. The study seeks to determine the extent to which the task requirements of examination questions are clear to the students. The survey findings reveal general comprehension problems among the student respondents as regards the writing tasks demanded of them. Given these findings, this paper further discusses possible avenues of corrective action to help ensure that the underlying intentions of question-setters are uniformly interpreted by students.
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