International Journal of English Language and Translation Studies (Jan 2020)
The Relationship between Course Materials and Test Formats for Students of English Translation in Iran
Abstract
College students are always wondering if there is any relationship between the types of course materials introduced by teachers and the test formats they give. By knowing the existence or non-existence of such a relationship, they can be prepared better for a test and it may reduce their test anxiety. In this study, two universities that offer "English translation" programs at the B.A. level in Iran were randomly selected and examined. Here, the researcher looked at the kinds of materials for 47 courses in Mofid University (introduced by 15 teachers) and 42 courses in University of Kashan, then at the test formats used to assess the knowledge or skill of the students. After comparing the materials with the tests given, it was found that approximately 83 percent of tests in University of Kashan and 89 percent of them in Mofid University were of written form (essay type, multiple choice, etc.) and we came to the conclusion that there was no relationship between course materials and test formats for the students majoring in English translation. Rather, apart from teachers’ preferences, it was the nature of the courses that decided the type of questions and led to different types and formats of tests.
