Definition of Test

A.      Definition of test

Test is one of instrument which is use as an evaluation tool to get an information about the ability of students understanding in material comprehension and many other aspects. Oermann (2009:8) stated that “Tests are used frequently as an assessment strategy”. They can be used to assess students’ knowledge and skills prior to instruction, which enables the teacher to gear instruction to the learners’ needs.” Cronbach (dalam Azwar, 2005) explained test as “a systematic procedure for observing a person’s behaviour and describing it with the aid of a numerical scale or category system.”

Based on the definition above, we can conclude that test is an instrument to measure the result of learning process of the students and as a reference to planning the learning process to be better.

B.      Kind of tests

Test can be divided into some parts. According to Heaton (1998) divided the test into four parts:

a.       Achievement test

b.       Proficiency test

c.        Aptitude test

d.       Diagnostic test

C. 

Then in 2004, Brown added a placement test (Placement Test) as part of the kinds of tests that have been put forward previously by Heaton. Later described by Oermann (2009: 9) to classify and provide students into appropriate place or programs study which appropriate with them, teacher must be used placement test as a based instrument.

In the field of psychology, tests are divided into four types, namely:

1.       The general intelligence test, namely a test to measure the ability of the common person.

2.       Special ability test, namely a test to measure the potential ability in certain areas.

3.       Achievement test, namely a test to measure the actual ability as a result of learning.

4.       Personality test, which is to measure one's personal characteristics.

Based on the number of learners, the test is divided into two Zainal (2009: 118), namely:

1.       The test group, the tests are held in groups. Teachers will meet with a group of learners.

2.       Individual test, a test that is done individually. Teachers will be faced with a learner.

Based on how the preparation is divided into two, namely:

1.       Teacher-made test, a test that compiled by the teachers who will use the tests. This teacher-made tests can be divided into two, namely:

a.       Subjective tests, which test the progress of learning that require answers that are discussing or describing words such as: describe, explain, why, how, compare, summarize, and so on.

b.       Tes objektif, Objective test is a questioning form which has a single correct answer. Objective question types include true/false answers, multiple choice, multiple-response and matching questions. Objective assessment is well suited to the increasingly popular computerized or online assessment format.

2.       Standardized test, Standardized test, a test that already have a degree of validity and reliability were high based on experiments on samples large enough and representative.

In terms of time allowed to complete the test, can be divided into two categories, namely:

1.       Power test, a test in which the time allowed to complete the test is not restricted.

2.       Speed test, a test in which the time allowed to complete the test are limited.

In terms of asking questions and giving answers, the test can be divided into three categories, namely:

1.       Written test (pencil and paper test), the type of test where the tester in question filed grains or because be in writing and provide the answer as well tester in writing. The written test is divided into two, namely:

a.       Formal written tests, the tests organized by the official committee appointed by the government or related agencies.

b.       Non-formal written test, a test that applies for a particular purpose, are carried out directly by the executor in informal situations.

2.       Oral test (non pencil and paper test), which is a test where the tester in asking the questions orally, and participants gave a verbal answer anyway.

3.       Practice tests (Practical Test) is a test that demands answers learners in the form of the behaviour, actions, or actions.