THE WRITING OF MULTIPLE-CHOICE ITEMS FOR NORTHERN SOTHO (FIRST LANGUAGE)

Abstract

The examination of Northern Sotho by means of multiple-choice items can be regarded as in its infant stage as far as the actual compilation of such items is concerned. The aim of this paper is to guide teachers of Northern Sotho (first language) to become skillful compilers of this kind of objective achievement test. A well-compiled multiple-choice test constitutes an excellent way for testing achievement of various skills. The writing of such questions however requires much effort and practice from the compiler and is time consuming. Poorly constructed items unfortunately can result in a total breakdown in the evaluation of achieved knowledge. In the following paragraphs internationally accepted criteria for the compilation of multiple-choice items will be outlined with special reference to Northern Sotho. It will be attempted to guide the first-time compiler through the exciting but hazardous jungle of Northern Sotho language data. An attempt at trouble shooting existing tests consisting of multiple-choice items will be launched in a forthcoming edition.