The Effect of Three Test Methods on Reading Comprehension: An Experiment

Abstract

This study carries out an experiment to find out the effect of three test methods—multiple-choice questions, gap filling and short answer questions—on reading comprehension. It is found that the three test methods have a significant effect on reading comprehension, gap filling is the most difficult, while multiple-choice questions and short answer questions are easier. Both the low-proficient and high-proficient students are affected by test method, there is no interaction effect. It is also found that it takes the longest time to complete short answer questions and the shortest time to complete multiple-choice questions.