Analyzing the Thinking Skills of the Jordanian GSCE’s EFL Reading Comprehension Test Items

Abstract

This study investigated the thinking skills represented on the test items English questions of the Jordanian Secondary Certificate Examinations. The study was conducted by analyzing 260 reading questions of the Jordanian GSCE examinations. The questions were analyzed using the cognitive level of Bloom’s Taxonomy. It was found that most question items were dominated by lower-level thinking skills, mainly knowledge and comprehension. It was also found that two higher-order levels were not represented at in the reading section of the examinations. As a result, the study recommended that the thinking levels should be taken into consideration when exams are written. It is also suggest that exam writers be trained on the thinking skills exam questions represent.

Keywords:  Thinking skills, Bloom’s Taxonomy, reading comprehension test, Assessment

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-18-08

Publication date:June 30th 2020