What Makes the Gap between Advanced Level Class and Basic One? Analysis of English Dictation Tests

In this paper, an investigation was conducted to find whether or not fill-in-the-blank type English dictation tests could be used to measure students' English general ability by comparing scores of the TOEIC-IP test. In addition, the disadvantages of students filling in blanks on dictation tests in which they listen to English at natural speed were also examined. Substantiated evidence from data analysis results of dictation tests in advanced level classes correlated strongly with student scores of the TOEIC-IP test. These results suggest that dictation tests can be used to measure students' general English ability at the advanced level. Results also clarified weaknesses of students when filling in blanks during dictation tests are commonly irrespective of their English levels. It was also verified that the gap between advanced level English classes and basic level classes derived from the different learning levels of vocabulary, guessing skill, weak sound and mutation (t->r). In conclusion, when teaching classes especially at the basic level, it is extremely important for teachers to design lesson plans and assign homework on the basis of empirical test analysis for students to overcome these weaknesses.