The Computer-Adaptive Test for Reading Chinese (CATRC)

General Information

The Computer-Adaptive Test for Reading Chinese (CATRC) was first developed in 1990-1993 with a grant from the United States Department of Education. The expanded version (CATRC98) was done at the University of Hawaii with support from the NFLRC. It is a prototype computer-adaptive test using HyperCard on Macintosh computers.

The purpose of CATRC is to evaluate a person's reading proficiency in Chinese. The computer displays one test item at a time on the computer screen. Every time the test taker answers a question, the computer will calculate the score and decide whether the next question should be harder or easier. The test ends when the computer finds an appropriate reading proficiency level for the test taker, and gives a rating based on the ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) Proficiency Guidelines. All test items are based on authentic Chinese language materials from Taiwan, China and the United States gathered by the test development committee. Since this is an experimental test, it is advised that the test results be used for reference only. If either the test giver or the test taker has doubt about the rating, the test can be given again to see if the test taker's performance is consistent.

The test was designed by Tao-chung (Ted) Yao of the University of Hawaii, and the test items were written by Ted Yao, Richard Chi of the University of Utah, and Cynthia Ning of the University of Hawaii. The computer program was written by Ted Yao with the assistance of Kim Smith of Brigham Young University and David Herren of Middlebury College. The new test items in CATRC98 were written by Sylvia Sun, Xinhua Wu and Lanhsin Chang of the University of Hawaii.

Format

At the beginning of the test, the computer will ask the test taker to answer some background questions, beginning by asking the test taker to type in his/her name. This is the only time at which the test taker needs to use the keyboard. After that, the test taker only needs to use the mouse to answer questions. If the test taker has never used a mouse before, it is advised that s/he practice using it before taking the test. The test begins with a couple of warm-up questions followed by the real test. Each test item consists of a written text in Chinese and four possible answers in English. To answer a question, the test taker simply locates the correct answer among the four choices and clicks on it. Depending on the original source, a text might appear in either Traditional characters or Simplified characters, except for those questions at the lower levels (Novice Low to Intermediate Mid), in which all texts appear in both Traditional and Simplified forms.

Test Time

Based on the test taker's proficiency level, this test can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Download Instructions

Step One

Print two copies of the Agreement between the Developer and the User (Test Center).
Use either one of the following formats: HTML format or PDF format.

Step Two

Sign two copies of the Agreement between the Developer and the User (Test Center). Mail both copies of the Agreement with a self-addressed envelope to Tao-chung (Ted) Yao, 388 Moore Hall, 1890 East-West Road, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822.

Step Three

The password for downloading the testing program will be emailed to you upon receipt of the signed agreement.

Step Four