Systemic Functional Analysis and Science Examinations

The challenges that are presented by a science examination question may be a true test of knowledge and ability or they may arise from the structure of the question itself. In the second case candidates may fail a question simply because they do not understand what they are being asked to do. Often it is difficult to determine why an incorrect or inappropriate answer is given. Is it because the candidate does not comprehend the science or is it because the candidate does not comprehend the question? Cognitive analyses of science examination questions show that many incorrect answers can be attributed to the expectations of the candidates. This being said, one should also consider the linguistic structures that are involved. Proficiency in a scientific subject requires a proficiency in the language by which this subject is communicated. Yet there are different levels of proficiency, and if the level of language does not match that of the subject then comprehension failure is inevitable. It follows that linguistic analysis should play a part in the evaluation of examination questions. Although there are many forms of linguistic analysis, one of the most effective is systemic functional analysis.