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b. CAPE Level

Subject Issue in 2017 Recommendations

Applied It is not necessary to have Statistical Since Unit 1 is statistical in
Mathematics component (module 2) in Unit 2. nature, this component can
easily be removed from
module 2 in Unit 2
Economics The removal of options from the The syllabi must either be
examination made it difficult for students narrowed so that total
to demonstrate how much of the syllabus mastery of everything
they have actually mastered. Even at the becomes realistic or there
level of an external examination Testing should be options, possibly
should be a measure of the extent of controlled options that allow
student knowledge and skill and should for a broad testing of syllabi
never primarily capture what students do material and objectives.
not know or are unlikely to master in the
given time period.
Proposed It is rumored that a new CAPE ML Paper 1: the variety of
PAPER 1, issue...the introduction of MC in the 2018 methods used to solicit a
FRENCH & exam. No official notice has been received short response is more valid
SPANISH by MOE, Trinidad, we heard from other and should continue as stated
territories...and no sample papers sent. in the syllabus. They test
In foreign languages, such a move would candidate’s comprehension in
go against the aims of the syllabus to a variety of ways. MCQs
“enable students to communicate clearly offer no additional benefit nor
and appropriately”, to “understand and does it adequately substitute
respond to authentic spoken language”. for current assessment
MC items limit student’s expression of structures
language, they are forced to focus on
translating skills. In an authentic situation,
they must be more comprehensive of
language and contexts. The techniques
involved in MC of guessing and
elimination do not support comprehension.
Literatures In Multiple Choice items are not appropriate Structured questions would
English for Literatures at this level. Some be a better alternative.
questions lacked depth. The examination
did not necessarily meet the objectives of
the syllabus.
Natural Detailed comments for Biology, Chemistry
Science and Physics are provided in Appendices
#6, 7 and 8 respectively

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