Abstract:
The purpose of this survey was to analyze teacher- made English language final exam items of
four general elementary schools in Debark town. In order to meet the purposes of the study,5
grade 8 English language sample exams one model and four first semester final exams were used
(see Appendixes), English language teachers who were teaching grade 8 in the selected schools
were used as sources of data. So as to get crucial data for the study, first the sample exam
papers were collected and analyzed using some criteria (see Appendix). In addition, structured
interview was employed for 6 English language teachers in the sample schools. After the data
were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively, it was found out that there were big problems in
mechanics, setting good distracters, asking language use and using correct structure. As a
result, the analysis indicates that the exam items were not designed in way that measure the
students’ skill and knowledge. Teachers’ poor ability in the language, limited skill in preparing
test items and lack of resources were found to be challenges for not setting appropriate test
items. Finally, it was recommended that training on test items preparation should be given to
teachers
