Dictionary use during reading comprehension tests: An aid or a diversion

The purpose of this study is to examine students' use of dictionaries during reading comprehension exams, especially since their use during exams has come under critical reexamination. Thus, the main concern investigated by this study was: How does dictionary use during foreign language reading comprehension tests affect the time required and the test scores? Secondary questions include: Does the advantage/disadvantage of the use of a dictionary affect all students equally? In others words, are better students and less able students equally advantaged or hampered by using the dictionary during an exam? Some researchers contend the results of dictionary use show differentials depending on the student's ability and proficiency. The nature of the dictionary using process was analyzed by questionnaire and interview data and was correlated with classroom and task performance with and without a dictionary or a reading comprehension text. The results of this research may raise some relevant questions and give insights bearing possible practical implications for our understandings regarding dictionary use on standardized EFL exit level tests such as the Israeli bagrut.