i came across the sentence in my textbook, language competence is so global and requires such integration (hence the term “integrative” testing) that it cannot be captured in additive tests of grammar and reading and vocabulary and other discrete points of language. ,but i don‘t understand what are additive tests here. who can explain it for me?
Well the basic Additive test simply means a way of scientifically testing to find traces a unwanted substance that are mostly harmful to the body. These substance may have been taken continuously by the person. ADDITIVE TEST require test samples like hair strands, urine, blood e.t.c. Which are used to find out the type of substance taken by the individual. It is mostly known for Drugs test.
This isn't a science question, so the above answer on chemical additives is out of context. What you're asking is a question about language. Basically, the statement is saying is that the ability to effectively communicate requires the communicator to be able to use a range of knowledge, and that simply knowing grammar, or vocabulary, or sentence structure (individual aspects of language) does not guarantee effective communication. If you add up the knowledge in each test, you won't necessarily be competent in getting your idea across. For instance, say you wanted to teach a class on a subject, in English. If you are an English speaker, and you memorize the technical jargon associated w/ your subject matter, but have no experience working w/ the subject, you will fail as a teacher. Even though you have all the individual aspects mastered, you will not be able to effectively communicate your subject matter because you have no context of how what you've memorized fits together. Simply being able to repeat words does not make your ability to communicate effective.
