THE LANGUAGE SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT

Cresencio Torres

Part One

Instructions: This instrument contains three parts. Part One consists of five sets of three paragraphs each. For each set, select the one paragraph that is easiest for you to read. Do not be concerned with the actual content of the paragraph, merely with how you respond to it compared to the other paragraphs in the set. Read all three paragraphs and then make your selection, but do not deliberate too long; your first response generally is best. Indicate the letter of the paragraph that you have selected on your answer sheet by circling the appropriate letter (A. B, or C) for each set.

You have five (5) minutes in which to complete the entire instrument.

1.

  1. The tinkle of the wind chimes tells me that the breeze is still rustling outside. In the distance, I can hear the whistle of the train.
  2. I can see the rows of flowers in the yard, their colors shining and fading in the sunlight and shadows, their petals waving in the breeze.
  3.   As I ran, I could feel the breeze on my back. My feet pounded along the path. The blood raced through my veins, and I felt very alert.

2.  

  1. I like to be warm. On a cold night, I like to relax by a warm fire in a comfortable room with a cup of smooth, warm cocoa and a fuzzy blanket.
  2. The child talked into the toy telephone as though he were calling a friend. Listening to the quiet conversation, I could almost hear the echoes of another child, long ago.
  3. The view was magnificent. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. The panorama of the green countryside stretched out clearly below us in the bright, sparkling sun.

3.                    

  1. They appeared to be surprised when they noticed that there were other people on the beach. The amazement on their faces turned to eagerness as they looked as though they knew many of the people on the sand.
  2.   I was helped up and supported until I felt my strength coming back. The tingling sensation that ran up and down my legs--especially in my calves--was stronger after I stood up, and my body was extremely warm.
  3. People will express themselves more verbally if they can talk about their interests or assets. You can hear the increased enthusiasm in their conversations, and they usually become more fluent.

4.        

  1. The feedback that the speaker received was an indication that she was communicating more effectively. The people in the audience seemed to be in tune with what she was talking about.
  2. I want to understand how people feel in their inner worlds, to accept them as they am, to create an atmosphere in which they feel free to think and feel and be anything they desire.
  3. Children watch  adults. They notice more than we realize. You can see this if you observe them at play. They mimic the behavior of the grown-ups they see.

5.        

  1. Creative, artistic people have an eye for beauty. They see patterns and forms that other people do not notice. They respond to the colors around them, and their visual surroundings can affect their moods.
  2. They heard the music as if for the first time. Each change of tone and tempo caught their ears. The sounds soared throughout the room, while the rhythms echoed in their heads.
  3. Everybody was stirred by the deep emotions generated   by the interaction. Some felt subdued and experienced it quietly. Others were stimulated and excited. They all felt alert to each new sensation.

Part Two

Instructions: This part consists often (10) sets of items. Each item includes three lists (sets) or words. Foreach item, circle the letter  (A, B or C) of the set of words that is easiest for you to read. Do not focus on the meaning of the words. Try to work quickly.

6.
  1. Witness

Look

      See
  1. Interview

Listen

      Hear
  1. Sensation

Touch

      Feel

7.
  1. Stir

Sensitive

      Hustle
  1. Watch

Scope

      Pinpoint
  1. Squeal

Remark

      Discuss

8.
  1. Proclaim

      Mention

      Acoustic
  1. Texture

      Handle

      Tactile
  1. Exhibit

      Inspect

      Vista

9.
  1. Scrutinize

      Focus

      Scene
  1. Articulate

      Hearken

      Tone
  1. Exhilarate

      Support

      Grip

10.
  1. Ringing

      Hearsay

      Drumbeat
  1. Movement

      Heat

      Rushing
  1. Glitter

      Mirror

      Outlook

11.
  1. Dream

      Glow

      Illusion
  1. Listen

      Quiet

      Silence
  1. Motion

      Soft

      Tender

12.
  1. Upbeat

      Listen

      Record
  1. Firm

      Hold

      Concrete
  1. Bright

      Appear

      Picture

13.
  1. Feeling

      Lukewarm

      Muscle
  1. Hindsight

      Purple

      Book
  1. Hearsay

      Audible

      Horn

14.
  1. Show

      Observant

      Glimpse
  1. Tempo

Articulate

      Sonar
  1. Move

      Powerful

      Reflex

15.
  1. Purring

      Overhear

      Melody
  1. Smooth

      Grasp

      Relaxed
  1. Glowing

      Lookout

      Vision

Part Three

This part consists of ten sets of three short phrases each. In each set, circle the letter (A. B, or C) of the phrase that you find easiest to read. Try to complete this task in the time remaining.

16.

A. An eyeful

B. An earful

C. A handful

17.

A. Lend me an ear

B. Give him a hand

C. Keep an eye out

18.

A. Hand in hand

B. Eye to eye

C. Word for word

19.

A. Get the picture

B. Hear the word

C. Come to grips with

20.

A. The thrill of the chase

B. A flash of lightning

C. The roll of thunder

21.

A. Outspoken

B. Underhanded

C. Shortsighted

22.

A. I see

B. I hear you

C. I get it

23.

A. Hang in there

B. BirdŐs eye view

C. Rings true

24.

A. Clear as a bell

B. Smooth as silk

C. Bright as Day

25.

A. Look here

B. Listen up

C. Catch this

Language System Diagnostic Instrument
Scoring and Interpretation Sheet

Name__________________________

Instructions:

1.      Transfer your responses from the LSDI to this score sheet by circling the letter you choose for each of the numbered items

Part

No.

Column I

Column II

Column III

1

1

A

B

C

1

2

B

C

A

1

3

C

A

B

1

4

A

C

B

1

5

B

A

C

2

6

B

A

C

2

7

C

B

A

2

8

A

C

B

2

9

B

A

C

2

10

A

C

B

2

11

B

A

C

2

12

A

C

B

2

 13

C

B

A

2

14

B

A

C

2

15

A

C

B

2

16

B

A

C

3

17

A

C

B

3

18

C

B

A

3

19

B

A

C

3

20

C

B

A

3

21

A

C

B

3

22

B

A

C

3

23

C

B

A

3

24

A

C

B

3

25

B

A

C

TOTALS

  

I__________

II__________

III_________

2. Now, total the letters circles in each vertical column. Place these scores from Columns I, II,  and  III  in the box below

Column I

_________

x 4 =

_______________________(Actual Score)

Column II

_________

x 4 =

_______________________(Actual Score)

Column III

________

x 4 =

_______________________(Actual Score)

3. Multiply each of the column scores by 4. this will give you actual scores.

4. Chart your actual scores on the graph below by coloring in the space that represents your actual score in each of the three columns.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Column I
Auditory

                    

Column II
Visual

                    

Column III
Kinesthetic

                    

5. Your highest score indicates the primary mode that you use to interpret and communicate with the world around you. You probably use this mode (auditory, visual, or kinesthetic) the most, particularly when you are problem solving or in stressful situations.

Your second-highest (middle) score indicates your secondary mode, which you likely use in everyday conversation, in combination with your primary mode.

Your lowest score indicates your tertiary mode, which you may not use as much as the other two or at all in your normal conversation. In fact, it often remains at the unconscious level.

These three modes of perceiving and talking about one's experiences are called "language representational systems." A visual person is likely to say "I see" or "That looks right." An auditory person is likely to say "I hear you" or "That sounds right," A kinesthetic person is more likely to say "I've got it" or "That feels right." The Items that you selected on this instrument reflected these three systems or ways of describing experiences.

Each individual seems to be most comfortable in using one or two of these systems. Some people believe, however, that if an individual could learn to communicate in all three modes, or systems, he or she could establish more rapport and trust with people whose primary systems differ from his or her own. Increased ability to communicate in all three systems thus might lead to increased effectiveness in communication

Study Notes/Suggestions for Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic Learners

Visual Style

  • Use of highlighters
  • Near memorization of chapter/notes
  • Recopy notes in colors
  • Visually organize or reorganize notes using columns, categories, outline forms, etc
  • Remember where information was located in visual field
  • Create timelines, models, charts, grids, etc.
  •   Write or rewrite facts, formulas, notes on wall hanging, bedsheet, large poster for visual review at any time
  •  Facts, formulas, notes in index cards arranged and rearranged on wall, bulletin board, floor, bed
  • Use of color-coded markers or cards for previous two above
  • Use of visual mnemonics
  • V/video supplements important for understanding or remembering
    Use of "background" visual activity helps you to concentrate

Auditory Style

  • Prefer to listen without taking notes
  • Prefer group discussion and/or study groups
  • Need to discuss concepts/facts/aspects with friend immediately after new learning
  • Frequently does homework with friend(s) via telephone - seems to understand better and retain more
  • Tape records lesson or notes for re-listening later
  • Must say facts/formulas/information over and over to retain
  • Simultaneous talking-walking studying
  • Set information to rhyme, rhythm, or music to aid retention
  • Aural Mnemonics
  • Remember where information was located in auditory field (frequently tagged to "who said that?")
  • Use of different voices to study (like creating a script, or acting out a play)
    TV/video/radio supplements useful for obtaining information
  • Use of background music helps you to concentrate
  • Prefer quiet study environment

Kinesthetic Style

  • Copy notes over and over, apparently to make them neat or organized
  • Must use white-out or start new page after several mistakes
  • Prefers to take notes during lesson as an aid to concentration
  • Must take notes, even when detailed outline is distributed
  • Doodles while studying
  • Must move about when studying
  • Alternates sitting still and moving during homework/studying
  • Simultaneous talking-walking, talking-exercising study, or walking-reading study
  • Sometimes does all of previous two in one study session
  • Move hands or feet for rhythm emphasis while studying
  • Make charts, grids, timelines, diagrams (usually several times)
  • Trace key words with finger, marker, hand
  • Re-enact situations while studying
  • Constructs things while studying (house of cards, blocks, etc.)
  • Prefers learning by doing
  • Frequently takes things apart, or "tinkers with things" for understanding
  • Prefers on-site visits for understanding