Answer: 1) Formative assessment is carried out during the learning process while summative assessment is carried out at the end of a semester; the aim of formative assessment is to examine the application of the knowledge while summative assessment is to assess how well the objectives of teaching and learning are achieved after a comparatively complete teaching stage; formative assessment focuses on students’ learning behaviour and ability development while summative assessment focuses on the teaching objective achievement. 2) Activities of formative assessment: evaluative tests, rating scale, classroom observation, learning documentation and portfolio; activities of summative assessment: mid-term exam, final exam, portfolio, elaboration, performance and poster-making. 3) Formative assessment can help teachers have certain idea of students’ development of language competence, emotional attitudes, and awareness of culture and strategy through their accomplishment of real tasks.