Examining Speaking: Research and Practice in Assessing Second Language Speaking

by Edited by Lynda Taylor

• ISBN13: 9780521736701
• ISBN10: 0521736706
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-09-30
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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Summary

This edited volume develops a theoretical framework for validating tests of second language ability. The chapter authors show how an understanding and analysis of the framework and its components can assist test developers to operationalise their tests more effectively, especially in relation to the key criteria that differentiate one proficiency level from another. The book provides an up-to-date review of the relevant literature on assessing speaking, an accessible and systematic description of the different proficiency levels in second language speaking and a comprehensive and coherent basis for validating tests of speaking. It will be of considerable interest to examination boards who wish to validate their own speaking tests in a systematic and coherent manner, as well as to academic researchers and graduate students in the field of language assessment more generally.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations	p. vi
Series Editors' note	p. ix
Acknowledgements	p. xvi
Notes on contributors	p. xviii
Introduction	p. 1
Test taker characteristics	p. 36
Cognitive validity	p. 65
Context validity	p. 112
Scoring validity	p. 171
Consequential validity	p. 234
Criterion-related validity	p. 259
Conclusions and recommendations	p. 293
Appendices
Sample Speaking tasks at five levels	p. 314
Candidate Information Sheet (CIS)	p. 327
Standard procedures for the production of Speaking test material	p. 329
Administrative setting and management of the Speaking tests	p. 336
ESOL Staff Induction Worksheet on the CEFR	p. 347
References	p. 349
Author index	p. 376
Subject index	p. 381
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