Language Test Construction and Evaluation

by Alderson, J. Charles; Clapham, Caroline; Wall, Dianne

• ISBN13: 9780521478298
• ISBN10: 0521478294
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1995-07-01
• Publisher: Cambridge Univ Pr

Summary

Language Test Construction and Evaluation describes the process of language test construction clearly and comprehensively. Each chapter deals with one stage of the test construction process; from drafting initial test specifications, to reporting test scores, test validation and washback. In addition, current practice in the examining of English as a Foreign Language by different examining boards is reviewed in order to compare testing principles with present test practice. The focus is on the practical: it does not assume a statistical background but explains and demystifies the procedures and concepts that are relevant to the construction and evaluation of language tests. Language Test Construction and Evaluation will provide an invaluable reference for anyone who wishes to understand how language tests are, and should be, constructed.

Table of Contents

1

Origins and overview

2

Test specifications: the syllabus on which the test is based

3

Item writing, test assembly and test analysis

4

Trialling the draft test and test analysis

5

The training of examiners and test administrators

6

Monitoring examiner reliability

7 Reporting scores and setting pass marks

8

Post-test reports

9

Test validation

10

Developing and improving tests

11

Standards in language testing: THE STATE OF THE ART