Table of Contents

Preface
Author's preface
section 1
Survey
1 Testing, testing . . . What is a language test?
Understanding language testing
Types of test
Test purpose
The criterion
The test-criterion relationship
Conclusion
2 Communication and the design of language tests
Discrete point tests
Integrative and pragmatic tests
Communicative language tests
Models of communicative ability
Conclusion
3 The testing cycle
Understanding the constraints
Test content
Test method
Authenticity of response
Fixed and constructed response formats
Test specifications
Test trials
Conclusion
4 The rating process
Establishing a rating procedure
The problem with raters
Establishing a framework for making judgements
Rating scales
Holistic and analytic ratings
Rater training
Conclusion
5 Validity: testing the test
Threats to test validity
Test content
Test method and test construct
The impact of tests
Conclusion
6 Measurement
Introduction
Measurement
Quality control for raters
Investigating the properties of individual test items
Norm-referenced and criterion-referenced measurement
New approaches to measurement
Conclusion
7 The social character of language tests
Introduction
The institutional character of assessment
Assessment and social policy
Assessment and educational policy
The social responsibility of the language tester
Ethical language testing
Accountability
Washback
Test impact
Codes of professional ethics for language testers
Critical language testing
Conclusion
8 New directions-and dilemmas?
Computers and language testing
Technology and the testing of speaking
Dilemmas: whose performance?
section 2
Readings
section 3
References
section 4
Glossary

Promotional Information

Examines issues such as test design, the rating process, validity, measurement, and the social dimension of language testing. By Tim McNamara. Part of the Oxford Introductions to Language Study series.

Reviews

`'... provides with clarity and concision all the teacher or trainee will need to know in this area.''
EL Gazette
`'Handy, pocket-sized brief survey for readers new to the subject containing an up-to-date overview, short readings and study questions, references and glossary.''
The Teacher Trainer