Language Testing & Validation: Evidence-Based Approach, An

Description: Tests for the measurement of language abilities must be constructed according to a coherent validity framework based on the latest developments in theory and practice. This innovative book, by a world authority on language testing, deals with all key aspects of language test design and implementation. It provides a road map to effective testing based on the latest approaches to test validation. A book for all MA students in Applied Linguistics or TESOL, and for professional language teachers.

Author Biographies:
CYRIL WEIR is Professor in English Language Teaching at the University of Surrey, Roehampton, and Director of the Centre for Research in Testing Evaluation and Curriculum in ELT. He has taught and provided consultancy in language testing, evaluation and curriculum renewal in over fifty countries worldwide. He has published widely in the fields of testing and evaluation. His books include Communicative Language Testing and Understanding and Developing Language Tests. Also as Co-Author, Reading in a Second Language and Evaluation in ELT. He is on the editorial board of Language Assessment Quarterly.

Contents: PART 1: TESTING AS VALIDITY EVIDENCE
Introduction
Language Testing Past and Present
The Nature of Test Validity
Before the Test Event
After the Test Event
PART 2: NEW FRAMEWORKS FOR DEVELOPING AND VALIDATING TESTS OF READING, LISTENING, SPEAKING AND WRITING
Test Takers
Context Validity in Action
Theory Based Validity in Action
Response Formats
Scoring Validity in Action
External Validity in Action
PART 3: GENERATING VALIDITY EVIDENCE
Research Methodologies for Exploring the Validity of a Test
PART 4: FURTHER RESOURCES IN LANGUAGE TESTING
Key Sources
References
Index