Chapter 1:
Introduction to language testing
Source: Heaton, J.B. (1989).
Writing English Language Tests
.
Longman & New York
1. Testing & teaching
Testing & Teaching: closely related
Tests:
- devices to reinforce learning & motivate Ss
- means of assessing Ss’ lang. performance
Tests focusing on daily communication
useful effects on learning
Good communicative tests+ effects:
learning, teaching & learning habits
2. Why test?
Evaluating Ss’ performance (comp. &
selecting)
Locating the precise area of Ss’ difficulty
Ascertaining difficult problems in curriculum
Measuring Ss’ performance w/o traps
effective motivation
3. What should be tested & to
what standard?
Analyzing the language tested: important
Identifying the purpose of assessment:
including aspects /skills tested
Before constructing tests: to questions
standards
4. Testing the language skills
Listening: short utterances, dialogues, talks
& lectures
Speaking: interview, picture description, role
play, problem-solving tasks (pair/group)
Reading: ability to understand gist, key
information on specific points
Writing: letters, reports, messages……