Language Testing Science and Art

Author: Li Xiaoju
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-05-01
Features: This book is based on actual classroom teaching materials, organized, improved, and systematized. It is suitable as a textbook for master's and doctoral students in higher education institutions, as well as for in-service training for teachers in middle and high schools. It can also serve as a self-study book for other readers. Each chapter includes exercises and discussion questions, with some exercises providing reference answers. Additionally, it can be used as a work manual for language test developers (especially item writers). Many of the materials inside are effective tools used in training item writers over the years. It also summarizes principles, requirements, and techniques derived from 16 years of practical test design and item writing experience. At the same time, it can also serve as a reference for those studying language test theory. The book consists of eleven chapters. The first chapter traces the history of language testing, while the last chapter looks ahead to the future of language testing. The nine chapters in between discuss modern language testing. One chapter (Chapter 2) explains the theory of modern language testing. Three chapters (Chapters 3, 4, and 5) cover the establishment and procedures of testing. Then, five chapters explain the development of various types of test items. The sixth chapter first classifies test items and types. The seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth chapters discuss the development of four types of test items: discrete-point items (e.g., grammar or vocabulary fill-in-the-blank tests), integrated tasks (e.g., cloze tests), receptive skills (reading and listening tests), and productive and integrated skills (writing, speaking, and comprehensive tests involving listening, reading, writing, and speaking). These four chapters account for the majority of the book's content. It can be said that the discussion on item development is quite thorough, aiming to ensure that readers who complete this book can truly become competent item writers.