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

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

CYRIL WEIR is Powdrill Professor of English Language Acquisition and Director of the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment at the University of Luton, UK. 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.