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Examining writing: research and practice in assessing second language writing

  • Cyril Weir
    ,
  • Stuart D. Shaw
Research Output: Book/Report Book Peer-review

Open access

Abstract

This publication highlights the need for test developers to provide clear explanations of the ability constructs which underpin tests offered in the public domain. An explanation is increasingly required, if the validity of test score interpretation and use are to be supported both logically, and with empirical evidence. The book demonstates the application of a comprehensive test validation framework which adopts a socio-cognitive perspective. The framework embraces six core components which reflect the practical nature and quality of an actual testing event. It examines Cambridge ESOL writing tasks from the following perspectives: Test Taker, Cognitive Validity, Context Validity, Scoring Validity, Criterion-related Validity and Consequential Validity. The authors show how an understanding and analysis of the framework and its components in relation to specific writing tests can assist test developers to operationalise their tests more effectively, especially in relation to criterial distinctions across test levels.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Book/Report Book Peer-review

Original language

English

Publication milestones

  • Published - 01/07/2007

Publication status

Published - 01/07/2007

Publisher

Cambridge University Press, United States, United Kingdom

ISBN (Print)

9780521692939

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/623661

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