Testing Talk: Ways to Assess Second Language Oral Proficiency

Oral assessments are of vital importance to second language learners, but how can teachers and examiners best test L2 learner talk and interaction? Bringing together theory and research within the field of L2 oral proficiency, with the concept of L2 encompassing any language learned later than the early childhood years, this book provides a state-of-the art overview of what is at stake for L2 learners and examiners, and advice on how to approach testing and assessment. Using data and findings from empirical research to illustrate and discuss key topics, Testing Talk takes the reader step-by-step through the major concepts and issues in the oral assessment of second languages, with a main focus on L2 English. Investigating and explaining the most important educational and interactional issues facing both examiners and test-takers, such as the factors which come into play during speaking tests, the differences between common test formats, and the challenge of ensuring equity in assessment, this book offers research-based advice on ways to design test tasks and in-depth insights into the assessment of L2 speaking. Featuring a glossary of key terms and concepts, discussion questions and further reading for each chapter, and a comprehensive companion website hosting a wealth of additional materials, including authentic test recordings and assessment tasks to be used by researchers and practitioners alike, this is the only book needed in order to understand, design, and assess interactive oral L2 tests.

Table of Contents:
List of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgements Transcription Conventions Part I: What Research Shows: Theoretical Insights 1. Introduction: Framing the Fluidity of L2 Talk 2. Capturing Competencies: Why L2 Oral Proficiency Assessment? 3. L2 Oral Tests and their Assessment 4. Planning and Administering Oral Tests: Facts and Factors Part II: What Can Be Learned? Insights from Empirical Studies 5. The Practical Realities of Testing and Assessment 6. What it Takes to Take a Test 7. Uncovering Factors in Assessment 8. Improving Equity: Paths to Progress 9. Conclusion: Setting a Grade but Looking Ahead Appendix Glossary References Index

About the Author :
Pia Sundqvist is Professor of English Language Education at the University of Oslo, Norway. Erica Sandlund is Professor of English Linguistics at Karlstad University, Sweden.

Review :
Rarely do we witness the awe-inspiring synergy of conversation analysts, assessment specialists, and testing practitioners. Sundqvist and Sandlund have offered us a “triple delight.” Testing Talk is a blueprint for confronting the fraught reality of assessing L2 interaction empirically, ecologically, and imaginatively. Provides an account of innovative and timely research on the challenges of designing, taking, and rating oral proficiency tests in a way that is reliable and fair. It discusses the perspective of different stakeholders and is therefore relevant for researchers and practitioners alike.