On Topic Validity in Speaking Tests (Paperback)

Nahal Khabbazbashi

ISBN 10: 1009102494 / ISBN 13: 9781009102490

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2022

About this Item

Paperback. Topics are often used as a key speech elicitation method in performance-based assessments of spoken language and yet, the validity and fairness issues surrounding topics are surprisingly under-researched. Are different topics 'equivalent' or 'parallel'? Can some topics bias against or favour individuals or groups of individuals? Does background knowledge of topics have an impact on performance? Might the content of test taker speech affect their scores and perhaps more importantly, should it? This monograph draws on original data as well as insights from empirical and theoretical research to address these questions. Grounded in the real-world assessment context of IELTS, this volume explores issues related to topic validity against the backdrop of one of the world's most high stakes language tests. On Topic Validity in Speaking Tests explores the effects of topics and background knowledge of topics in speaking assessment. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781009102490

Bibliographic Details

• Title: On Topic Validity in Speaking Tests (Paperback)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1009102494
• ISBN 13: 9781009102490
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

Topics are often used as a key speech elicitation method in performance-based assessments of spoken language and yet, the validity and fairness issues surrounding topics are surprisingly under-researched. Are different topics 'equivalent' or 'parallel'? Can some topics bias against or favour individuals or groups of individuals? Does background knowledge of topics have an impact on performance? Might the content of test taker speech affect their scores – and perhaps more importantly, should it? This monograph draws on original data as well as insights from empirical and theoretical research to address these questions. Grounded in the real-world assessment context of IELTS, this volume explores issues related to topic validity against the backdrop of one of the world's most high stakes language tests.