Abstract
AbstractThis study discusses the characteristics of test specifications (specs) and item writer guidelines (IWGs), their role in item development of English as a Second Language (ESL) reading tests, and the use of the CEFR for specs development. This mixed-method study analyzed specs, IWGs, tests, and the Pearson Test of English General test statistics. Moreover, interviews and focus groups were conducted with the specs’ developers, IWGs, and item writers. The findings show no unique way of conceptualizing specs and IWGs. Moreover, translating the CEFR reading descriptors into specs is a challenging task. However, results from the judgmental study and item statistics suggest that the investigated specs and IWGs facilitated the development of good-quality items at a certain difficulty level. This study reveals the potential role of specs and IWGs in establishing test validity. This research contributes to understanding the under-researched area of specs and IWGs and shows the type of information required for effective item writing and ways of enhancing the validity and reliability of tests. Practical and theoretical suggestions and future research have also been identified.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Linguistics and Language,Language and Linguistics
Reference45 articles.
1. Alderson JC, Cseresznyés M. (2005). Reading and use of English. In J. C. Alderson (Eds.), Into Europe: Prepare for modern English exams (Vol. 1, pp. 1–297). Available from http://www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/projects/examreform/into_europe/Reading_and_Use_of_English.pdf
2. Alderson, J. C. (2000). Assessing reading. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511732935
3. Alderson, J. C., Clapham, C., & Wall, D. (1995). Language test construction and evaluation. Cambridge University Press.
4. Alderson, J. C., Figueras, N., Kuijper, H., Nold, G., Takala, S., & Tardieu, C. (2006). Analyzing reading and listening tests about the Common European Framework of Reference. The experience of the Dutch CEFR construct project. Language Assessment Quarterly, 3(1), 3–30. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15434311laq0301_2
5. Arhin, A. K., Essuman, J., & Arhin, E. (2021). Analysis of item writing flaws in a communications skills test in a Ghanaian University. Afr J Teach Educ, 10(2), 121–143. https://doi.org/10.21083/ajote.v10i2.6762
Cited by
1 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献，注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献，订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献