Language Testing and Assessment

Course code: TANM-ANG-115/K/KL/L

Time: Friday 9:00-10:00
Room: R5, 030
Instructor: Katalin Brózik-Piniel PhD
Office: 430
Email: brozik-piniel.katalin@btk.elte.hu
Office hours: Thursday 14:00-15:30

COURSE CONTENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites: TANM-ANG-103, TANM-ANG-109

Description:
The lecture series aims to provide an overview of a wide variety of issues related to language testing and assessment. Topics will include details
of test development and design, issues of validity and reliability, classroom assessment, and washback effects of tests. We will also focus on
approaches to testing different language skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening). Readings on theoretical issues of language testing will
be complemented by discussions of practical questions relevant for language teachers and language testers today.

Requirements: Sit for end-of-term written examination based on the lectures and set readings.
All examinations will be written.

Grading: 100% based on written examination results (60% = 2, 70% = 3, 80% = 4, 90% = 5)
WEEKLY SYLLABUS

DATE TOPIC READING

Week 0. 11 Feb. Registration

Week 1. 18 Feb. Who needs testing? Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Types of language tests Press. Chapter 3
Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of
English. Budapest: Okker. Chapters 1 and 2
Week 2. 4 March Models and Frameworks Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
The Common European Framework of Press. Chapters 4 and 5
Reference Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of
Validity and Reliability English. Budapest: Okker. Chapters 3, 4 and 5
Week 3. 11 March Deciding what to test Recommended reading:
Validity and reliability in practice Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical language testing. London: Hodder. Chapter 1, 2, and 4.
Week 4. 18 March Test Specifications Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Item Writing Press. Chapters 7 and 8
Testing Techniques Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of
English. Budapest: Okker. Chapters 7, 8 and 9
Week 5. 25 March Designing test specifications and writing Recommended reading:
items to specifications Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical language testing. London: Hodder. Chapter 5.and 6.
Week 6. 1 April Rating scales Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Interpretation of test results Press. Chapter 6
Washback Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of
English. Budapest: Okker. Chapters 6, 10 and 12
Week 7. 8 April Scoring and setting standards Recommended reading:
Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical language testing. London: Hodder. Chapter 7. and 8.
Week 8. 15 April Testing Listening Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Testing Speaking Press. Chapters 10 and 12
Testing Reading Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of
Testing Writing English. Budapest: Okker. Chapters 13 and 15
Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press. Chapters 11 and 9
Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of
English. Budapest: Okker. Chapters 14 and 16
Week 9. 29 April Critical analysis of test items and
 language tests

Week 10. 6 May Testing Vocabulary and Grammar Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Test Administration Press. Chapter 13
Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of
English. Budapest: Okker. Chapters 17 and 18
Week 11. 13 May Language Exams in Hungary Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Continuous Assessment Press. Chapter 14
Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of
English. Budapest: Okker. Chapters 11 and 19

Required readings
Hughes, A. (1989). Testing for language teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Kontra, H.E., & Kormos, J. (2007). An introduction to language testing for teachers of English. Budapest: Okker.

Further readings
Alderson, J.C., & Cseresznyés, M. (2003). Reading and use of English. Budapest: Teleki László Foundation.
Common European Framework of Reference. Available online at: http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/Source/Framework_EN.pdf
Csépes, I., & Együd, Gy. (2004). The speaking handbook. Budapest: Teleki László Foundation.
Davies, A., Brown, A., Elder, C., Hill, K., Lumley, T., & McNamara, T. (1999). Dictionary of language testing. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press.
Fehérváryné, K. H., & Pizorn, K. (2005). Listening. Budapest: Teleki László Foundation.
Fulcher, G. (2010). Practical language testing. London: Hodder.
Tankó, Gy. (2005). The writing handbook. Budapest: Teleki László Foundation.

USEFUL LINKS
Council of Europe – Language Policy Division @ http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/linguistic/CADRE_EN.asp
Educational Testing Service (ETS) @ http://www.ets.org/
European Association for Language Testing and Assessment (EALTA) @ http://www.ealta.eu.org/
International Language Testing Association (ILTA) @ http://www.iltaonline.com/
International English Language Testing System @ http://www.ielts.org/
Nyelvvizsgáztatók és Nyelvtudásmérési Szakértők Országos Egyesülete @ http://www.nyelvtudasmerok.hu/
Oktatási Hivatal – Nyelvvizsgáztatási Akkreditációs Központ @ http://www.nyak.hu/
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations @ http://www.cambridgeesol.org/