Language testers are increasingly directing their attention to the development of computer-adaptive testing (CAT) instruments for assessing learners' second language ability. This book examines CAT instruments used to assess the receptive skills, with a strong focus on reading ability, as well as a critical discussion of CAT practices from the point of view of performance assessment. This volume is the first to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach and is written by leading scholars in their respective fields. The chapters are grouped into three major sections: second language reading constructs, second language CAT applications and considerations, and item response theory (IRT) measurement issues. To help the reader grasp the main points of these sections, discussion chapters are included after each one which summarise and examine the issues raised by the authors.
The focus of this book is computer based assessment of the receptive skills.
