Assessing reading

Brunfaut, Tineke (2021) Assessing reading. In: The Routledge Handbook of Language Testing. Routledge, London, pp. 254-267. ISBN 9781138385436

Abstract

This chapter begins with a brief historical overview of models of second/foreign language (L2) reading and ways of testing L2 reading ability. It then looks at task and reader characteristics that can affect performance on L2 reading tests, as found in previous empirical research. An overview is also given of research methods used in reading test research, and a number of practical recommendations are formulated on the development and evaluation of L2 reading tests. Finally, the chapter discusses implications of the present digital era for the construct of reading and the testing of L2 reading.