Studies in Language Testing 4: The Development of IELTS: A Study of the Effect of Background on Reading Comprehension (Studies in Language Testing, Series Number 4) - Softcover

Clapham, Caroline

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521567084 ISBN 13: 9780521567084

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2010

Synopsis

This book studies the effect of background knowledge on reading comprehension and investigates whether tertiary level English language students should be given reading proficiency tests in their own academic subject areas.

About this title

Synopsis

This book investigates the ESP claim that tertiary level ESL students should be given reading proficiency tests in their own academic subject areas, and studies the effect of background knowledge on reading comprehension. It is set against a background of recent research into reading in a first and second language, and emphasises the impact that schema theory has had on this. Results from versions of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) reading subtests are analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Rhetorical function, academic/topic specificity, EAP teacher uncertainty, student familiarity and varying background knowledge are all identified as causes of variation in the appropriacy of reading passages. The book concludes by considering the implications of the findings for future test construction and research into reading.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521567084
• ISBN 13: 9780521567084
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320