Test Specifications in Language Testing

What are test specifications sometimes referred to as?

• Test outlines

• Test blueprints

• Test frameworks

• Test guidelines

What do item/task specifications describe?

• The test delivery methods

• The test administration process

• The prompts designed to elicit evidence

• The scoring criteria

What is included in evidence specifications?

• Expected responses for each task

• Delivery methods

• Presentation details

• Instructions for test assembly

How are closed-response items scored?

• With a pass/fail system

• Based on teacher judgment

• As 0 for incorrect and 1 for correct

• Using a complex rating scale

What do test assembly specifications provide?

• Instructions for constructing the entire test

• Guidelines for test delivery

• Details on test administration

• Instructions for item scoring

What do presentation specifications detail?

• The scoring criteria for responses

• How items and support material are presented

• The number of test items required

• The expected responses from test takers

What is included in delivery specifications?

• The design of test items

• The scoring methods for performance tasks

• The details of test administration and security

• The expected responses from test takers

What is a potential downside of highly detailed test specifications?

• They limit creativity

• They simplify test design

• They enhance creativity

• They improve curriculum breadth

What does granularity in test specifications refer to?

• The variety of test formats

• The complexity of scoring methods

• The number of test items

• The level of detail in specifications

What is the purpose of Target Language Use Domain Analysis?

• To simplify test administration

• To incorporate performance conditions in test design

• To create a standardized test format

• To enhance the creativity of test items