Language Testing

A hundred essential questions that weave together the foundational knowledge of the field of language testing.

一百个关键问题串联语言测试学科核心知识

In a question-and-answer format, this book provides a comprehensive overview of language testing - blending theoretical depth with practical insights. Organized around six key themes - test purposes and types, constructs, task design, scoring, validation, and future directions - and illustrated with examples from the Gaokao and university-level exams, it bridges international perspectives and local practices.

Professional concepts are explained in plain, accessible language, avoiding jargon while staying grounded in theory and evidence. The book helps readers understand how language testing shapes teaching, learning, and policy, and encourages reflection on its validity and fairness.

Ideal for language teachers, test developers, educators, and graduate students in applied linguistics, this volume also serves as an introductory text for language testing courses. It will be of interest to anyone concerned with test reform, alignment of teaching and assessment, and the future of AI-driven assessment.

本书以问答体形式勾勒语言测试学科的全景图谱，是一本兼具理论深度与实践价值的语言教育专著。全书围绕测试的目的与类别、语言能力与构念界定、任务设计与命题、评分与结果解释、效度验证、未来趋势六大主题，结合高考、大学外语考试等实例，呈现国际视野与本土探索。

本书以简明、通俗的语言阐释专业概念，避免术语堆砌，同时保持理论依据与现实案例的支撑，帮助读者理解语言测试如何影响教学、学习与教育决策，并思考测试的科学性与公平性。

本书适合外语教师、考试研发人员、教育工作者及应用语言学专业研究生阅读，也可作为语言测试课程或教育测评的入门读物。对关注语言测试改革、教学评一体化及智能测评未来趋势的读者而言，同样具有启发意义。