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The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and the design of language tests: A matter of effect

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 June 2007

Fred Davidson  and
Glenn Fulcher
Fred Davidson
Affiliation:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USAfgd@uiuc.edu
Glenn Fulcher
Affiliation:
The University of Leicester, UKgf39@le.ac.uk
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Abstract

Language test development proceeds best when the test's effect is borne in mind, throughout the test development process. The authors discuss the flexible language of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and explore the pragmatic utility of such language to guide language test development. They select service encounters (e.g. airline ticket sales, open-air markets) as a sample language use domain to illustrate demonstrable weaknesses in the Framework. Using the CEFR Level A1 service encounter descriptor, suggested testing materials are shown in a versioned evolution of a proposed test specification. Provided that effect is kept in mind, the authors argue, the CEFR is actually a valuable – even an optimistic – starting point for language test development.

Type
Plenary speeches
Information
Language Teaching , Volume 40 , Issue 3 , July 2007 , pp. 231 - 241
Copyright
© 2007 Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

This is a revised and combined version of two plenary addresses given at the conference The Implementation of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in UK Higher Education Institutions – Chances and Challenges, Queen Mary College, London, UK, 24 November 2006.