University of Essex

LG504-7-SP-CO:
Language Testing and Assessment

The details

Year: 2025/26

Department: Language and Linguistics

Campus: Colchester Campus

Term: Spring

Level: Postgraduate: Level 7

Status: Current

Start date: Monday 12 January 2026

End date: Friday 20 March 2026

Credits: 15

Last updated: 14 January 2025

Requisites for this module

Pre-requisites: (none)

Co-requisites: (none)

Pre and / or co-requisites: (none)

Prohibited modules: (none)

Key module (requisite for): (none)

Key module for

MA Q11012 Applied Linguistics,
MA Q110JS Applied Linguistics,
MA QX1312 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL),
MA QX13JS Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Module description

This module focuses on how language testing and assessment have developed in educational settings by looking at the types and purposes of tests and the processes involved in test design and administration. It also considers high-stakes testing and language exams. Additionally, the module covers fundamental concepts and principles of language testing and the theoretical foundations and practical implications of testing language skills within general English and English for Specific/Academic Purposes (ESP/EAP).

Module aims

The aims of this module are:

To familiarise students with basic concepts, issues, and methods in language testing and assessment.

To raise awareness of how language skills and sub-skills are assessed.

To introduce different types of tests and testing procedures.

To develop skills for designing and developing test items/tasks.

To explore recent trends in testing, including the use of technology.

To provide opportunities for students to review and evaluate internationally recognised tests.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

Define the nature of the construct they wish to measure.

Select appropriate test type and test methods in line with the specification.

Identify the distinguishing characteristics of a range of different types of tests.

Indicate the major issues and principles involved in the development of a test.

Design reliable and valid tests to meet a specified need.

Evaluate language tests and assessment processes for their professional needs.

Module information

N/A

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

One 2-hour lecture/seminar per week.

Bibliography*

Bachman, L.F. (1990) Fundamental considerations in language testing. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Fulcher, G. (2010) Practical language testing. London: Routledge. Available at: https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.4324/980203767399.
Hughes, A. (2020) Testing for Language Teachers. 3rd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Available at: https://doi-org.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/10.1017/9781009024723.
Green, A. (2014) Exploring language assessment and testing: language in action. Abingdon: Routledge. Available at: https://app.kortext.com/Shibboleth.sso/Login?entityID=https://idp0.essex.ac.uk/shibboleth&target=https://app.kortext.com/borrow/890274.
Weir, C.J. (2005) Language testing and validation: an evidence-based approach. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Available at: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=162121&site=eds-live&authtype=sso&custid=s9814295.

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam	Description	Deadline	Coursework weighting
Coursework	Summative Assessment

Additional coursework information

N/A

Exam format definitions

Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework	Exam
100%	0%

Reassessment

Coursework	Exam
100%	0%

Module supervisor and teaching staff

Supervisor: Dr Nasser Jabbari, email: n.jabbari@essex.ac.uk.

Teaching staff: Nasser Jabbari

Contact details: 4.342; n.jabbari@essex.ac.uk

Availability

Available to incoming Essex Abroad / Exchange students: Yes

Available to Outside Option: No

Available to Audit: Yes

External examiner

Name: Dr Sal Consoli

Resources

Teaching materials: Available via Moodle

Lecture recording:* No lecture recording information available for this module.

Further information

Department website: Language and Linguistics

* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.

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Module Directory

LG504-7-SP-CO:Language Testing and Assessment