Assessing English for Academic Purposes

A concern for quality and the growing number of international students have made the assessment of English for Academic Purposes a prime concern in British universities. By drawing on the expertise of BALEAP and many EAP specialists, this collection describes and critically evaluates current issues and debates in the field. An introduction provides an overview of the state of assessment in EAP and this is followed by sections which investigate in depth individual issues such as the validity of commonly used tests, the utility of computer test batteries and other non-traditional forms of assessment. Also addressed with original research data are the varying requirements of individual departments, students’ views of assessment and self-assessment instruments. These issues are relevant beyond the individual circumstances of British universities and should inform good practice not only in the UK but anywhere where students receive part or all of their education in English as a second or foreign language.