Introduction
A performance test is “a test in which the ability of candidates to perform particular tasks, usually associated with job or study requirements, is assessed” (Davies et al., 1999, p. 144). In the assessment of second languages, tasks are designed to measure learners’ productive language skills through performances which allow candidates to demonstrate the kinds of language skills that may be required in a real world context. For example, a test candidate whose language is being evaluated for the purposes of entry into an English‐speaking university or college might be asked to write a short academic essay, or an overseas‐qualified doctor might participate in a job‐specific role play with a ‘patient’ interviewer. These kinds of assessments are increasingly used in specific workplace language evaluations, and in educational contexts to evaluate language gains during a period of teaching.
The relationship between task and performance testing is a complex one. In the context...
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Wigglesworth, G. (2008). Task and Performance Based Assessment. In: Hornberger, N.H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Language and Education. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-30424-3_171
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