Reading in a Second Language Process, Product and Practice

Reading in a Second Language sets the testing and teaching of reading against a theoretical background, discussing research from both applied linguistics and cognitive psychology. Where possible, it focuses on research into second language readers and distinguishes different kinds of reading, particularly expeditious as opposed to careful reading, and emphasizes the validity of each.Sandy Urquhart and Cyril Weir relate testing and teaching, discussing similarities and differences, providing a comprehensive survey of both methods with the emphasis on those which have been substantiated or supported by research evidence. Finally, the book proposes specific research topics, and detailed advice on how to construct tests of language for academic purposes and suggestions for further research.

PART 11. Introduction2. Preliminaries: What is Reading?PART 2: THE THEORY OF READING2.1 Models2.2 Components in Detail2.3 Comprehension, Skills, Strategies and Styles2.4 Different Kinds of ReadingPART3:TESTING READING COMPREHENSION (S)3.1 Introduction: The Limits of Testing3.2 Task Based Factors3.3 Text Based Factors3.4 Test Formats3.5 ConclusionsPART 4: THE TEACHING OF READING4.1 Teaching and Testing?4.2 Focus on Metacognitive Strategies4.3 Focus on Cognitive Strategies and Skills4.4 What Should Happen in the Reading Classroom?PART 5: FUTURE RESEARCH5.1 Models and Different Types of Reading5.2 Reading and the Teaching of Grammar5.3 The Use of Tests to Investigate Componentiality in Reading Research