Assessing writing

Abstract

The ability to write in a second language is widely regarded as essential to L2 learner advancement across social, educational, and workplace settings. The assessment of second language writing ability has therefore also been at the heart of second language assessment for many decades. This chapter outlines the key debates and issues, both historical and current, that have influenced practices and developments in second language writing assessment. It proposes a reconceptualization of L2 writing assessment practices, by incorporating test purpose, scoring, and feedback practices. The chapter concludes by setting out future directions for second language writing assessment research and practi..