Reading In A Second Language

"Reading in a Second Language" is a book that discusses the testing and teaching of reading in a second language, drawing from research in applied linguistics and cognitive psychology. It distinguishes between different types of reading, such as expeditious and careful reading, and emphasizes the importance of each. The authors, Sandy Urquhart and Cyril Weir, also explore the relationship between testing and teaching and provide a comprehensive overview of methods supported by research evidence. The book concludes with suggestions for future research and advice on constructing language tests for academic purposes.

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.