Issues in Computer-Adaptive Testing of Reading Proficiency
Language testers are increasingly directing their attention to the development of computer-adaptive testing (CAT) instruments for assessing learners' second language ability. Issues in Computer-Adaptive Testing of Reading Proficiency examines CAT instruments used to assess the receptive skills, with a strong focus on reading ability, as well as a critical discussion of CAT practices from the point of view of performance assessment. This volume is the first to adopt a multi-disciplinary approach and is written by leading scholars in their respective fields. The chapters are grouped into three major sections: second language reading constructs, second language CAT applications and considerations, and item response theory (IRT) measurement issues. To help the reader grasp the main points of these sections, discussion chapters are included after each one which summarize and examine the issues raised by the authors.
Help! Level 1 (Cambridge English Readers)
Cambridge English Readers is an award-winning series of original fiction readers for learners of English, offering exciting reading from Starter to Advanced levels. A struggling writer and a computer with a mind of its own fight for control of the writer's story and destiny. When Frank Wormold buys a computer to help him with his writing, he gets a lot more help than he wants. The ensuing battle of wills between himself and the computer makes Frank realise what the important things in life really are. Paperback-only version. Also available with Audio CD including complete text recordings from the book.
Straight Talk about Reading : How Parents Can Make a Difference during the Early
Today's parents are increasingly concerned about the reading and spelling skills taught in schools and are taking charge of their children's education. Full of ideas and suggestions----from innovative preschool exercises to techniques that older children can use to increase reading speed and comprehension----Straight Talk About Reading will instantly help any parent lay a solid foundation for their child's formative educational years.
Verbal Protocol Analysis in Language Testing Research
Verbal protocol analysis (VPA) is a methodology that is being used extensively by researchers. Recently, individuals working in the area of testing, and in language testing in particular, have begun to appreciate the roles VPA might play in the development and evaluation of assessment instruments. VPA is a complex methodology however, and individuals choosing to use the technique require some degree of training in order to maximize the benefits in adopting this approach, and in order to avoid some of the more common misunderstandings and pitfalls associated with the use of verbal data. Usiing Verbal Protocols in Language Test Validation aims to provide potential practitioners with the background to the technique and a good understanding of what is entailed in using VPA in the specific context of language testing and assessment. Tutorial exercises are presented which enable the reader to try out each of the different steps involved in VPA.
The Reading Group Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Own Book C
Perhaps you are one of the millions who has tuned in and turned on to the hugely popular Oprah's Book Club. And perhaps by watching it, you've discovered a new, or rekindled an old, passion for reading. Now, with the guidance of Rachel W. Jacobsohn's revised and updated edition of The Reading Group Handbook, you, too, can start your own book club! Book clubs and reading groups give fellow members the chance to break out of established reading patterns and learn adventurous approaches to creative material. With the help of The Reading Group Handbook, you'll get a definitive, step-by-step guide to starting your own book club, written by a professional reading group leader who has organized and led groups--face-to-face and even online--for over twenty years. In this newly revised and expanded edition, you'll get information on: Where to meet: homes, local bookstores, libraries, and onlineHow to select members and decide a format for the meetingsHow to read material critically and constructively in preparation for the gatheringThe art of the discussionOver thirty-five suggested reading lists, including an expanded list of year-by-year Pulitzer Prize winners, Oprah's Book Club picks, and personal recommendations from the author and her groups' membersWhere to go to get more information on the books you choose and on book clubs throughout the country As reading groups have become the latest trend in socializing, anyone who wants to combine a love of literature with the opportunity to meet others will not want to be without The Reading Group Handbook. With The Reading Group Handbook, readers will enjoy the benefits of a good book and a good book club.
About Language
Teachers of English need not only to have a good productive command of the language; they also need to know a good deal about the way the language works. This book asks: 'What is it that a teacher needs to know about English in order to teach it effectively?' It leads teachers to awareness of the language through a wide range of tasks which involve them in analysing English to discover its underlying system. The book consists of 28 units, each containing around ten tasks, plus a diagnostic introductory unit. Units start at phoneme level and progress through words, phrases and sentences on to complete texts. Task-types include recognition, categorisation, matching, explanation, and application tasks. Throughout the book, the language is illustrated wherever possible from authentic sources, so that the teacher can be sure that the English being studied represents current usage.
Learning to Spell
This collection of papers presents a sample of contemporary research across different languages that address the ability to spell. Spelling is a human literacy ability that reflects language and nonlanguage cognitive processes.
From Reader to Reading Teacher
From Reader to Reading Teacher is a self-contained, student-centred methods text that connects reading theory to practical classroom activities. The paperback edition, ideal for introductory courses on the teaching of second language reading, connects reading theory to practical classroom activities. Teachers begin by exploring their beliefs and assumptions about reading and analyzing their own reading strategies. This leads to a critical examination of the pedagogical issues central to the reading classroom, including selecting appropriate activities and effective lesson planning.
Dyslexia in Adults
Author Kathleen Nosek offers dyslexic adults a unique approach that gets to the heart of the biggest problem they face-the shame and battered self-esteem resulting from decades of struggling with this frustrating and often misunderstood learning disability.
Swash Letter Alphabets
Add a touch of panache and style to a wide variety of graphic projects with the decorative letters in this unusual and practical collection. Typographer Dan X. Solo has compiled 100 different swash letter fonts -- typefaces characterized by ornate letters with long tails and flourishes. Included here are: Cantini Casual; Cranston; El Greco; Goudy Cursive; Italian Slab Fancy; Mardi Gras Regular; Raffia Initials; Rousseau Fancy; Allegro Swash; Artcraft; and dozens more.All fonts include uppercase alphabets; most also contain lowercase letters and numerals. Inexpensive and royalty-free, these alphabets are ideal for use in display ads, on posters, signs, menus -- almost any printed communications.
Step Into Reading Step 3:Samantha the Snob
Illus. in full color. Samantha wears a fur coat and a designer hat. She'sgot a limousine, an indoor pool, and a mom who looks like a movie star. What asnob! That's what the narrator of this story thinks. Then she discovers thatshe and Samantha have a lot in common--including their squirt-gun rings!
Writing for Advanced Learners of English
Using an inspiring collection of authentic sources to stimulate written work, this text develops students' free written expression through a series of graded steps.
Sociolinguistics and Language Teaching
This text provides an introduction to the field of sociolinguistics for second and foreign language teachers. This book provides an introduction to the field of sociolinguistics for second and foreign language teachers. Chapters cover the basic areas of sociolinguistics, including regional and social variations in dialects, language and gender, World English, and intercultural communication. Each chapter has been specially written for this collection by an individual who has done extensive research on the topic explored. This is the first introductory text to address explicitly the pedagogical implications of current theory and research in sociolinguistics. The book will also be of interest to any teachers with students from linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Correct Writing (6th ed.)
本書在全球售出已逾百萬本，是以句子為重心的英文文法書中之佼佼者。內容包含用字、標點、文法、造句及聯句練習，並附正誤用語對照表、文法術語小字典，幫助學生奠定紮實的英文寫作基礎。全新第六版特色： ●更新測驗題，掌握學習效果 ●擴大收錄難字、代名詞用、不規則動詞等 ●以整句結構說明標點原則，避免死記規則 ●完整段落改正測驗，摹擬真實情境 ●最新聯句練習，熟悉句型組織與變化
1000 Most Important Words
Based on the contention that we do not utillize speech to its fullest extent, this guide is an essential aide to unlocking our "passive" vocabularies and developing a keener appreciation of the richness of language. Indispensable For Writers, Speakers, Teachers!-- Enrich your vocabulary-- Express yourself clearly -- and beautifully-- Fun and easy to use!
Literature and Language Teaching
Literature and Language Teaching is for teachers and trainers who want to incorporate literature into the language classroom. It is suitable for teacher trainers, teacher development groups or teachers working on their own. The book contains tasks and activities which encourage reflection on some of the issues and debates involved in using literature in the language classroom and explore different approaches to using literature with teenage and adult learners at all levels. It suggests criteria for selecting and evaluating materials for classroom use and identifies some of the distinctive features of novels, short stories, poems and plays so that these can be successfully exploited in the classroom. A wide range of practical ideas and activities for developing materials is provided. Tasks also encourage the observation and assessment of lessons using literacy texts and draw on English language material by a variety of authors from all over the world.
Research Methods in Language Learning
Research Methods in Language Learning helps readers understand and critique research. This book is intended to help readers understand and critique research in language learning. It presents a balanced and objective view of a range of methods - including formal experiments, introspective methods, interaction and transcript analysis, ethnography, and case studies. The book is highly accessible and does not assume specialist or technical knowledge. This volume will be of interest to students of applied linguistics and educational researchers, in addition to classroom teachers and teachers-in-training. Throughout the book, theoretical issues are drawn from published studies and reports. The book emphasizes the professional and practical value of reading published research.
Discourse and Language Education
Discourse and Language Education offers a practical, accessible discussion of discourse analysis. Discourse analysis describes how such communication is structured, so that it is socially appropriate and linguistically accurate. This book gives practical experience in analyzing discourse and the study of written language. The analyses show the ways we use linguistic signals to carry out our discourse goals and the differences between written and spoken language as well as across languages. This text can be used as a manual in teacher education courses and linguistics and communications courses. It will be of great interest to second language teachers, foreign language teachers, and special education teachers (especially those involved with the hearing impaired).
Learning Strategies in Second Language Acquisition
O'Malley and Chamot review the literature on learning strategies, describe and classify learning strategies in second language learning, and discuss why learning is affected in a positive manner when such strategies are used. The authors present instructional models for learning-strategy training that teachers can apply to their own classes. The material is based on current research in second language acquisition and cognitive theory.
Instant Word Power
Scientific surveys have shown that academic, social, and professional advancement are directly linked to the scope and effectiveness of your vocabulary. Now, vocabulary-building expert Norman Lewis opens a wonderful new world to you--the world of word power. Here is a proven and entertaining program packed with exercises, quizzes, hints, and reviews that will help you strengthen not only your vocabulary but your spelling, pronunciation, and grammar skills as well. And every lesson you complete will boose you one step further in your climb to success. With the aid of easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction, you will learn the Latin and Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes that unlock the meanings of thousands of words; master spelling, pronunciation, and grammar skills; convey your ideas more clearly and convincingly; become a confident speaker, comfortable in both social and business situations; and never be embarrassed by using a word incorrectly. All it takes is a little practice, a little patience, and Instant Word Power.
English Pronunciation Illustrated
This very popular pronunciation practice book is for intermediate and more advanced students of English who wish to improve their pronunciation and listening comprehension. The material can be used in class or by learners studying individually, using the Audio recordings. The practice material is illustrated by amusing cartoons throughout the book.
Essential English Grammar
This English grammar has been specially designed for readers with limited learning time, who wish to gain command of all the important points of grammar needed for everyday speech and comprehension, yet who do not wish to be unnecessarily burdened with archaic, highly literary, or seldom used forms. Summarizing all the major constructions, principles, and basic terminology, this book will provide readers with a firm foundation in essential English grammar.The text proceeds in easy, natural steps, beginning with simple sentence structure and advancing logically to more difficult constructions. More than 600 practice exercises and solutions make this an excellent home-study text. Organized with clarity and emphasizing explanation rather than rote memorization, this selective grammar can be used effectively as a course supplement, as an introduction for beginners, or as a reference for students and teachers.
