Problematizing Speaking Assessment

Abstract

The present paper addresses the intricate question of oral language performance and how it can be assessed. More specifically, the paper tackles the issue of testing speaking in an academic setting and looks into the various factors that intervene in this testing, coupled with the context of the testing process, such as cultural expectations of stakeholders, stakes, consequences…etc. It has also looked into assessing speaking in an ESP context, and has ended with a few recommendations on how to improve the quality of this assessment.