INTO EUROPE The Writing Handbook by Gyula Tankó Presentation by Gyula Tankó Into Europe - European Standards in Language Assessment Conference Budapest, February 9-10, 2006

Writing skills in language examinations integral part of LEs what is tested? genre knowledge (e.g. article vs letter of complaint) text type knowledge (linguistic characteristics) content organisation (e.g coherence, cohesion) grammar (range and accuracy) vocabulary (range and accuracy)

Writing skills ~ Can of worms WHY? Grammar test lack of knowledge (What? Why? How to teach?) Vocab test language teaching course books time factor preparation assessment administration

Consequences writing skills unpopular with language teachers writing skills unpopular with language learners poor writing skills development & poor writing skills

INTO EUROPE: The Writing Handbook Who is it for? Language teachers wishing to: design writing tasks administer writing tasks rate writing tasks using an analytic scale

INTO EUROPE: The Writing Handbook What is in the book? Part One: Background and Aims characteristic features of modern writing examinations CEF scales for writing standard setting procedures the nature of writing (e.g. writing process, factors that influence the writing process) practical tips for the writing teacher

INTO EUROPE: The Writing Handbook Part Two: Task types and task demands designing writing tasks letter article composition (narrative, descriptive, discursive, argumentative) practical tips for the writing teacher and students writing tasks

INTO EUROPE: The Writing Handbook Part Three: Assessing writing ability rating scales analytic rating sample scripts, justified scores rating practice scores and justifications for the practice scripts

INTO EUROPE: The Writing Handbook Series Editor: J. Charles Alderson The Writing Handbook Gyula Tankó Published by Teleki László Foundation & The British Council Distributor: Libro Trade Info: books@librotrade.hu

Thank You Dr. Ildikó Csépes icsepes@delfin.unideb.hu Gyula Tankó tanko@ludens.elte.hu