The Equivalence of Direct and Semi-Direct Speaking Tests documents a comparability study of direct (face-to-face) and semi-direct (language laboratory) versions of the speaking component of the access test: an English language test designed in the 1990s as part of the selection process for immigration to Australia. In the study the issue of test equivalence is explored using a range of quantitative and qualitative evidence including test scores, test taker language output and feedback from various ´players´ in the test process including members of the development team, test candidates, interviewers and raters. The findings have important implications for the use of direct and semi-direct speaking tests in various high-stakes contexts such as immigration and university entrance. As such this will be of interest to policy-makers and administrators as well as language teachers and language testing researchers.
