Basic consideration in assessing writing

Language use and language test performance

Writing specific strategies that distinguish notice writers from expert writers ,given equivalent degrees of linguistic knowledge and general strategic competence. Bachman and Palmer point out that, in addition to language knowledge and strategic competence, actual language use in genuine communicative situations involves others considerations: specifically, topical knowledge, personality factors, and affect or emotional factors. As an example, we can return to the example of writing a letter to the editor. Accomplishing this task requires a number of factors other than language knowledge. To begin with, one would need knowledge of the subject under discussion (topical knowledge) and one would need to feel strongly enough about the topic to write about it(affect). In language test, we are primary interested in language ability, not the other components of language use that are involved in actual communication.