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Today's language teacher emphasizes, among other things, the development of students' oral skills. Therefore, many teachers are seeking or innovating ways to test the speaking skill while (1) overcoming perennial problems such as the lack of time and the subjectivity of grading, and (2) finding effective ways of making achievement testing more proficiency oriented. The author presents a practical oral testing model which she researched, developed, implemented, disseminated, piloted, and refined in a variety of middle school, secondary, and university settings in Texas over the past six years. The author presents an outline of the principal considerations involved in establishing an oral testing program and covers a range of options under each heading. Major concerns discussed include: fitting speaking tests into the syllabus and course grade, linking teaching and testing approaches (with sample formats), testing interactive and individual performance, new versus old material, and impromptu versus prepared performance. Also covered are: sample size, scoring at various levels (with sample scales), partnering procedures, the role of tapes, scheduling, planning (with sample guide), and predicted outcomes.

MLJ Review PolicyThe MLJ reviews books, monographs, computer software, and materials that (a) present results of research in-and methods of-foreign and second language teaching and learning; (b) are devoted to matters of general interest to members of the profession; (c) are intended primarily for use as textbooks or instructional aids in classrooms where foreign and second languages, literatures, and cultures are taught; (d) convey information from other disciplines that relates directly to foreign and second language teaching and learning. Reviews not solicited by the MLJ can neither be accepted nor returned. Books and materials that are not reviewed in the MLJ cannot be returned to the publisher. The MLJ invites written responses to the reviews published here. Responses should be typed with double spacing, signed by their authors, and submitted in duplicate with a diskette copy (IBM or MAC acceptable, WordPerfect preferred). Address responses to Sally Sieloff Magnan, Editor, The Modern Language Journal,

MLJ Review PolicyThe MLJ reviews books, monographs, computer software, and materials that (a) present results of research in-and methods of-foreign and second language teaching and learning; (b) are devoted to matters of general interest to members of the profession; (c) are intended primarily for use as textbooks or instructional aids in classrooms where foreign and second languages, literatures, and cultures are taught; (d) convey information from other disciplines that relates directly to foreign and second language teaching and learning. Reviews not solicited by the MLJ can neither be accepted nor returned. Books and materials that are not reviewed in the MLJ cannot be returned to the publisher. The MLJ invites written responses to the reviews published here. Responses should be typed with double spacing, signed by their authors, and submitted in duplicate with a diskette copy (IBM or MAC acceptable, WordPerfect preferred). Address responses to Sally Sieloff Magnan, Editor, The Modern Language Journal,