An Appraisal of “Establishing a Life-Language Model of Proficiency: A New Challenge for Language Testers” by Pishghadam and Zabihi (2012)

In the article, written by Dr. Pishghadam and his student Zabihi, the authors have outlined an interesting approach to language assessment that deserves wider discussion. We would note strengths in the manuscript, particularly the topic area under consideration which is a timely and important one as the authors try to offer a novel way of thinking about the issues at hand and ways of conceptualizing the notion of adequate English language testing. The statement of the problem is clear: the authors state that their aim is to “introduce Life-Language Test as a new concept in the field of language testing, drawing on recent trends in the field of English language teaching and, in so doing, try to explain ways in which language testing professionals can revise and devise tests for measuring both learners’ language proficiency and other issues which are of prime importance in their life” (p. 93).