Introduction COMMUNICATIVE TESTING AS AN OPTIMISTIC ACTIVITY

The popularity of use-of-language testing seems to have been growing dramatically, in recent years, particularly where second language learners are involved ; and the term 'communicative testing' appears to have become a battle cry for all that is 'progressive' . By espousing communicative testing, the impression is given that one can throw off at a stroke the shackles of test irrelevance and artificiality, and any need for statistical examination or treatment of test results . The present article is an attempt to suggest that communicative testing is not so far at any rate an instant panacea, and that if an appropriate metaphor is required, that of 'uncharted minefield' might be more suitable .