Author: Murtozoyeva, Shodiya Shuhrat qizi

Annotation: In English for Specific Purposes (ESP) contexts, language assessment is expected to evaluate learners’ ability to perform effectively in real-world professional situations. However, many assessment practices continue to rely on traditional testing formats that emphasize discrete linguistic knowledge rather than authentic communicative performance, raising concerns about validity and relevance. This study examines the role of task authenticity in improving task-based language assessment for adult ESP learners, with particular focus on validity and reliability. Using a qualitative and analytical approach, the study analyzes existing ESP assessment materials through a principle-based framework centered on authenticity, construct validity, and reliability. The findings indicate that authentic tasks strengthen the alignment between assessment and real-world language use, although they may also create challenges related to scoring consistency. The study argues that these challenges can be addressed through structured scoring procedures, analytic rubrics, and improved assessment literacy, and it proposes a principle-based framework for integrating authentic performance tasks into ESP assessment practices.

Keywords: English for Specific Purposes (ESP); task authenticity; task-based language assessment; construct validity; reliability; performance-based assessment.

Pages in journal: 353 - 359