Rethinking assessment to align with communicative goals: Task-based Language Teaching & Testing

Grammar is acquired by exposure to comprehensible, rich, and compelling language input. Explicit grammar rules can satisfy adult learners but don’t alone build communicative competence. Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) is effective; it uses diverse language in meaningful tasks. In TBLT, teachers can address grammar when it supports a task or arises from student needs, avoiding isolated drills. Needs analysis is crucial for creating relevant tasks. Informal information about student profiles or interests helps, and tasks can be adjusted. A lack of formal needs analysis shouldn’t stop teachers from using TBLT.