Topical Knowledge in Speaking Performances: A Scenario-Based Language Assessment for L2 Italian

The book offers a fresh perspective on second language assessment, addressing the need for approaches that reflect the complexity of real-life communication in a connected, multimodal world. Grounded in learning-oriented assessment, it investigates the interplay between language ability, speaking performance, and topical knowledge. The study outlines the theoretical foundations, development process, and implementation of a new assessment prototype, supported by empirical research. The book contributes to ongoing dialogue on how language testing can better support learning, teaching, and real-world communication.