Highlights identified patterns of pupil perception observed during an experimental study concerning 10-year-olds who were supporting one another in small groups of three as they were verbally preparing for an argumentative writing task. Exemplifies the perspective-taking strategies used by participants to assist each other and make themselves…

Focuses on the increase in discourse-based studies of oral proficiency assessment techniques. Discusses research carried out on a number of factors in the assessment setting, including the role of interlocutor, candidate, and rater, and the impact of tasks, task performance conditions, and rating criteria. (Author/VWL)