Series Editor's note
Preface
Acknowledgements
Chapter One Introduction
English for Specific Purposes
ESP Testing
Research into ESP testing

Chapter Two Reading in a First Language
Reading Research
Models of Reading Comprehension
Schema Theory
Limitations of Schema Theory
Research into the Effect of Content and Cultural Background
Knowledge on Reading
Conclusions about Reading in a First Language

Chapter Three Reading in a Second Language
Comparison of L 1 and L2 Reading Processes
The Effect of Context and Background Knowledge on L2 Reading
Comprehension
Overall Conclusions about Reading in a Second Language
Outstanding Research Issues

Chapter Four The Development of the IELTS Reading Modules
The Precursors of IELTS
IELTS - Designing the Reading Modules
IELTS Trials
Construct of the IELTS Reading Modules
Conclusion

Chapter Five The Pilot Study
Research Question
The Tests
The Examinees
Analysis
The Results
Discussion
The Main Study

Chapter Six The Main Study - Research Questions and Data Collection
Research Questions
Research Instruments
The Students
Test Administration
Test Results
Conclusion

Chapter Seven The Effect of Academic Subject Area on Test Performance Section 1： Analysis of Variance - the Complete Tests
Section 2： The Reading Subtests
Section 3： Item Bias
Section 4： Unanswered Items
Conclusion

Chapter Eight Reasons for the Variation in Subtest Specificity
Familiarity of Subject Area and Topic
Subject Specialists' Views
Conclusion

Chapter Nine Text Source and the TMC Rating Instrument
Source of Reading Passages
Bachman's TMC Instrument
Conclusion

Chapter Ten Language Proficiency and Background Knowledge
The Revised Reading Modules
Effect of Background Knowledge on Reading Comprehension
Multiple Regression Analysis
Language Proficiency and the Effect of Background Knowledge

Conclusion Chapter Eleven Conclusions
The Research Questions
Research Implications
ESAP or EGAP
Suggestions for Further Research
Summary of the Main Findings
References
Appendices
Subject Index
Author Index