Abstract:
Measurement and assessment are two key words which have a very important role to play to
help teachers indicate whether or not students have been successful in teaching and learning
process. Both measurement and assessment have different characteristics. Assessment of
students' language skill can be lsrown when measurement has been conducted. According to
the teachers and lecfurers law No. 74,2005, one of main duties of professional teachers is the
ability of the teachers to assess their students. However, to assess students objectively needs
adequate experience, understanding, knowledge and skill on assessment to avoid and reduce
subjectivity in assessing receptive and productive skills, in particular writing skill. This paper
describes how to assess writing skill, definitions of measurement and assessment, the
characteristics of measurement and assessment, the purposes of assessment. Two types of
assessment; traditional and alternative assessment are also described to increase especially
teachers' insight in this topic.
