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Investigating the Parameters Accounting for Language Proficiency: the case of an English language test used for Academic purposes

Research papers in language teaching and learning, 2022-01, Vol.12 (1), p.89-110

2022. This work is published under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License. ;EISSN: 1792-1244

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  • Title:
    Investigating the Parameters Accounting for Language Proficiency: the case of an English language test used for Academic purposes
  • Author: Tsagari, Dina ; Demetriou, Theodosia
  • Subjects: Academic libraries ; English as a second language learning ; English as a second language tests ; English as an international language ; English language ; Feedback ; Fluency ; Literacy ; Statistical analysis ; Test validity and reliability ; Writing ; Writing tests
  • Is Part Of: Research papers in language teaching and learning, 2022-01, Vol.12 (1), p.89-110
  • Description: In language testing it is essential to understand the validity of test scores (Kane 2013 & 2016). However, the focus on whether test items/tasks lead to the target language use expected (Bachman and Palmer, 1996) has been somewhat limited especially in validation studies undertaken by examination boards. The present study explores the (content) validity, e.g. how different linguistic parameters account for language proficiency in high-stakes international English examination for Academic Purposes (the Pearson Test of English Academic - PTE Academic). Various measures of proficiency were taken into account for Writing and Speaking. Results showed that vocabulary mainly accounts for language proficiency and can be used as a predictor variable for the Writing and the Overall Scores in the test. Fluency could also predict some of the variability in the Speaking Scores. The paper contributes to ongoing research on how various language measures can discriminate between levels of proficiency and proposes a statistical model (regression analysis) that can predict speaking and writing scores. Our research intends to provide feedback to test developers or other stakeholders regarding the PTE Academic and offers research and methodological recommendations for the study of content validity of high-stakes tests in other contexts.
  • Publisher: Patras: Hellenic Open University
  • Language: English
  • Identifier: EISSN: 1792-1244
  • Source: ProQuest Central

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