earticle

영어

Where English is the medium of instruction, the use of English proficiency tests for admission to universities has increased. In accordance with that, there is mounting pressure on stake holders to evaluate which test is best for their needs. Therefore this study compares the two tests using Bachman and Palmer’s 1996 framework to investigate the usefulness of each test’s listening subsections. Bachman and Palmer (1996) devise six qualities- construct validity, reliability, authenticity, interactiveness, impact and practicality to measure the usefulness of a test. This paper finds that, while both tests have clear construct validity and high reliability, their authenticity, interactiveness, impact and practicality are questionable. Although the tests may be valid and reliable, this does not mean the tests are highly qualified to measure language abilities required in university contexts. Furthermore, the usefulness of these tests can not be measured by any individual quality- rather the six qualities should complement each other in some ways. The choice of test therefore, should be made carefully and university administrators should be sensitive about using each test score.