A survey of English language testing practice in China: the case of six examination boards

Abstract

English language testing has been developing with great momentum in China in the past two decades. However, little research is existent as to how these English tests are developed, administered, and used. This study reported a survey of English language testing practice in the Chinese context through empirically examining the testing practice of six English as a Foreign Language (EFL) examination boards operating at national, municipal, and university levels. The data in this study were collected through a structured questionnaire, developed on the basis of the framework of good testing practice in Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, and a follow-up semi-structured interview. Though informants’ responses indicated dominant uniformity at the general level, the survey identified much variation in the testing practice of the six examination boards at the more specific levels, in particular in the areas of pretesting, marking, test equating, test use, etc. Meanwhile, the survey also identified the problems besetting and challenges facing these examination boards in their testing operations. In conclusion, the survey reiterated the importance and urgency of developing a set of professional standards for EFL testing in China which should be targeted at both test developers and stakeholders.