An Evaluation of IELTS Speaking Test - Open Access Library Journal

OALibJ > Vol.6 No.12, December 2019

An Evaluation of IELTS Speaking Test ()

HTML XML

Download as PDF (Size: 3818KB) PP. 1-17

DOI: 10.4236/oalib.1105935 6,374 Downloads 29,483 Views Citations

Author(s)

Jingyi Li

Affiliation(s)

University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.

ABSTRACT

In this paper, an evaluation of IELTS Speaking Test was discussed in detail with the support of the brief introduction of purpose of a test, reliability and validity in a test and three eras of language testing. Focusing on examination contexts, both strength and weakness of IELTS Speaking test were discussed from perspectives of validity, reliability and practicality. To conclude, the IELTS speaking test is generally reliable and valid, although there are some controversial elements affecting the degree of reliability and validity, which would be further researched and discussed in this paper. Thereafter, possible suggestions were given following: 1) an intervention; and 2) video-conferencing delivery; and 3) double-marking method. IELTS Speaking Test is one particular module of the IELTS test, which is taken in different locations on the same or different day from listening, reading and writing test in the IELTS. By adopting face-to-face form, the candidate’s performance is scored by the examiner only once and the whole process is recorded as a backup. Several weeks later, assessment results will be sent to candidates both online and by mail. In the whole process of testing, subjective elements such as marker performance and candidates’ preferences will considerably influence assessment results.

KEYWORDS

Language Testing, Evaluation, IELTS, Face-to-Face Speaking Test, Video-Conferencing Delivery, Double-Marking Method

Share and Cite:

Li, J. (2019) An Evaluation of IELTS Speaking Test. Open Access Library Journal, 6, 1-17. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1105935.

Journals Menu