Testing A Nation: The Social And Educational Impact Of The College English Test In China (new Approaches To Applied Linguistics)
by Mark Garner /
2013 / English / PDF
7.4 MB Download
Many countries have national policies in relation to English
language teaching that are monitored through standardized tests,
and students’ performance in these tests may have a significant
impact on their career prospects. When such high stakes become
attached to a language test, it begins to play a far greater role
than originally intended.
Many countries have national policies in relation to English
language teaching that are monitored through standardized tests,
and students’ performance in these tests may have a significant
impact on their career prospects. When such high stakes become
attached to a language test, it begins to play a far greater role
than originally intended.
A preeminent example is the College English Test (CET), taken
biannually by upwards of ten million students in China, which makes
it the world’s largest national English test. Its impact is evident
in many areas of Chinese society. Specified grades on the CET are
requirements for graduation from universities, many job
applications and even some residence permits. Consolidated CET
results are widely used for rating teachers for promotion and for
competitively grading institutions, hence influencing strategic
planning by universities, government departments and companies,
particularly those engaged in publishing or bookselling. The CET
has, furthermore, given rise to a highly organized cheating
‘industry’, which is the subject of frequent governmental
disclaimers and warnings.
A preeminent example is the College English Test (CET), taken
biannually by upwards of ten million students in China, which makes
it the world’s largest national English test. Its impact is evident
in many areas of Chinese society. Specified grades on the CET are
requirements for graduation from universities, many job
applications and even some residence permits. Consolidated CET
results are widely used for rating teachers for promotion and for
competitively grading institutions, hence influencing strategic
planning by universities, government departments and companies,
particularly those engaged in publishing or bookselling. The CET
has, furthermore, given rise to a highly organized cheating
‘industry’, which is the subject of frequent governmental
disclaimers and warnings.
This book reports on an extensive study of the impact of the CET in
China, both on the lives of students and teachers and on
educational and governmental institutions. The authors also draw
theoretical and practical implications from their study for
educational planners in other countries.
This book reports on an extensive study of the impact of the CET in
China, both on the lives of students and teachers and on
educational and governmental institutions. The authors also draw
theoretical and practical implications from their study for
educational planners in other countries.