Gatekeepers of Ambition: Test-Taker Preparation Practices on Two High-Stakes Language Proficiency Tests

Abstract

This mixed-methods study with an exploratory convergent design (Creswell, 2009) investigated the test preparation practices, reasons for test choice, perceived performance, and reported emotional experience of 33 participant test takers on two high-stakes language proficiency tests. The findings indicated a variety of practices employed in taking the tests (i.e. IELTS and TOEFL iBT), including, in order of prevalence: seeking information from former test takers, using test preparation books/practice tests, and using online resources. Perceived performance and emotional experience during reading sections were rated most negatively. The two main concerns the participant test takers had were the speeded nature of the reading and writing sections of the test, and test administration factors. These findings shed light on the mechanism of washback (i.e. the effect of high-stakes tests on teaching and learning). Both test preparation practices and test takers' opinions of tests have implications for the validity of inferences drawn from tests.