Korean Test Takers' TOEIC-Speaking and OPIc Test Preparation

Abstract

High stakes English speaking tests have been used for evaluating applicants’ language proficiency in academic contexts or in the work place. In these situations, most Korean college students prepare for tests such as TOEIC Speaking or OPIc test in order to get better jobs. Although high-stakes tests pressure students and teachers to raise scores, there is little research about how test takers prepare for English speaking tests in cram schools. One aim of this study was to examine and compare TOEIC Speaking and OPIc test preparation activities in a cram school. Also, I aimed to investigate why and how test takers choose test preparation, the characteristics of test preparation, and how they are influenced by test preparation from the test-takers’ perspectives. Various types of data were collected through observation, interview and documentation. The results indicated that activities in the cram school mode were not significantly influenced by test type. Thus, test takers’ activities may be influenced by teacher’s instruction. The study raises awareness of the importance of instruction by a teacher for appropriate test preparation, and its impact on a test taker in the field of language teaching and testing.