Operationalization of the Speaking Construct in the Internet-Based Test of English as a Foreign Language

Abstract

In recent years, tests of speaking are integral parts to standardized language assessments because test users expect candidates to be able to communicate effectively in a foreign language, for a variety of different purposes and in variety of different modes (Powers 2010:1). The Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language is designed so as to address a number of language purposes using all four language skills, independently or in integration. In this paper we use a modified version of Bachman and Palmer’s test task characteristic framework (1996) to analyze speaking tasks in the Speaking Section of TOEFL iBT, identifying speaking purposes the test addresses through the process of construct operationalization. The findings help us reflect on the authenticity of test tasks, as well as on the correspondence between test tasks and speaking tasks in target language use domains. In addition, task analysis reveals the test’s limitations concerning situational/interactional authenticity due to non-live mode of test delivery.