The Effect of Mock Tests on Iranian EFL learners’ Test Scores

Reza Zardkanloo,Hossein Khodabakhshzadeh

doi:10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.5n.3p.47

Abstract

The effect of using tests in test preparation courses has been subject to debate. While some scholars such as Yang and Badger (2015) believe it is a cause of positive washback effect, others argue that this issue is tentative and context-bound (Green, 2007). Therefore, this study investigated the effect of using Mock tests in International English Language Testing System (IELTS) preparation courses on students’ overall IELTS scores. Fifty one IELTS students were selected non-randomly through the quota sampling approach out of 76 students at Mahan Language Institute in Birjand, Iran. These participants were distributed into Group 1 (n=25) and Group 2 (n=26). A complete IELTS test was administered to ensure that the Groups were homogeneous and to serve as pretest. After 10 sessions of intervention, a different IELTS test was administered as posttest. The results of between subject analysis through independent samples t-test revealed that using Mock tests in the IELTS preparation courses can positively affect the participants scores on IELTS exam. Pedagogical implications are discussed.

Highlights

Regulations in many institutes of higher education in countries where English is the medium of instruction require students to sit for high-stakes language tests as an entry requirement
This study investigated the effect of using Mock tests in International English Language Testing System (IELTS) preparation courses on students’ overall IELTS scores
The results of between subject analysis through independent samples t-test revealed that using Mock tests in the IELTS preparation courses can positively affect the participants scores on IELTS exam

Summary

Introduction

Regulations in many institutes of higher education in countries where English is the medium of instruction require students to sit for high-stakes language tests as an entry requirement. In line with this universal trend, is how one can increase language learners’ (LLs) performance on high-stakes tests. This question motivated the researchers to conduct a study and investigate the effect of Mock tests on Iranian IELTS candidates’ overall performance on the IELTS exam

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion