The Effects of Foreign Language Anxiety and Test Anxiety on Foreign Language Test Performance

Abstract

This study aimed at investigating the effects of foreign language anxiety and test anxiety on foreign language test performance. Another purpose of this study was to see whether there is any relationship between foreign language anxiety and test anxiety. Two hundred students of English as a foreign language at pre-intermediate (Pre 1) level participated in this study. In the present study, the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale and the Test Anxiety Scale were used to measure foreign language anxiety and test anxiety, respectively. The scores obtained in each questionnaire were correlated with the students’ final exam grades. Both foreign language anxiety and test anxiety had a statistically significant negative correlation with the exam grades, suggesting that both types of anxiety have debilitative effects on test performance. Correlation analyses indicated a strong positive relationship between foreign language anxiety and test anxiety. Therefore, English teachers are recommended to try to reduce both language anxiety and test anxiety by creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere in class, encouraging students’ involvement in class activities, and teaching some anxiety-reducing strategies to the students.