Measuring the Speaking Proficiency of Advanced EFL Learners in China: The CET-SET Solution

Abstract

The College English Test-Spoken English Test is a nationwide spoken English test designed to assess the oral communicative ability of Chinese university and college students who have undertaken compulsory English study at a Chinese university. This article describes the test and evaluates it in terms of reliability, validity, authenticity, interactiveness, fairness, impact, and washback. Although the test appears to be sound and has the potential for positive washback on teaching and learning, it is advocated that the publisher provide more explicit information on the theoretical underpinnings of the test construct, about the target language norms that underlie the rating scale, as well as r..