| A high-stakes test, the Korean Scholastic Abilities Test (KSAT) has major significance in Korean education, in part, because universities often work as a selection device for graduates' into professional careers. The English test, a major constituent of the KSAT, is believed to significantly impact on English classes in Korea. Hence, the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the KSAT English test and characteristics of 12 th grade English classroom teaching in Korea.;Given the purpose, this study aims to answer three major questions: (1) what are the characteristics of the KSAT English test, (2) what are the characteristics of English classes conducted prior to the KSAT English test, and (3) how do teachers and students perceive the test and the test preparation? In order to answer these questions, textual analysis, classroom observation, and interview methods were employed.;Overall, through triangulation of the three types of data, this study identifies aspects in which the KSAT English test has an impact on the English classes. Specifically, this study uncovered many discrepancies between test designers' intentions and what is actually measured on the test, in turn, suggesting that what influences English classes is not what test designers intend but what is actually measured by the test. In other words, regardless of what test designers claim to be measuring, teachers, based upon their own experience, teach what is actually measured on the test. In particular, the findings illustrate that the materials and activities that 12th grade teachers use are tailored to the test. Additionally, in discussing which skills are mainly taught and which language is used in the classroom, the study suggests that there may be a number of intervening variables other than the test itself, such as teachers' workload, teachers' English proficiency and attitudes, classroom settings, and contexts outside the classroom. Findings also show that the English test is perceived as moderately successful by the teachers but rated negatively by students. Both groups, however, perceive that the English test has a profound impact on English classes in Korea. |
