An Investigation Into Rating Scales And Error Control Of The Oral Test Of China Public English Test System(PETS)

The present study attempts to investigate the validity and reliability of the oral component of the PETS, so as to find out the possible causes of variables that may affect the process of scoring. For these purposes, research questions were designed to explore four related aspects: rating scales, raters, rater training, and the unitary validity of the oral test. To enhance the validity of the study, a multi-method research approach has been adopted, using four different instruments, questionnaire, group interview, tape transcription, and verbal report. Data were collected and analyzed through both qualitative and quantitative methods. And the results obtained from all approaches were synthesized to provide responses to the research questions. The results show that more efforts are still needed in aspects of analytic rating scales of PETS oral test, rater training and also the materials used in the oral test. Finally, the study also made suggestions regarding the reform of the oral component of the PETS.