The Four-dimensional Analysis Of National Matriculation English Test (NMET)

National Matriculation English Test (NMET) is used to select suitable candidatesfor university which is of very high educational value. Thus, it is very important toestablish a suitable English Testing System of NMET with fair principles in selection,scientifically designed testing system, and valid and reliable test papers. The analysisand research of English examination paper can not only provide reliable testing itemsand helpful guide in the testing design to the testing designers and testing givers, butalso have significant practical significance in the principle of selection and reliabilityof the NMET. However, lots of previous studies centered on the contents structure ofNMET English examination paper and mono-dimensional assessment.This paper, based on empirical survey, however, makes creative use of validity,reliability, difficulty and differentiations in examining the three NMET Englishexamination papers in three different provinces (A, B and C). The paper, also based onthe new curriculum requirement and examination requirement, makes a through studyof the features in NMET English examination papers, analyzes the above mentionedNMET English examination papers in the four mentioned aspects which shows thedifferences between the three examination papers. The major findings are as follows:I. They have assumed normal distributions in the results of investigationsand tests of three NMET English examination papers. The design of degree ofdifficulty of A, B and C papers are in line with the general outline of the NMETEnglish examination. Meantime, there are some differences in the2011’ NMETEnglish examination papers of different provinces (A, B and C).II. The analysis of validity about the reading comprehension indicates that: thetotal length and degree of difficulty of reading materials meet the requirement of newcurriculum; Range of subjects and genres are various, and the contents cover educational, social, instructional and real aspects; Textual ability is well emphasized;test focuses on learners’ comprehensive ability and the use of the language.III． NMET aims for selecting talents. As a high-stakes test, the testing system ofthe NMET is improving day by day. By analyzing the2011’ NMET Englishexamination papers of different provinces (A, B and C) the four aspects, we can safelydraw the conclusion the validity, reliability, difficulty, and differentiation are wellcontrolled.