A Study Of The Context Validity Of CET-4 Writing Test (2011-2015)

According to some language testing experts, authentic context is essential to communicative language testing, and context validity functions as its important indicator. English writing is a kind of communicative act in essence; its task setting should be of rich context features to create the communicative atmosphere for task takers. However, researches on context validity of writing tests in China are seldom seen, which prompts the present study concerning CET-4 writing tests from 2011 to 2015, with the hope that it provides insights for both CET writers and users.This paper, based on the theory of communicative language testing, explores the context validity of CET-4 writing tests from 2011 to 2015, by means of text analysis and interview, attempting to figure out the following questions:(1) To what extent does the context validity of CET-4 writing tests from 2011 to 2015 meet the requirements of communicative language testing? (2) In what way does the changes of context validity in CET-4 writing tests from 2011 to 2015 exert backwash effect on the College English writing and teaching? Results show that the context validity of CET-4 writing tests from 2011 to 2015 meets the requirements of communicative language testing largely; and its changes have exerted much positive backwash on College English writing teaching but there still exist negative effect.This paper is composed of six chapters. Chapter One is the introduction part, which introduces the background of this study, the significance of this study and the structure of the thesis. Chapter Two is a literature review which concentrates on the context validity of English writing test, the theoretical foundation of context validity of English writing test, the relevant studies of context validity both at home and abroad, and the framework of the present study. Chapter Three discusses the thesis design of the present research that includes research subjects, instruments, questions and process. Chapter Four presents results and discussion of the text analysis and interview. Chapter Five focuses on the research findings and implications based on the study. Chapter Six indicates the limitations of the present research and gives same suggestions for the further study.