Washback of Second / Foreign Language Tests. An Appraisal

Research Paper from the year 2014 in the subject Speech Science / Linguistics, grade: A, Jahangirnagar University (Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh), language: English, abstract: An external test or public examination, particularly in a second/foreign language such as IELTS, TOEFL, HSC examination in English, etc might have considerable impact on the stakeholders including teachers, learners, parents, administrators, the institution, the educational system and society as a whole. The effect a test has on the different components of the educational process of a second/foreign language is termed 'washback, either beneficial or harmful at both the micro and macro level. The current paper, firstly, purports to be an appraisal of the concept of 'washback', secondly, examines its nature and functions as revealed by different proponents and researchers, and, finally, ascertains its role in second/foreign language education.