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ELT Journal Advance Access published online on July 21, 2009
ELT Journal, doi:10.1093/elt/ccp054
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press; all rights reserved.

International English language testing: a critical response1

Graham Hall

Graham Hall has taught English in Europe, the Middle East, and the UK and is now a Senior Lecturer in the Division of English and Creative Writing at Northumbria University where he coordinates and teaches on Northumbria's MA Applied Linguistics for TESOL programme. He also teaches English Language Studies to undergraduates

Email: g.hall{at}northumbria.ac.uk


  Abstract

Uysal's article provides a research agenda for IELTS and lists numerous issues concerning the test's reliability and validity. She asks useful questions, but her analysis ignores the uncertainties inherent in all language test development and the wider social and political context of international high-stakes language testing. In this response, I suggest there is ample evidence that, in the normal course of its test development and review processes, IELTS is aware of and addressing problematic issues in its testing as they arise. However, I also argue that to address some of the issues arising from Uysal's discussion, we need to take a broader perspective and examine the social, economic, and political dimensions of international high-stakes English language testing.

Final revised version received May 2009


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