Naslov
Cohesive devices as indicators of test washback

Autori
Truck--Biljan, Ninočka

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), znanstveni

ISBN
978-3-63-78333-7

Skup
31st International Conference of the Croatian Applied Linguistics Society

Mjesto i datum
Rijeka, Hrvatska, 04.05.2017. - 06.05.2017

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
cohesive devices, writing, language testing, washback effect

Sažetak
This paper discusses the use of cohesive devices in texts written by foreign language learners. The aim of this study was to explore the quantitative and qualitative changes in the use of cohesive devices under the influence of newly introduced standardized language tests in Croatia. Differences in the number and type of cohesive devices were expected with regard to the foreign language and the generation of the examinees taking the language test at the higher A-level, which corresponds to the B2 level according to the CEFR. Quantitative and qualitative linguistic analyses were carried out on a corpus of 200 texts written by students from high schools in the region of Slavonia and Baranja. In addition to exam materials, the adapted classification of cohesive devices (according to e.g. Halliday and Hasan 1976) was used as an instrument of analysis. Changes were noted in the number and type of the cohesive devices, which indicated positive and negative washback effect. The paper contributes to the discussion on the importance of systematic teaching and practicing the correct use of appropriate cohesive devices. Furthermore, the paper highlights the need for assembling a corpus of texts written by students of foreign languages in order to investigate the washback effect of language testing, and to monitor the development of discourse competence.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Interdisciplinarne društvene znanosti

POVEZANOST RADA