Table 1 Items, factor loadings, explained variance, and Cronbach’s α

1. How important is my GEPT score for applying to graduate schools.

.76

2. How important is my GEPT score for gaining professional certification.

.89

3. How important is my GEPT score for obtaining an academic award/scholarship.

.80

4. How important is my GEPT score for obtaining a job.

.83

5. How important is my GEPT score for studying/working abroad.

.74

1. I understand that my university encourages students to take the GEPT in order to enhance their English proficiency.

.62

2. I think it is reasonable to require college students to pass the GEPT High-Intermediate Level Test.

.72

3. I think the GEPT is fair and reliable.

.54

4. I agree that Taiwan should develop its own English proficiency tests, for instance the GEPT.

.54

5. I think my university should not require students to take the GEPT.

.56

1. I am under a lot of pressure to get good scores on this GEPT.

.82

2. The GEPT listening section makes me feel anxious.

.86

3. The GEPT reading section makes me feel anxious.

.78

I study English…

1. Because I enjoy reading English literature.

.73

2. For the satisfaction I gain from learning new things.

.65

3. Because I want to know more about English communities and their way of life.

.52

4. Because I like to understand difficult topics in English.

.84

5. For the satisfaction I feel when I am completing a difficult task in English.

.68

6. For the excitement I feel when hearing English.

.73

I study English…

1. Because I want to speak more than one language.

.70

2. Because I think it helps my personal development.

.90

3. Because I want to be able to speak English.

.86

4. Because I would like to perform better at school or at work.

.60

5. Because I want to get a better job.

.55

Explained variance

26.42

5.86

7.04

14.89

10.51

Cumulative explained variance

26.42

32.28

39.32

54.21

64.72

Cronbach’s α

.90

.73

.86

.89

.84